Historical Background
Before 1905, foreign engineers managed China’s projects. Zhan Tien-You’s 1905 Jing-Zhang railroad marked the first Chinese-led project. The Chinese Institute of Engineers (CIE) was founded in 1917 to modernize China, significantly contributing to its industrialization. CIE continues promoting engineering collaboration between China and the U.S.
Prior to 1905, there were no Chinese engineers in China! All of the major projects were done by foreign engineers. The first engineering project designed and managed by Chinese engineers was in 1905, when American educated Zhan Tien-You 詹天佑 headed the building of Jing-Zhang railroad 京張鐵路 connecting Peking 北京 ( now Beijing ) and Chang-Jar-Ko 張家口 (now Zhang-Jia-Kou).
Recognizing the need for engineers to help modernize China, more students were send abroad to study science and engineering. In 1917, the Chinese Institute of Engineers ( CIE ) was founded in US by a group of able, dedicated and far-sighted Chinese engineers. These charter members were graduate students from American colleges and/or were receiving practical training in American railroads and industries. Early membership totaled about 80. When the majority of these members returned home to serve their country, the main organization moved to China with them, and their remaining counterparts in America became a chapter. This status remained through two world wars until 1949.
During 1917-1923, the CIE headquarters was located in Shanghai, while chapters in Beijing and Tienjin were established. The first convention was held in Shanghai on 1923. Membership by then grew to 350. Membership growth reached 1500 in 1930.
The Chinese Institute of Engineers merged with Chung-Hwa Engineers (founded in 1910) in August 1931, at a combined engineering convention held in Nanking. The headquarters was then relocated to Nanking 南京, the national capital. The post merger enrollment reached 2,169 members.
The organization remained active during the second world war in Chungking, re-established the convention in 1938, and formed chapters in Kuming, Chengdu, Kweiyang, Lanchou, Kweiling and Chungking. During the period of Japanese invasion of China, the engineers provided the needed technical services to the government to defend China.
The Taiwan CIE-ROC was re-established in March 1950. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary in 1960, (adopted the founding date of Jan 1910 of the Chung-Hwa Engineers ) membership count was more than 3000.
The CIE-NY was re-activated as an independent entity in July 1953 in New York City by a number of accomplished engineers in the U.S. Subsequently the institute was registered in the State of New York in 1963 as the Chinese Institute of Engineers, New York, Inc., a tax-exempt non-profit organization. The CIE-NY and CIE-ROC co-founded the Modern Engineering and Technology Seminar ( METS ) in 1966. The cooperation among the engineers in ROC and USA successfully helped the country in establishing the infrastructure for industrialization, promoting industrial research and development of advanced technologies. Over the years, the METS has introduced many advanced technologies to the ROC and set up the stage for the Taiwan microelectronics miracles.
The CIE/USA National Council, a federation organization of CIE/USA, was established in 1986 with the Greater New York and San Francisco Bay Area Chapters as its founding chapters. In the following years, the National Council was expanded to include Seattle Chapter, OCEESA Chapter, Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter and New Mexico Chapter.
One of CIE/USA’s most significant activities over the years has been the continuation of the Modern Engineering and Technology Seminar (METS), co-sponsoring the bi-annual events with CIE/ROC. In light of the success of the METS, in 1993 the CIE/USA established another bi-annual seminar series, SATEC (Sino-American Technology and Engineering Conference), with the People's Republic of China, with the same objectives as METS. The 1993, 1995 and 1997 SATEC conferences were successful and well received.
The SATEC is holding its fourth Conference in 1999, while the METS had held its 17th Seminar in 1998.
Objectives
The charter of the Chinese Institute of Engineers, a scientific and educational organization, is for the establishment and improvement of the Chinese engineering infrastructure and technical capability, subsequently improving the living standard of the Chinese people.
It was true then in 1917, and it is still valid today. An article of the constitution in the ROC Chapter ( circa.1970 ) best captures the objectives of the Institute.
“ The objectives of the Institute shall be the advancement of the science and profession of engineering, and the promotion of development of the engineering projects through the joint services of the members of the engineering professions.”
The 1990 constitution amendment of CIE-USA is less ambitious but more succinctly stated:
“ CIE is a scientific and educational organization. The objective of CIE is to promote communication among engineers and scientists who are interested in the well being of the Chinese engineering community in the U.S. and the industrialization of China.”
The 1970 CIE/ROC Handbook also listed eight guiding principles which have been observed by many great engineers and scientists before us. These principles, as translated in the following, together with the Institute objectives, very well reflects the CIE organization in the 20th Century.
中國工程師信條 The Guiding Principles
1. Follow the Chinese national policy in building up the economy, technology infrastructure and implement the industrialization of China as set forth by the founding father of the Chinese Republic, Dr. Sun Yat-Sin.
遵 從國家之國防經濟建設政策，實現 國父實嶪計劃。
2. Recognize that national gain is above all personal rewards, contributing selflessly to the improvement of the country and the engineering community in China.
認 識國家民族之利益高於一功，願犧牲自由貢獻能力‧
3. Help China to become an industrialized country, with self supporting capability to provide all major industrial resources.
促 進國家工業化，力謀主要物資之自給。
4. Develop standards for industrialization , supporting the needs of both civil and defense developments.
推 行工業標準化，配合國防民生之需求。
5. Maintain professional dignity and work ethics; work hard for a good course, not for personal recognition nor for financial gain.
不 慕虛名，不為物誘，維持職業專嚴，遵守服務道德。
6. Be practical, and creative; pursue excellence and appreciate accomplishments as a team.
實 事求是，精益求精‧努力獨立創造，注重集體成就。
7. Have courage in taking responsibilities, be loyal to your job, sincerely give full cooperation to your colleagues.
勇 於任事，忠於職守，更須有互切互磋親愛精誠之合作精神。
8. Be critical to oneself but forgiving to the other; try to live a simple, efficient, orderly and practical life style.
嚴 以律己，恕以待人並養成整齊樸素，迅速確實之生活習慣。