Chairperson message

Dear Members, Friends, and Well-Wishers of SONEUK,

It is both an honour and a privilege to have been entrusted with the role of Chairperson of the 7th Executive Committee of the Society of Nepalese Engineers in the UK (SONEUK).

I sincerely thank all members for your confidence, trust, and support. While I feel the weight of the responsibilities that come with this role, I am confident that, with your support and active participation, we can work together effectively to further strengthen our organisation and deliver meaningful benefits to our members and their families.

At the outset of my tenure, I would like to pay my sincere tribute to our past Chairpersons, Executive Committees, and volunteers whose dedication and contributions have helped bring SONEUK to where it stands today.

My journey with SONEUK began in 2008, and over the years I have had the opportunity to serve our organisation in various capacities, including as an Executive Committee Member (2016-18) and General Secretary (2018-20). These experiences have strengthened my belief that SONEUK is much more than a professional association. It is a vibrant community that brings together engineers, technical professionals, academics, students, families, and friends who share a common passion for learning, collaboration, networking, and social engagement.

As we begin this new chapter, my vision is to further strengthen SONEUK as a dynamic, inclusive, and respected organisation within the Nepalese community and the wider engineering profession, both in the UK and internationally.

Our Key Priorities Strengthening Member Engagement

Our members are the foundation of SONEUK. We will work to increase participation and engagement by delivering activities and programmes that cater to members at every stage of their professional journey, from students and young professionals to experienced engineers and retirees. Our aim is to ensure that every member finds value and feels connected to the organisation.

Growing and Retaining Membership

We will actively encourage new members to join SONEUK while ensuring that existing members continue to see value in their membership through meaningful networking opportunities, professional development activities, and community engagement. Professional Development and Knowledge Sharing We will continue to organise high-quality technical workshops, seminars, conferences, industrial visits, and knowledge-sharing events, supported by the expertise and enthusiasm of our members. These activities will help members stay informed about emerging technologies, industry best practices, and engineering innovation while supporting their continuing professional development.

Building a Stronger Community

Alongside professional activities, we recognise the importance of social connections. Family-friendly gatherings, picnics, camping trips, and community events will help strengthen our bonds and foster a welcoming and supportive environment for all members. I am confident that, by working together, we can make these occasions both memorable and enjoyable.

Empowering Young Engineers and Developing Future Leaders

Developing the next generation of engineering leaders will be a key focus of our work. We will seek opportunities to support students and young professionals through mentoring, career guidance, CV writing workshops, presentation skills development, professional registration guidance (CEng, IEng, etc.), and apprenticeship opportunities. We will make best use of our online and digital platforms for delivering these opportunities.

Collaboration and Partnership

We will continue to strengthen our relationships with professional engineering institutions in the UK, including ICE, CIHT, IET, and CIWEM, as well as with engineering organisations in Nepal and around the world. We also look forward to working together with like-minded organisations to maximise opportunities for our members and the wider engineering community.

Supporting Nepal Through Engineering Expertise

Where opportunities arise, SONEUK will always be ready to act as a bridge between UK-based engineering experts, relevant organisations, and government bodies in Nepal. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional support, we can contribute positively to Nepal's infrastructure and engineering development.

Moving Forward Together

Little concern I have observed in recent days is the declining interest in the EC election process and Annual General Meeting (AGM). SONEUK as an incorporated charitable organisation run entirely through voluntary contributions and service from its members, thus active participation and contribution from every member is essential for our continued success and sustainability. We should remember that SONEUK belongs to all of us. Its success depends not only on the initiation from the Executive Committee and its sub-committees but also from the collective energy, ideas, support, active participation and commitment of its members. I encourage every member to get involved, share your ideas and experiences, volunteer your time, be proactive and contribute to the growth and future success of our organisation. Together, we can build a stronger SONEUK, develop future leaders, connect and inspire generations, and create lasting value for our members, our profession, and our communities. I look forward to working with all of you during this exciting journey and to building on SONEUK's proud legacy for the benefit of current and future generations. Thank you once again for your support and trust.

Warm regards,

Umesh Parajuli Chairperson 7th Executive Committee Society of Nepalese Engineers in the UK (SONEUK)