Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 01, 2025
Last Updated: April 01, 2025

Welcome to hkies.org.hk

Operated by The Hong Kong Institution of Engineering Surveyors. We are dedicated to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring responsible handling of your personal data. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or engage with our services. By accessing hkies.org.hk, you agree to the terms described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information Collection:

We may collect the following types of information:

1.1 Personal Data

• Contact Information: Your name, email address, phone number, or postal address, provided voluntarily (e.g., via forms, subscriptions, or inquiries).
• Account Information: Username, password, or other details if you register an account on our website.
• Communications: Details you share when contacting us, such as feedback, inquiries, or support requests.

1.2 Non-Personal Data

• Usage Data: Information about your interaction with the website, including your IP address, browser type, device details, pages visited, and time spent on the site.
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tools to improve your experience, analyze usage, and provide personalized content. See Section 5 for more details.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

• We may obtain information about you from third parties, such as social media platforms or partners, if you connect your accounts or interact with us through those services.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Provide, maintain, and enhance our website and services.
• Respond to your inquiries, requests, or feedback.
• Send newsletters, updates, or promotional materials (with your consent, where required).
• Analyze website usage to improve user experience.
• Meet legal obligations or protect our rights and interests.
• Prevent fraud, ensure security, and enforce our policies.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information in these situations:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors (e.g., hosting or analytics providers) who assist us in operating the website, bound by confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: When compelled by law, regulation, or legal processes (e.g., court orders or government requests).
• Business Transfers: During a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, where your data may be transferred to the new entity.
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share your information.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (Where Applicable)

Under relevant data protection laws, such as the Hong Kong Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, we process your personal data based on:

• Your consent (e.g., for marketing emails).
• The need to fulfill a contract or deliver requested services.
• Our legitimate interests (e.g., improving the website or ensuring security), provided these do not outweigh your rights.
• Compliance with legal obligations.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Retain your preferences and settings.
• Monitor website traffic and performance.
• Provide relevant content or advertisements.

You can adjust cookie preferences in your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may impact your website experience. For more information, refer to our Cookie Policy.

6. Data Security

We employ reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no online system is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

7. Your Rights

Depending on applicable laws, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Correction: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request the removal of your data, subject to legal exceptions.
• Objection: Oppose specific uses of your data (e.g., for marketing. ).
• Withdrawal of Consent: Revoke consent at any time, where processing relies on it.

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We may verify your identity before processing your request.

8. Data Retention

We keep your personal data only as long as needed to achieve the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal requirements, or resolve disputes. Once no longer required, we securely delete or anonymize it.

9. International Data Transfers

If you are outside Hong Kong, your data may be transferred to and processed in Hong Kong or other regions where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards comply with applicable laws to protect your data.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before sharing personal information.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not designed for individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we discover such data has been collected, we will take steps to delete it.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a new “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review it regularly.

For questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out to:

13. Contact Us

The Hong Kong Institution of Eng Surveyors
No. 79 Tsuen Wan Post Office, New Territories, Hong Kong
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +852 5625 2312

You may also submit inquiries through our Contact Form.

Disclaimer

The intention of this web site is to provide information to members of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineering Surveyors (the “Institution”) and the public, or to enable members of the Institution to provide information or to express their views for general purposes only. Under no circumstances that it purports to be comprehensive. The Institution does not warrant that all information or views or any part thereof provided or contained in this web site is accurate in all aspects. It cannot be treated as a substitute for professional advice on individual cases and you are encouraged to conduct your own enquiries to verify any particular information or views provided or contained herein. The Institution shall not be held liable for any loss or damages suffered as a result of any use or reliance on any of the information or views provided or contained in this web site.
Links to certain external web sites are provided through this web site. Provision of such links does not in any circumstances imply that the Institution endorses the content of any such external sites, nor does the Institution have any responsibilities for that content.

Note: This Privacy Policy is for informational purposes and should be customized to meet the specific needs and legal requirements of hkies.org.hk. For compliance with the Hong Kong Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance or other regulations, consult a qualified legal professional.