We provide Construction Workers Registration service, and introduce Registered Specialist Trade Contractors Scheme as well as the Technically Competent Persons Registration Scheme to the construction industry.
We provide Construction Workers Registration service, and introduce Registered Specialist Trade Contractors Scheme as well as the Technically Competent Persons Registration Scheme to the construction industry.
Last month, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) hosted a series of significant events. From championing the spirit of craftsmanship and commending industry talents to spearheading community service and regional exchanges, each initiative underscored the industry's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship legacy, social responsibility, and talent development. Concurrently, the CIC continues to fortify site safety, embedding the "Safety First" principle into every operational procedure and striving to make safety an intrinsic habit for every practitioner.
Championing Craftsmanship: From Screen to Site
As our industry evolves, the "Spirit of Craftsmanship" has come to represent more than just technical mastery; it is a steadfast commitment to quality, safety, and professional ethics.
Last month, the CIC launched a brand-new season of the television programme "Craftsmanship in the New Era", guiding the public into the world of the construction industry to understand its significance today. The programme spotlights sectors such as Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) works, plumbing, Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital engineering supervision, and trade testing. It witnesses how the new generation of craftsmen synergises professional skills with innovative technologies to pass on the ethos of "Craftsmanship, Craftsman-soul, Craftsman-skills, and Craftsman-action." The show illustrates how modern craftsmen leverage innovation and technology to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and ensure construction safety and quality. Every project detail reflects the seamless integration of our predecessors' wisdom with modern technology, allowing audiences to witness the industry's transformation and breakthroughs in this new era, while disseminating the "spirit of craftsmanship" to every corner of society.
Beyond media promotion, the CIC actively drives the implementation of craftsmanship culture across various platforms. Last month, we hosted the "Chairman’s Lunch: Sharing Organisations Experience of the Four Dimensions of Craftsmanship". Industry leaders, representatives of signatory organisations, and frontline craftsmen were invited to share insights on translating the four dimensions— Craftsmanship, Craftsman-soul, Craftsman-skills, and Craftsman-action—into concrete practices. Through real-life case studies, it is evident that the "Spirit of Craftsmanship" is increasingly becoming the driving force behind corporate culture transformation and the elevation of project quality.
Honouring Legacy, Inspiring Futures
Preserving the 'Spirit of Craftsmanship' requires us to honour the wisdom of our predecessors while actively nurturing the next generation. Last month, the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) held the "2026 Construction Industry Employer Commendation and Guest Lecturer Appointment Ceremony cum 5th Outstanding Alumni Award Presentation Ceremony". I had the pleasure of attending the event alongside Mr. Michael FONG, Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Ir Albert CHENG, Executive Director of the CIC, and numerous industry partners to jointly commend the outstanding achievements and significant contributions of our construction talents.
During the panel discussion, four past outstanding alumni shared their professional journeys and industry insights, exploring topics ranging from the inheritance of craftsmanship and safety culture to artificial intelligence and giving back to the alma mater. This showcased the pivotal role of construction professionals in carrying forward past legacies, inspiring the future, and driving the sustainable development of the sector. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to every industry stakeholder for their dedication to building, nurturing, leading, and inspiring our industry!
Furthermore, the HKIC continues to offer heritage building conservation courses, with new cohorts commencing in the fourth quarter. These courses provide professional training for those aspiring to master and preserve historical building craftsmanship. From modern engineering to historical architecture, and from the wisdom of predecessors to the application of cutting-edge technologies, the spirit of craftsmanship is being passed down in diverse and dynamic ways.
Cultivating Character, Broadening Horizons
Over the past year, our peers in the construction sector have actively organised and participated in volunteer work, leading by example to give back to society. To commend their contributions, the CIC held the "Construction Industry Volunteer Awards Presentation Ceremony 2026" last month, recognising the selfless dedication of our volunteers and partner organisations.
I am delighted to report that this year's "Construction Industry Volunteer Award Scheme" saw the participation of 58 construction-related organisations—encompassing government departments, developers, contractors, subcontractors, labour unions, and industry practitioners—partnering with 20 social welfare organisations. The total number of participants approached 40,000, setting a record high, while total service hours exceeded 247,000, reaching another remarkable milestone. Behind these figures lies the industry's profound commitment and care for our community.
I also witness the "Spirit of Craftsmanship" in our volunteers—they uphold a meticulous, professional, and responsible attitude, translating their expertise into societal contributions. Whether undertaking home repairs, community visits, or large-scale community events, they remain true to their original aspirations, diving deep into the community to serve the underprivileged. Through these volunteering efforts, the public can see that the construction industry is not only building a city but also building a warmer, more compassionate society.
In addition to giving back to the community, the CIC places equal emphasis on cultivating a broader regional perspective among our next generation of leaders. For the fourth consecutive year, the Construction Industry Council Youth Affairs Committee organised the "2026 Construction Youth Exchange Programme in Greater Bay Area". This initiative enabled Form 4 to Form 6 students, tertiary students in construction-related disciplines, and working youths to visit industry organisations, educational institutions, and infrastructure projects across the Greater Bay Area. Aimed at fostering two-way exchange, the programme provides an invaluable platform for internships and observation, significantly broadening the participants' horizons. The event concluded successfully late last month, with participating youths expressing that they benefited immensely. I sincerely thank all the youth leaders for their involvement; by guiding the participants as fellow companions, they embodied the true essence of inheritance. I envision the new generation of the construction industry not only possessing exquisite technical skills but also demonstrating empathy, social responsibility, and a global vision, ultimately becoming the true leaders who will drive the industry's sustainable development.
Safety First: The Promise of Uncompromising Discipline
While technology can enhance safety, what truly safeguards the lives of our workers is the industry's unwavering persistence in safety discipline. Since the launch of the Smart Site Safety System Labelling Scheme (4SLS) in 2024, over 800 construction sites have been awarded the label, reflecting the industry's strong commitment to leveraging technology for safety enhancement.
To further fortify our safety defence lines, the CIC established a Special Inspection Team last month to conduct unannounced inspections across all labelled sites, particularly those involving high-risk procedures. The objective is to ensure that the systems are genuinely installed and functioning optimally. Should any site be found improperly applying the relevant systems, its label will be revoked immediately. In the event of a serious incident, the Special Inspection Team will follow up instantly to earnestly safeguard the lives and safety of every worker.
Construction safety is the bedrock of our industry's development. The CIC will continue to strictly monitor the 4SLS. I urge all industry peers to consistently uphold the spirit of "Construction Site Safety is Everyone's Responsibility," maintain high vigilance, and conduct dynamic risk assessments rigorously, ensuring that technology and discipline advance hand in hand.
The CIC firmly believes that a safe site must be built upon continuous training. The HKIC has launched the "Non-Public Works Safety Training Promotion Scheme," encompassing a variety of courses such as Silver Card courses, Safety Supervisor courses, and Site Management Personnel Safety Training courses. This initiative encourages employees to continuously bolster their safety awareness through professional training.
Meanwhile, the CIC has integrated the "CIC AI Assistant (Construction Safety)" function into the CIC App, enabling industry practitioners to access construction safety information anytime, anywhere. This includes legislation, codes of practice, and standards; obtaining site safety-related requirements and guidelines; supporting instant AI dialogue to help identify safety risks and provide reference suggestions; and supplying sources for relevant information to facilitate further verification. I strongly encourage the industry to make full use of this tool and prioritise safety at all times.
Last month, the CIC also held the "Life First, Walk the Talk" event under the theme "CEOs Collaborate to Enhance Construction Safety," bringing together nearly 100 industry leaders in person and more than 7,000 online participants to exchange insights on site safety, supervision systems, technology applications, and personnel training. Furthermore, in late July, the CIC called upon the industry to observe a "Stand Down Day," which received an overwhelming response from government departments and the sector. Notably, Mr. Rex WONG, Chairperson of the Committee on Construction Safety, led frontline participation to convey critical safety messages to workers, identifying high-risk procedures and relevant safe construction protocols. The activities were conducted across over 100 sites, where industry peers jointly reviewed serious accidents, observed a moment of silence, and executed drills on fall arrest systems for working at heights and lifting operations. This served as a stark reminder to the industry to stay alert at all times and integrate safety into every single procedure. Ir Ricky LAU, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) and I, along with nearly 20 industry leaders, met at the end of the month to comprehensively review and exchange on measures to elevate site safety and transform our safety culture.
From the inheritance of the spirit of craftsmanship to our steadfast persistence in site safety, I am constantly reminded that while technology can boost efficiency, what truly propels the industry forward is every practitioner's dedication to their craft, their commitment to safety, and their passion for nurturing the next generation. From training and technology to frontline execution, the CIC is progressively transforming safety from mere "knowledge" into an ingrained "habit." I earnestly hope the entire industry will unite as one, ensuring that every worker can return home safely every day. Let us continue to uphold our craftsmanship and steadfastly maintain safety, building a better and brighter future for Hong Kong.
