Hong Kong's construction industry took a significant stride towards digitalization at the CIC Global Construction Digitalisation Forum and Exhibition 2024 (GCDFE), held from October 29th to 30th at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event, co-organized by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Development Bureau (DEVB), attracted over 10,000 physical and online participants, showcasing the industry's commitment to embracing technological advancements. This push towards digitalization reflects a global trend in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector, driven by the need for increased efficiency, improved safety, and reduced costs (source: McKinsey).
The GCDFE brought together over 30 international industry experts who shared valuable insights during various forums. A key focus was the Forum on Future Construction, which explored the potential of technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and their practical applications. BIM, a collaborative way of working underpinned by digital technologies, is increasingly being adopted worldwide to improve project outcomes (source: National BIM Report). Ms. Winnie Ho, Secretary for Housing, emphasized the importance of technologies like Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP), BIM, and the digitalization of the entire construction lifecycle. She stressed the need to "build faster, better, and cheaper" while also prioritizing worker well-being.
The Forum on Smart Built Asset introduced the "CIC Construction Innovation Award 2025" and the "CIC Construction Innovation Expo 2025," further highlighting the focus on innovation and future trends. The "CIC Construction Digitalisation Award 2024" recognized outstanding local projects and organizations contributing to the adoption of digital tools and workflows. Ir Albert Cheng, Executive Director of the CIC, stressed the importance of knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the industry. This resonates with global efforts to promote best practices and foster collaboration in the AEC industry through platforms like buildingSMART International.
Ir Joseph Lo, Head of Project Strategy and Governance Office of the Development Bureau, emphasized the role of digital and AI technologies in driving industry transformation and increasing productivity. He encouraged industry-wide collaboration, recognizing that the journey towards construction digitalization requires a collective effort. This collaborative approach is crucial for successful digital transformation, as it requires buy-in and participation from all stakeholders (source: World Economic Forum).
The GCDFE also featured a themed exhibition with over 40 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions under themes like "Smart Site Safety System (4S)," "Digitalisation Platform," "Robotics," and "Research and Innovation." Technologies like Digital Twin and Layout Robot were on display, demonstrating the practical applications of digitalization in construction. The exhibition provided a platform for networking and exploring business opportunities, facilitating connections between technology providers and industry professionals.
The CIC reiterated its commitment to supporting the industry's digital transformation through various initiatives, including training courses, webinars, and workshops. This commitment to ongoing learning and development is crucial for equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a digitally driven environment (source: Construction Skills Network).
The GCDFE 2024 marked a significant milestone in Hong Kong's construction industry's journey towards digitalization, showcasing the potential of technology to transform the sector and create a more efficient, sustainable, and innovative future.
