The CIC pledges to promote the adoption of innovative technologies within the industry and strengthen local workforce training to address the challenges of labour shortage. Recently, the CIC has organised several large-scale events to facilitate research and application of construction technology, fostering closer collaboration between industry stakeholders, research institutions and start-ups. These efforts aim at cultivating a construction technology ecosystem in Hong Kong, promoting an entrepreneurial spirit and creating new positions and new types of jobs.
Labour Importation Scheme for Construction Sector Starts Accepting Applications
The Labour Importation Scheme for Construction Sector (“the Scheme”) started accepting applications in the middle of last month, with a quota limit of 12,000 positions. The Scheme has identified 29 trades of skilled workers and 18 positions of technicians and site supervisory personnel as eligible for application under the Scheme. The respective employment terms and prevailing median wages of the positions are also specified.
Allow me to reiterate that the Scheme is a complementary measure to alleviate manpower shortage. The CIC will continue to take multiple approaches to groom local talents to meet industry demands and promote the adoption of innovative technologies for better productivity. In addition, the CIC will closely monitor the implementation of the Scheme and act as a bridge between the government and the industry to ensure smooth execution of the Scheme for the benefit of the construction sector.
"The Construction Industry Youth Greater Bay Area Exchange Program" Visited Multiple Cities in the Mainland
“The Construction Industry Youth Greater Bay Area Exchange Program" organised by the CIC Youth Affairs Committee was held successfully last month. Approximately 60 students from different schools formed the delegation. Led by youth leaders, they visited companies in the construction industry and technology industry as well as cultural and educational institutions in the Greater Bay Area. The meticulously planned itinerary provided the participants profound insights and in-depth knowledge about the construction industry and the local culture of the Greater Bay Area, making their experience rewarding and fulfilling.
Before their departure, the delegation visited the Hong Kong Institute of Construction's Safety Experience Training Centre, the CIC–Zero Carbon Park, the CIC BIM Space, the Kai Tak Sports Park Experience Centre and the InnoCell at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, to gain an understanding of the latest status and vision of the industry in Hong Kong. During their intensive eight-day Greater Bay Area City Tour, the delegation visited Zhuhai, Huizhou, Jiangmen, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhaoqing and Guangzhou Nansha to learn more about the cities’ planning and to exchange views with arts and cultural organisations. The delegation not only learnt about Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), construction robotics, urban planning, information technology, traditional arts and culture, art tech, but also exchanged ideas and built up friendships with Mainland students.
At the Graduation Ceremony, the delegation members said that the trip had enriched their understanding of Mainland and strengthened their confidence to join the construction industry. Ms Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Development encouraged students to grasp this opportunity to learn about construction technology and be prepared for the golden development period of Hong Kong. The CIC will organise sharing sessions for the “Greater Bay Area Youth Exchange Program” to give Hong Kong young people more opportunities to experience life in the Mainland, broaden their horizons and increase their desire to join the industry.
The CIC Digital Twin Hub is Now Open
To speed up digitisation and promote the application of digital twin technologies in the construction industry, the CIC has transformed its BIM Space in Kowloon Bay into the CIC Digital Twin Hub. The opening ceremony was held on 26 July. The Hub showcases a wide range of related technologies, with exhibitions on Smart Site Construction Management Corner and Smart Site Safety System. Advisory services will be provided to promote knowledge exchange, talent development and innovation in the field of digital twin and construction technology, creating a brand new platform for collaboration.
The "ConTech Accelerator" Demo Day Showcased the Potential of Construction Technology Start-ups
In July of last year, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (“HKSTP”) joined hands with the CIC to launch the "ConTech Accelerator." It marked the first-ever construction technology innovation accelerator program in Hong Kong. The initiative aims to facilitate collaboration between construction industry companies, technology startups, and enterprises, fostering the development of best practices within the industry. This is achieved through on-site testing and application of innovative solutions in construction sites and properties. The "ConTech Accelerator" facilitates co-creation, solution testing, and business matching to drive the commercialization and scalable implementation of technological advancements in the construction sector.
On 1st August, the "ConTech Accelerator" Demo Day was held at the HKSTP. A number of construction companies and technology startups jointly showcased their technological solutions pinpointed to key challenges. The Demo Day allowed visitors to experience their products and discuss with the teams face-to-face. Visitors witnessed the power of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G networks, Internet of Things (IoT), and edge computing, when they are integrated with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the Common Data Environment (CDE).
The "ConTech Accelerator" has achieved remarkable success in just a year. A total of 210 proposals were received and 116 proposals were accepted. Ten projects have already been implemented and put into trial. The Accelerator’s potential for innovation is boundless. The maturity and widespread adoption of pioneering technologies are poised to help the construction industry for enhancement of productivity, speed, efficiency, quality, sustainability, and safety. Moreover, these advancements may create new opportunities in Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem.
“China ConTech Development and The Future of Hong Kong Construction Industry” is about to Convene
As regional integration is the key to Hong Kong’s future development, the Representative Office of CIC (HK) in Guangdong has opened in July assist the Hong Kong construction industry to establish business connections, explore business opportunities and hence build a comprehensive construction supply chain in the Greater Bay Area in the future.
Furthermore, the CIC will organise the "China ConTech Development and The Future of Hong Kong Construction Industry" forum at the HKCEC on 9 August. The forum will enable the industry to learn more about China's frontier construction technologies and explore the future opportunities and challenges of Hong Kong's construction industry. Fellows from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Chinese Academy of Sciences will be invited to visit Hong Kong to present their research findings on smart construction, technology and project management of bridges and tunnels, underground construction and tunnelling engineering, structural engineering, civil engineering materials at the "Experts and Fellows Thematic Sessions”. Entrepreneurs from the leading Mainland construction companies will share their views on hot topics, such as the high quality development of the construction industry, the development and opportunities of generative artificial intelligence, and green and smart construction. Government officials and representatives from the National People's Congress will deliver speeches on relevant policies.
I am very pleased to see our young people making good use of their summer vacation to explore new horizons on the Mainland and to actively find their future career paths. Their willingness to step out of their comfort zone is commendable. The founders of the Contech start-ups are also admirable. They have built their companies from scratch and dedicated themselves to discovering new technologies. They are praiseworthy for their pioneering spirit and unwavering perseverance. When facing a new environment and new situation, they continue to polish their skills and uphold their beliefs. They boldly break new ground and embrace the future with confidence. I sincerely hope that everyone can draw inspiration from their experiences.
