A New Generation in Construction: Engineering a Better Tomorrow

Following the release of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) results last month, tens of thousands of young people are ready to embark on a new chapter in life. With its extensive and interconnected value chain, the construction industry offers a wealth of opportunities for talent to thrive, from project planning and design to construction and maintenance. Whether they are entering the workforce or pursuing further studies, young people will find that the local construction sector is ready to welcome them with open arms.

Infrastructure × Education: Inspiring Students to Shape Future Cities

Earlier this month, the Learning & Teaching Expo 2025, a flagship event for the education sector, was held and attracted over 20,000 visitors. One of the event's highlights was the "Infrastructure x Education" exhibition, which was jointly organised by the Development Bureau and the CIC with full support from the Education Bureau. I visited the "Construction Career Exploration Zone" which showcased different professional disciplines, working conditions, career pathways, and development prospects within the industry. This exhibition provided valuable guidance for students planning their future careers.

In collaboration with the Development Bureau, industry stakeholders, and the education sector, the CIC also launched the “STEAM UP” teaching kit. The response has been encouraging, with 25 primary and secondary schools currently piloting the materials. It is set to expand to approximately 1,000 schools across Hong Kong in the 2025/26 academic year.

In the era of artificial intelligence, education must evolve beyond merely transmitting knowledge. Learning should begin with inquiry, progress through exploration, and culminate in practical application. This teaching kit is designed to encourage students to conduct field research in their communities, identify real-world issues, develop thematic concepts and visionary blueprints, and create and implement their own solutions. The kit comprises nine modules that cover topics such as architecture, surveying, urban planning, landscape architecture, and engineering. It integrates the design concepts of local infrastructure and heritage buildings with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. The materials include hands-on games and experiments, storybooks, interactive activities, and an e-learning platform. The content is clearly presented and engagingly narrated, enabling students to learn through play and apply their knowledge through hands-on experiences. More content is now under development, and professionals such as engineers and architects will be invited into classrooms to share their expertise. I am deeply impressed by the teaching kit, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to educators and students across Hong Kong.

Enhancing Skills through Robotics

The CIC “Construction Robot Competition and Exhibition”, concluded in early July. The event drew 24 participating companies, each of which showcased robotic systems across six categories: Drilling Robots, Welding Robots, Material Transport Robots, Plastering Robots, Robotic Dogs, and Drones. Throughout the competition, the robots demonstrated exceptional performance in terms of efficiency, safety, adaptability, technological sophistication, and potential applications in critical construction processes. The exhibition, which opened yesterday at the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District, features over 15 cutting-edge construction robots. These robots have advanced systems for welding, drilling, floor levelling, and plastering. The exhibition offers industry professionals and the general public a valuable opportunity to experience the latest construction robotics developments up close. Take advantage of this opportunity and visit the exhibition today or tomorrow! The event also features a forum titled “Building Tomorrow: Robotics in Construction” where globally renowned robotics experts sharing their knowledge and experience, including Prof. Philip YUAN from the College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Tongji University who shared valuable insights on training robots, using robotics to overcome natural environmental challenges, and enhancing productivity through the match of robotics and digital twin technology. Prof. Thomas LINNER from the OTH Regensburg suggested that the industry should adopt robot-oriented design and gradually transforming construction sites into factories to boost productivity. Mr. ZHOU Wei, Level 1 Inspector, Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province, also expressed his hope that all parties in the industry, academia and research of the three places will strengthen their cooperation, break the geographical barriers and industry boundaries, and work closely together in technology research and development, standard setting and market development.

Another highlight of the event was the Pitching Competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from 14 schools. Students designed, programmed, and completed a series of construction site-related challenges using either provided or self-developed robotic solutions. The process was enjoyable and exhilarating. As I watched the younger generation operate these systems with such confidence and precision, I realised that we are gradually changing the public's perception of the construction industry and its stereotypes. These young, creative, and capable minds are a tremendous asset to the construction sector.

The Hong Kong Institute of Construction has introduced part-time certificate programs in robotic welding and painting applications to meet the evolving needs of the industry. These programs are designed for workers who have attained Intermediate Tradesman qualifications. Participants will acquire practical robotic operation and safety skills, enabling them to increase productivity and improve workmanship while minimising operational risks. Ultimately, these programs foster the development of versatile, multi-skilled professionals.

Raising the Bar for World-class Infrastructure

The young generation of construction professionals in Hong Kong is embracing technology to tackle complex engineering challenges. I recently had the privilege of witnessing a vibrant and highly skilled project team complete the superstructure of Slip Road ST01—an elevated viaduct in the Loop development  that connects Lok Ma Chau Road to Fanling Highway/San Tin Highway. The project adopted the “Full-span Bridge Deck Erection Method”, marking a significant milestone for Hong Kong’s construction sector in terms of innovation, site safety, and environmental sustainability.

Slip Road ST01 spans across 10 heavily trafficked lanes and traverses a site with intricate topographical conditions. The project was further constrained by limited overnight construction windows, making the task particularly challenging. Despite these challenges, the engineering team—comprising the West Development Office of the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), China Road and Bridge Corporation, and AECOM Asia Company Limited—delivered an exemplary performance through the strategic application of various advanced construction technologies in one project. The bridge deck was first transported to the site using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) which was then lifted into position with precision using a Strand-jack Lifting System, supported by a Telescopic Supporting Beam System to stabilise the precast prestressed concrete bridge decks. This innovative construction method proved to be a game-changer by successfully overcoming various challenges. Compared to the conventional balanced cantilever method, it reduced road closures by 90%, significantly minimising disruption to the public. Furthermore, it eliminated 80% of work-at-height activities, thereby enhancing site safety and reducing occupational risks. The project also achieved a 30% reduction in carbon emissions, thanks to the reduced need for temporary traffic arrangements and heavy machinery operations. In addition, the construction time for the bridge deck was shortened by approximately 25%, demonstrating the efficiency of this innovative approach. The project exemplified the effective integration of digital construction technologies, including Building Information Modelling, drone photogrammetry, 3D LiDAR scanning, and augmented reality, setting a new benchmark for smart construction practices in Hong Kong. What struck me most was the sense of pride radiating from the project team. Their confident smiles and evident satisfaction spoke volumes about their achievements.

Nurturing habits for “Design for Safety” through Reflection

In a recent media interview, a HKDSE top scorer shared his approach to learning: there are no shortcuts to success—only through diligent study, thoughtful reflection to avoid repeating mistakes, and asking questions when in doubt. This mindset closely mirrors the CIC’s safety-first philosophy: there are no shortcuts to safety. It requires comprehensive training, review of past incidents, and the implementation of preventive measures.

Last month, the CIC and the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions Occupational Safety and Health Association co-hosted the “Life First: Walk the Talk” webinar, which attracted over 3,800 participants from across the industry. The speakers emphasised the importance of design for safety by sharing practical examples and best practices that demonstrated how individual actions can make a meaningful difference and that cultivating safety habits is well within reach.

The construction industry is not what it used to be. Today, it is a sector deeply integrated with technological innovation and green expertise. As Hong Kong accelerates its transformation into a smart city and the infrastructure-led development gains momentum, the demand for skilled talent is greater than ever. Now is an ideal time to join the construction industry or pursue related academic programs. Parents can feel confident about the opportunities available to their children, especially when they choose programs that align with their interests and strengths. The construction industry is a professional field based on precision and accountability. It offers a wide range of roles, including designers, engineers, skilled tradesmen, and project managers. Hong Kong's vibrant development landscape provides the perfect platform for young talent to thrive and make their mark.