From Research To Reality: Building Infinite Possibilities

Hong Kong’s research institutions have yielded significant findings, especially in materials technology and smart construction design, offering strong potential for cross-sector collaboration and commercialisation. Stakeholders in the construction industry should proactively transform these laboratory research into on-site applications, not only to enhance construction efficiency and quality but also to unlock infinite possibilities for building a sustainable and liveable city.

Empowering Nanomaterials to Improve Public Housing Construction Productivity　

Ms. Winnie Ho, Secretary for Housing, attended the "See What I See" event in August, where she delivered a presentation titled "Innovation for Future[1] ".  She highlighted numerous achievements resulting from the integration of local scientific research and construction, as well as insights from overseas study trips focused on green building and social housing projects.

The Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI) have jointly developed "MiSmart Link[2] ", an innovative wall connection technology  designed to promote Modular Integrated Construction (MiC). This technology has been patented in both Mainland China and Hong Kong. The MiSmart Link connection method ensures the structural stability and durability of walls, reduces potential risks arising from installation errors, and enhances the long-term operational efficiency of buildings. Its modular and precise design enables construction personnel to complete wall connections quickly and safely, leading to significant improvements in efficiency, shorter construction periods, cost savings, and an increase in usable indoor space. It is set to be applied in the second generation of MiC public housing projects to further streamline on-site construction procedures and accelerate the local housing supply. This design is also suitable for private residential construction and is available for use through commercial licensing. A single innovative design can create a positive ripple effect, benefiting both public and private sector projects and driving the entire industry toward safer, greener, and more sustainable development.

NAMI has also developed High‑Strength Lightweight Concrete, noted for its low density and high strength. It reduces overall building weight and foundation size requirements, making it nearly 30% lighter than conventional concrete and cutting substantial transportation and foundation construction costs. With excellent thermal insulation, acoustic absorption, and fire‑resistant properties, it is well‑suited for MiC floor slabs and wall panels, effectively improving energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. The technology is now mature and ready for mass production.

Her speech also highlighted the Housing Bureau’s collaborations with the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, The University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Center for Construction Robotics (HKCRC). These initiatives were all eye‑opening and content‑rich, and attendees found the session highly rewarding.

Demonstration Zone for Smart Site Safety Systems at “Centre for Future Construction” Is Open for Visits

Secretary Ho also visited the “Centre for Future Construction” (the CFC) at the Hong Kong Institute of Construction’s Kowloon Bay Campus. The CFC features a Smart Site Safety System Hub (4S Hub) showcasing a central intelligent management platform, AI alert systems, and other 4S solutions, with wearable devices such as smart safety helmets and smartwatches available for hands‑on trials to give visitors a fully immersive experience.

With rapid advances in Smart Site Safety Systems, our CIC colleagues demonstrated various video monitoring systems and sensors on the day, including a video recording system enabled by edge computing that reduces latency and bandwidth consumption, as well as an imaging system with a face blurring function in real time for scenarios that are sensitive to privacy. The CFC also houses dedicated zones for artificial intelligence, immersive simulation, robotics, and digital twins. Industry practitioners are welcome to book guided visits, where CIC colleagues will be pleased to demonstrate the latest construction technologies.

”Construction Safety Week 2025“ - Smart and Care, Safety Beyond Compare

The Development Bureau and the CIC successfully concluded Construction Safety Week 2025 last week, bringing together representatives from government departments, employers, consultants, main contractors and subcontractors, safety officers, site supervisors, and worker rights organisations. The programme also featured a Smart Site Safety Systems (4S) showcase and site visits, enabling participants to experience, in real-life settings, the tangible safety improvements delivered by new technologies.

This year’s theme, "Smart and Care, Safety Beyond Compare", calls on us to advance the safety culture with both intelligence and compassion to ensure site safety. At the opening ceremony, Ms. Bernadette LINN, Secretary for Development, elaborated on the theme through the Confucian virtues of “Wisdom, Humanity, and Courage[1] ”. She said, “Courage is bravery — the fearless spirit with which we face challenges. It embodies the resolve to shoulder responsibility and the willingness to call out issues.” She stressed the need to cultivate a positive, robust, and accountable site safety culture and to prevent the mindset of taking risks and taking shortcuts.

At the seminar, I exchanged views with a diverse range of stakeholders and came away with many fresh perspectives on strengthening our safety culture. For instance, I was impressed by the insight from CLP's representative on how cross-enterprise collaboration can pool collective wisdom to reduce systemic risks. From the Hong Kong Housing Society's speaker, I learned about their practices in fostering a collaborative and caring culture across multiple sites to enhance workers' sense of belonging. The representative from the MTR Corporation also highlighted  the importance of motivating workers to genuinely want to comply with safety rules.

The Development Bureau and the CIC’s Smart Site Safety Systems (4S) Labelling Scheme has now certified over 600 works sites, with the number steadily rising. For organisations intending to apply, please note that applications submitted within this year are exempted from the application fee. Do apply and plan early so that our workers can go to work happily and return home safely.

Drainage Services Department’s Powerful Pumping Robots Rapidly Tackle Extreme Weather

Last month, successive Black Rainstorm Warnings brought severe flooding to parts of Hong Kong. News footage showed the Drainage Services Department (DSD) deploying multiple powerful pumping robots to relieve the situation, clearing standing water in as little as one hour. As a Hong Kong resident, I sincerely commend the DSD team and all involved personnel for their efforts.

The wireless“Mobile Powerful Pumping Robot”integrates a self-priming pump with a high flow rate and can climb stairs and slopes, making it suitable for complex terrain. It delivers a maximum pumping capacity of 800 cubic metres per hour (about a third of an Olympic-size swimming pool) and can operate continuously for up to eight hours.

While technology is critical to such quick wins, comprehensive planning and forethought are even more important. Public information shows that as early as April this year, DSD procured these powerful pumping robots from the Mainland and arranged operator training and drills. The Department has also established an activation mechanism to deploy robots once water levels reach specified thresholds. Ahead of heavy rain, emergency response teams are dispatched to inspect and clear drains, proactively managing high‑risk locations.

Climate change is unpredictable, but we are not powerless. This case offers useful lessons for our daily work: with thorough preparation and proper use, collaboration between humans and machines can help solve tough problems and safeguard lives and property.

The future is now. I urge industry leaders and managers to actively support on-site trials of new technologies, adopt the best solutions, and create new application scenarios and business models, while also building a worry-free, safe working environment for our site workers.