Embracing Our Homeland and Developing a Global Perspective, Realising Our Potential for a Better Tomorrow

On National Day this year, I was joined by members of the CIC, members of the Zero Carbon Building Management Board, and CIC colleagues at the flag-raising ceremony held in the Eco-plaza of the CIC-Zero Carbon Park. The occasion was graced by Mr. Victor TAI, Under Secretary for Housing, Miss. Pamela LAM, Deputy Secretary (Works) of the Development Bureau, representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, as well as over a hundred guests from the construction industry, who enhanced the ceremonial splendour. The flag-raising team, comprising students from the Hong Kong Institute of Construction, marched in with energetic Chinese-style drills. They looked energetic and gallant. The Chinese drum team from the Hong Kong Chinese Women's Club Hioe Tjo Yoeng School gave a live drum performance, creating a fervent atmosphere. It was deeply gratifying to see young people from Hong Kong proudly expressing their profound affection for their home and country.

Full Support to Infrastructure Development and Technological Innovation

The latest Policy Address sets out a clear development blueprint for the future of Hong Kong. Its measures to accelerate infrastructure development, promote industrial growth , and consolidate Hong Kong's competitiveness are welcomed by the construction industry. In addition to the original estimate for the average annual capital works expenditure in the coming five years with HK$120 billion, the Government will earmark an additional HK$30 billion in the next two to three years to increase expenditure on works projects. This will undoubtedly boost the local construction industry and propel Hong Kong's overall economy to a new level.

The CIC will fully support and align with the government's policy direction, especially in promoting the application of innovation and technology. We will continue to promote cutting-edge construction methods, materials, and equipment to the industry and explore innovative solutions to optimise construction cost structures. We are also pleased to see the government's innovative measures, including streamlining statutory procedures and administrative workflows, the Housing Bureau's piloting of batch procurement for MiC components, and the adoption of the self-developed "Building Information Modelling (BIM)-enabled Systematic Approach to Foundation Design". These initiatives will help the construction industry accelerate production, improve efficiency and reduce costs, while also injecting new impetus into Hong Kong's long-term development. The CIC will spare no effort in helping the industry to apply cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and construction robotics, in order to drive its modernisation and transformation.

The Policy Address also touches upon construction safety, including plans to amend the Buildings Ordinance next year and strengthen safety training. The CIC's newly established 'Centre for Future Construction' has curated several exhibitions showcasing systems and equipment designed to protect workers, which industry practitioners can visit. The CIC is currently developing a Large Language Model (LLM) to enhance construction safety, which will be made available to the industry at a later date. I firmly believe that this forward-looking project will comprehensively enhance the effectiveness of safety training. Please pay attention to the CIC's announcements for details.

Future Construction Excellence Programme Broadens Global Perspectives

Now in its second year, the "Future Construction Excellence (FCE) Programme" is designed for senior managers, directors, management committee members, and other pivotal decision-makers and leaders driving technological innovation in the industry. The programme consists of three core modules, which participants complete at leading institutions in China and abroad to broaden their global perspective. The first module, the "Global Insights Module," took place at Imperial College London in September. This will be followed by the "Regional Know-how Module" at Tsinghua University in Beijing in October, and it will conclude with the "Local Expertise Module" at the Hong Kong Institute of Construction in December. Taught by over 50 top-tier experts, the programme offers a unique and invaluable learning experience.

Once again, I led the delegation to the UK this year to learn from these experts alongside the participants. Ms Fiona CHAU, Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, also attended the welcome dinner to encourage the participants. The curriculum covered topics such as construction technology, data infrastructure, sustainability, supply chain stability, systems thinking, and high-quality decision-making. It is designed to help participants broaden their global horizons, derive insights from daily business data, leverage artificial intelligence to aid decision-making, properly plan budgets, and consistently execute strategies to improve operational efficiency and enhance standards.

Promoting cross-regional cooperation was another key objective of this trip. Through interactions with lecturers and representatives from the visited companies, the delegates were able to establish cross-cultural networks and professional connections. The journey deepened participants' understanding of global industry trends and enabled them to leverage Hong Kong's advantage in connecting with mainland China and the rest of the world. This trip strengthened international cooperation and laid the foundation for future collaborations.

Integrating Vocational Education and Technology:　Hong Kong Institute of Construction's Study Tour to Germany

In order to raise the standards of the local construction industry and nurture the talent required for Hong Kong's future, it is crucial to actively promote vocational and professional education, as well as to implement industry-academia integration. To coincide with the 50th anniversary of construction training in Hong Kong, a delegation from the Hong Kong Institute of Construction travelled to Germany to undertake an in-depth study of the local vocational education system and its renowned 'dual-track vocational education' model.

The delegation visited the Frankfurt am Main Chamber of Commerce and Industry to learn about the benefits of tripartite cooperation among enterprises, schools, and the government. Then, they went to the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), where they explored the flexible transition mechanism between academic and vocational education pathways, as well as the principles of integrating artificial intelligence into STEAM education.

This trip also gave the delegates a deeper appreciation of the 'craftsmanship spirit'. At Liebherr, a world-leading manufacturer of construction equipment, the trainees were enthusiastic learners who had received excellent regular training. They had won a gold medal in the welding category at the WorldSkills Competition.  Their orderly and meticulous approach to work demonstrated the spirit of craftsmanship passed down through years of German vocational education. At PERI's headquarters, a supplier of formwork and scaffolding systems, the delegates discussed the company's user-centric product design philosophy with staff members. The philosophy involves meticulously crafting and continuously refining every detail to achieve excellence. Furthermore, the delegates were deeply impressed by the flawless precision of a timber structure installation robot developed by the University of Stuttgart, which is a prime example of successful research conversion into industrial applications.

This trip to Germany has provided valuable first-hand insights into optimising local training and promoting innovation. I am looking forward to hearing the delegates share their experiences and insights with local enterprises, and to helping our industry peers understand the advantages of getting a head start in recruitment by participating in vocational and professional education.

“2025 Construction Youth Exchange Programme in Greater Bay Area” Successfully Conducted in Hong Kong and Guangzhou

Organised by the CIC Youth Affairs Committee (CICYAC), the ten-day "2025 Construction Youth Exchange Programme in Greater Bay Area" designed for full-time Form 3 to Form 6 students in Hong Kong, was successfully held in Hong Kong and Guangzhou during the summer holiday. This journey allowed students to experience the vibrant pulse of Guangdong and Hong Kong. The itinerary was fulfilling. The students visited technology enterprises developing innovations such as drones and hydrogen energy, toured national key construction projects and infrastructure, and explored elegant historical buildings.

During the workshops, industry leaders guided the students through the principles of engineering mechanics. The students formed teams and built models to compete against each other. They were not only inspired by construction and engineering experts but also made like-minded friends in this unforgettable summer. “Knowing it is not as good as loving it; loving it is not as good as delighting in it”. The participants smiled throughout the journey and clearly enjoyed themselves, which reassures me that the programme was successful.

The programme's slogan, "Join the Construction Industry, Build the Northern Metropolis", reminds young people of the abundant opportunities in the Northern Metropolis and the construction industry. These young people are the stakeholders, builders and masters of a liveable, business-friendly, tourist-friendly and sustainable Northern Metropolis. The programme's success relied on the collaborative efforts of CICYAC and nearly 30 supporting organisations, including various HKSAR Government departments, leading construction and engineering enterprises in the Greater Bay Area, industry organisations, technology and innovation companies, higher education institutions, and offices of Legislative Council members and District Council members. They came together with a shared vision to provide young people with the best possible learning experience.

We also recently selected several "Construction Industry Outstanding Young Persons" from among the many young talents in the construction industry. The list of awardees will be announced at the "2025 Construction Industry Outstanding Young Persons Award Ceremony and Hong Kong Construction Youth Forum" on 2 November. All are welcome to join and witness the occasion. The forum will also feature distinguished guests, including the Secretary for Development and the Commissioner for Belt and Road. They will share insights on opportunities in the construction industry and build Hong Kong's future with our youth — don't miss out on this event! The CIC is fully committed to equipping Hong Kong's young construction professionals with a strong sense of national identity and an international perspective. We will support them in their learning and personal development within a cross-cultural environment, broadening their strategic and global outlook and enhancing their professional competitiveness so that they can become a key driving force for Hong ong's development.