Construction Industry Council - Annual Report 2024

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 19 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Throughout 2024, in collaboration with DEVB, government departments and industry stakeholders, we achieved notable milestones, including the introduction of a time pledge system to expedite approvals, conducting joint workshops to improve project execution, as well as holding stakeholder and pre-inspection meetings to streamline procedures. I am pleased to share that in November 2024, self-certification measures were outlined in the Government Workplan on Streamlining Development Control 2025. The CIC will continue to support these measures and explore new opportunities to drive efficiency and professionalism across the sector. Advancing ESG Initiatives ESG practices are crucial for sustainable growth. Last year, we launched Smart Waste Management Tool and organised extensive webinars and engagement sessions. We also published “Decarbonisation Directions for Hong Kong Construction Industry” leaflet, offering insights into clean energy adoption, waste management, and high productivity construction. To ensure the well-being of frontline workers, we advocated for improved facilities, including access to clean toilets and adequate rest areas. Our ongoing commitment to community engagement was apparent through our Construction Industry Sports & Volunteering Programme (CISVP), achieving over 240,000 service hours and benefitting more than 60,000 persons in 2024, earning us the Outstanding Non-commercial Organisation Award from the Agency for Volunteer Service’s Hong Kong Volunteer Award. Internally, I am immensely proud that we received the Grand Prize for Excellence Award from Hong Kong Management Association in 2024, a reflection of our commitment to quality standards and governance. Year of Professionalism Looking ahead, we are designating 2025 as the “Year of Professionalism”. Our goals include elevating safety and quality standards. A key initiative will be the Frontline Personnel Safety Performance Record Scheme, aimed at improving site safety and reducing accidents. We will also support DEVB in implementing the “One Examination, Multiple Certification” arrangement, promoting high-quality industry development, strengthening cooperation and enhancing the training quality of the construction industry within the Greater Bay Area. In the Financial Secretary’s 2025-26 Budget, with the DEVB’s support, we will allocate approximately HK$250 million for talent development and the promotion of construction safety. This includes HK$174 million to train around 2,900 young talents, jointly allocated funding with DEVB totally about HK$95 million to continue the provision of the on-the-job training subsidies benefitting about additional 1,000 students in construction- related degree programmes, and HK$26 million for construction safety initiatives. 2025 also marks our 50th anniversary of construction training, coinciding with the opening of the Centre for Future Construction in Kowloon Bay. This centre will advocate digitalisation in the industry, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration. To improve the business environment, we will provide guidance on the Construction Industry Security of Payment Ordinance and promote the New Engineering Contract to foster stakeholder cooperation. The Registered Specialist Trade Contractors Scheme will enhance corporate visibility and expand business opportunities. 2025 will see a number of major events. The Construction Industry Outstanding Young Person Award will recognise and encourage young professionals. The Construction Innovation Expo will highlight groundbreaking technologies and industry practices, while the Construction Robot Competition and Exhibition will highlight latest advancements in construction robotics. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all council, board, committee and task force members for their valuable advice and contributions and the entire CIC team for their unwavering dedication and hard work, and to all stakeholders: clients, consulting firms, contractors, subcontractors, workers, and frontline personnel, who contribute to making our industry safer and more prosperous. I am confident that our collective effort in exemplifying professionalism will continue to transform our industry for the better. Ir CHENG Ting-ning, Albert Executive Director, Construction Industry Council June 2025