Unite to Promote Digital Transformation in the Construction Industry

With the wider application of digitalisation in construction, various technological solutions have emerged, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), Common Data Environments (CDE), Digital Works Supervision System (DWSS) , smart site management, together with the use of artificial intelligence in project design and management. These technologies aim to address the challenges faced by the traditional construction industry, such as rising costs, increasing project complexity, and the urgent need for sustainable development. The digital era for the construction industry has arrived. Regardless of your profession within the construction industry, all should pay attention to relevant policies and technological developments to avoid missing out on the opportunities brought by digital transformation.

Global Experts Gathered at the CIC Global Construction Digitalisation Forum and Exhibition 2024

The CIC and the Development Bureau co-organised the CIC Global Construction Digitalisation Forum and Exhibition (GCDFE), which concluded successfully at the end of last month, marking another significant step forward in the digital transformation of Hong Kong's construction industry. The two-day forum brought together over 30 renowned speakers and more than 40 exhibitors from around the world. The event was graced by the presence of the Secretary for Development, Ms. Bernadette LINN, and the Secretary for Housing, Ms. Winnie HO, who both served as the officiating guests. The GCDFE explored opportunities and challenges from various aspects of digital transformation, including construction leadership, smart project delivery, future construction, and smart built assets. It was one of the most noteworthy events in the construction industry this year.

The Secretary for Development, Ms. Bernadette LINN, stated that digitalisation is a key solution to the productivity challenges faced by the construction industry. The government also set an example by promoting digital transformation and encouraging the industry to drive high-quality development in Hong Kong through innovative technologies. The Secretary for Housing, Ms. Winnie HO, pointed out that the new generation of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) could further enhance project efficiency, helping teams to build faster, better, and at a lower cost. Dr. John KEUNG, former CEO of the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, believed that Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), Integrated Digital Delivery, widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and robotics, and a digitally-enabled regulatory system are all crucial for advancing digitalisation and decarbonisation. Mr. Mark ENZER, former director of Digital Built Britain, reminded us of the importance of having a long-term vision, leveraging strategies effectively, and adopting a connected approach in shaping the construction environment to lead systematic progress.

The insightful exchanges of the distinguished guests certainly broadened our horizons while the on-site demonstrations of various smart solutions also opened up our minds. Several local construction technology startups have developed artificial intelligence application solutions based on construction site scenarios, allowing project teams to remotely monitor construction sites. AI models can be applied in various scenarios to enhance site safety, productivity, environmental protection, and inspection efficiency. Additionally, many robotic demonstrations were available at the exhibition showing the extensive capabilities of robotics in assisting frontline construction workers and improving efficiency and safety levels. The rapid progress in the world of technology is astounding. Digital transformation in the construction industry has gone from being a mere add-on a decade ago to an indispensable necessity today.

In the international race of construction digitalisation, the local industry cannot afford to be complacent. Hong Kong's digitalisation policies closely follow global trends, and the national economic development is also moving towards technology and innovation. A mid-term survey supported by the CIC this year shows that nearly half of the surveyed construction sites are actively using Smart Site Safety System (4S), which is an encouraging sign that the adoption of 4S in Hong Kong is gaining momentum.

Future Construction Excellence Programme (Greater Bay Area) Commenced

The CIC's inaugural "Future Construction Excellence Programme" kicked off in the UK in September. In October, the Programme was conducted in the Greater Bay Area to let participants learn how university research teams, leading construction companies, and emerging technology companies in the region utilise modern construction technologies to realise the country's smart construction development.

After warm-up in the UK, participants were even more proactive and engaged in the Greater Bay Area lectures and actively exchanging ideas with top tier experts from Mainland China, topics discussed including national macro strategies and the spirit of new quality productive forces in the construction industry. For instance, Dr. WANG Tie-hung, former President of the China Construction Industry Association and former Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, discussed how to develop new quality productive forces in the construction industry through full prefabrication, low-carbon transformation, and the use of AI. Other speakers provided pragmatic views on the trends of smart building development. Professor GU Ming, Director of the Digital Architecture R&D Center at Tsinghua University, talked about the application of Digital Twin technology in the development of a smart city; Professor ZHANG Yu-chen from the Tongji University explained why originality and innovation are crucial to the technological advancement of the nation. Dr. LIANG Hao-bo from the Hong Kong Centre for Construction Robotics shared his views on the opportunities and challenges that smart construction brings to the industry.

The Greater Bay Area programme provided participants opportunities to visit various smart construction sites where some of the most advanced building technologies are being deployed, and to gain first-hand insights into the actual operation and management of mega digitalised construction projects. It helps broaden their perspective on both macro landscape and technological innovation aspects. The final leg of the programme will take place in Hong Kong next month. I look forward to the continued in-depth exchanges between our participants and experts, and the new values and innovative thinking that will be generated for the high-quality development of the industry.

Promoting Digital Transformation Across Disciplines and Regions

I cannot stress enough the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in our digital journey, especially with industry experts who have both the innovation and the vision to make it happen. With this in mind, the CIC and Cyberport co-hosted the Construction Digitalisation Meet-Up last month, which I attended alongside Dr Rocky CHENG, CEO of Cyberport. This business matching event brought together 28 start-ups backed by the Cyberport and 27 CIC Construction Digitalisation Charter pledgees to explore how the solutions proposed by these innovative start-ups can improve safety, volume, efficiency, and quality in the construction industry. In addition to the technical exchange, the event also yielded substantial results, facilitating more than 50 successful business matches and paving the way for further collaboration to promote digitalisation in the construction industry.

After months of concerted efforts, the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Smart Construction Industry Development Alliance” was officially launched last month. The Alliance is led by the Education and Science Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, the Hong Kong Development Bureau, and the Department of Housing & Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province, it has already brought together 51 industry organisations, including higher education institutes, trade organisations, scientific research institutions and enterprises, to work together for a smart future for the industry. Serving as the vice chairman organisation of the Alliance, the CIC will work closely with industry stakeholders to develop a smart construction industry ecosystem that fosters deeper collaboration and exchange. Our goal is to position Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao as leaders in our nations’ smart construction, demonstrating how digital transformation can improve the industry's ESG, safety, productivity, quality and environmental performance.

CIC Outstanding Contractor Award 2024

The CIC has just announced the winners of the CIC Construction Digitalisation Award 2024, recognising the efforts of construction teams in promoting digitalisation. The construction industry comprises over a hundred interrelated trades, and their collaboration and support are pivotal in bringing changes and innovations to the traditional work practices. One of the key stakeholders in this process is the contractor, who is responsible for coordinating the various parties to ensure project quality. To acknowledge the achievements of the exceptional contractors and to cultivate a culture of excellence within the industry, CIC is hosting the triennial "CIC Outstanding Contractor Award 2024" this month. The awards, which have been praised as the "Oscars of the Construction Industry", will be presented to deserving individuals or organisations this month. The standard of entries is exceptionally high this year, and I am particularly interested in learning more about the winners of the Corporate Innovation Award and their approach to enhancing operational efficiency through corporate cultural reform and innovative technologies. This year, the Integrity Management Award was established to enhance integrity management in the construction industry and encourage the sector to undertake anti-corruption initiatives. Please pay close attention to the list of winners which will be announced on 6 November so that you can learn from them in the future.

Technological innovation and industry reform require the mastery of new technologies and new knowledge, as well as a good understanding of emerging trends. The Secretary for Development, Ms. Bernadette LINN, reminded us at the GCDFE that "promoting innovation in the construction industry is an endless pursuit."  The CIC is committed to facilitating the technological and professional advancement of the construction industry and the recruitment of young talent, and the promotion of various collaborations and training initiatives across disciplines and regions. Together, we can foster a forward-thinking, highly efficient and sustainable new culture. In doing so, we can boost the development of new quality productive forces in the industry and provide new impetus to accelerate local housing supply and the development of the Northern Metropolis.