A Time to Celebrate and Reflect

In the blink of an eye, we are wrapping up 2024 soon. This is a joyous time to celebrate our achievements and also a time to reflect on the lessons we have learned. We applauded the contributions made by different generations of construction professionals to Hong Kong’s development over the past year, which some have earned international recognition through their determination and hard work. On the other hand, the industry has continued to face various challenges, including the need to strengthen safety culture on construction sites to prevent tragic fatal accidents from happening again. The outcome of 2025 will depend on the choices we make while striving forward.

Achievements of the New Generation Receives Recognition

Earlier this year, the CIC sponsored seven young contestants to compete in the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France. Two of them were awarded with the Medallions for Excellence – marking the best ever results by Hong Kong construction industry players. Last month, the delegation had the honour of meeting Mr. John Lee, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR. Mr. Lee praised their achievements and thanked them for bringing honour to Hong Kong on the international stage and promoted the positive image of Hong Kong.  He also quoted the saying "Every Trade Has its Masters", recognising their effort in excelling in their professions. I am extremely proud of our talented youth and their widely recognised efforts. I hope that our society will continue to support them as they pursue greater heights in the industry.

At the end of November, I attended the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) Graduation Ceremony, held at the CIC-Zero Carbon Park, where I had the opportunity to witness the emergence of the next generation of industry talents. The ceremony, presided over by Mr. David LAM, Under Secretary for Development, brought together dedicated instructors and myself to celebrate the graduates' significant milestone. We encourage our graduates to stay connected, returning as alumni to visit their teachers and peers. I also look forward to meeting you all at our industry events in the future. Once again, I wish you continued success in your future endeavours!

“Integrity Management Award” Introduced in the 2024 CIC Outstanding Contractor Award

The 2024 CIC Outstanding Contractor Award, often referred to as the "Oscar of the construction industry", was successfully concluded last month. The response from the industry was extremely positive and encouraging, with over 50 participating contractors, a 20% increase compared to the inaugural edition three years ago. This year, a new category for RMAA Contractors was introduced to reflect the significant increase in renovation, maintenance, and alteration projects in the industry, which now account for approximately 30% of all construction projects in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Integrity Management Award has been introduced to the Major Contractor category. This demonstrates the CIC's commitment to recognising the contributions and efforts of all industry professionals, and to fostering the highest ethical standards within the sector while maintaining work quality and professional level. This year, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), partnered with us to evaluate the applications and select the winner from the contractors listed under the Construction Industry Integrity Charter 2.0.

The Hong Kong construction industry is entering a our golden era with an expected annual construction volume of HK$300 billion. To ensure sustainable growth, it is essential for the industry to uphold the highest standards of integrity. At the ceremony, our guest of honour, Ms. Bernadette LINN, Secretary for Development commended the incorporation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into the evaluation process. She emphasised that robust ESG performance is a collective objective for all industry stakeholders, including government projects that prioritise sustainability, social benefits and social responsibility.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and commend all the participating contractors. Your dedication to enhancing industry standards is the primary catalyst for its growth.

Celebrating with Workers and Families at the Construction Workers Carnival

December is the holiday season for families to reunite and celebrate. The CIC's Construction Workers Carnival offers an ideal opportunity for workers and their families to connect and celebrate. The programme includes construction technology experiences, stage performances, gift distributions and other activities, giving families the opportunity to gain insight into the vital role played by our workers in building Hong Kong, while also to develop a deeper understanding of their daily work environment. This meaningful activity will foster pride in their loved ones' role in the industry. The Construction Workers Festival's online activities will include a forthcoming webinar on “Sharing Good Practices for Construction Site Facilities for Workers” on 6th of December. The webinar will offer practical tips to promote a safe work environment and to ensure that workers can return home safely after a day at work.

Reflection on Construction Site Safety

Several recent industrial incidents have tragically claimed lives of multiple workers, a distressing loss for the industry. My deepest sympathies are with the families affected. The CIC has been taking a proactive approach to promoting safety technologies, including the Smart Site Safety System, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC). These initiatives have already demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing the risk of high-risk operations. However, the recent fatal incidents is an alarming reminder that, in addition to the deployment of safety technology, there is a need to continue our work in cultivating a robust safety culture within the construction industry.

I urge all industry practitioners to familiarise themselves with the CIC's "Work-at-Height Safety Handbook", which provides essential safety measures to be followed when working at height. It is also the responsibility of site supervisors to remind workers of the importance of implementing proper safety measures, such as using work platforms and wearing full-body harnesses that are consistently attached to suitable and secured anchor points, or independent lifelines with fall arresting systems. The objective of "zero accidents" can only be achieved through the collective efforts of all parties at every level. I would like to reiterate the following: safety is a necessity instead of luxury!

Exploring the Future of Construction Industry with a Global Outlook

The CIC's delegation for the Smart and Sustainable Study Tour visited Finland and the Netherlands in November. The six-day itinerary, which was comprehensive in scope, included visits to a number of enterprises and research institutes, allowing for in-depth exploration of a diverse range of industry subjects. In the area of green building technologies, we discussed future construction, smart energy monitoring, digital innovation, and the use of 3D printing in construction. Furthermore, we explored macro policy-making and urban planning issues, including smart cities, the circular economy, sustainable development, recycling and upcycling initiatives, public transportation planning, and land reclamation. This is undoubtedly an invaluable learning experience, and we look forward to bringing these innovative ideas back to Hong Kong for implementation.

This year, the CIC launched the inaugural "Future Construction Excellence (FCE) Programme", which arranged participants to visit the UK and cities in the Greater Bay Area earlier. This month we will see the participants complete the final Hong Kong module and celebrate their achievements at the graduation ceremony. I am eagerly awaiting their sharing of learning outcomes, which will undoubtedly inspire further advancement in the construction industry.

Moving forward, the CIC will intensify its efforts to promote professional development across the industry, with 2025 being designated as the 'Year of Professionalism'. Through a variety of platforms and initiatives, we aim to accelerate the modernisation and sustainable growth of the industry, thereby enhancing its competitiveness. We would be grateful for your continued support as we embark on our next phase of development.

As the ancient Chinese classic reminds us, "Just as heaven moves forward with vigor, one should strive continuously for self-improvement". As we approach the end of 2024, I encourage everyone to set clear goals for the new year and to make a commitment to continuous growth through the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. With this mindset, we can be confident that 2025 will be a fulfilling year for all of us, regardless of changes of the external circumstances.