Intelligent Construction: A Promising Future

The rapid advancement of technology in recent years has brought about significant changes in various industries. From the emergence of advanced robotics to the recent popularity of ChatGPT, technology has opened up new possibilities for the future.

This technological revolution has also impacted the construction industry, leading to its development and innovation. Ir Albert CHENG, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), attended the 2023 China (Chongqing) International Intelligent Construction Industry Innovation Conference held in Chongqing, China. As a representative of the organising committee, he shared how the construction industry in Hong Kong is driving its development through innovation and technology.

The theme of this year's conference was "Technology Empowers Intelligent Manufacturing," aiming to promote the application and development of intelligent construction technology and accelerate the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry towards industrialisation, digitalisation, and sustainability development. The goal is to establish a fully integrated smart construction industry system and enhance the quality and efficiency of the construction industry. This vision aligns with the aspirations of the construction industry in Hong Kong.

Overcoming Industry Challenges through Technology

The primary benefit of technology application is to address current challenges. Ir Albert CHENG has identified several major pain points in the construction industry in Hong Kong, including the constant need to ensure project quality while controlling costs, the need streamlining administrative processes, concerns about labor shortages and an aging workforce, and a strong focus on occupational safety. "Even a single fatal accident is unacceptable," says Ir Albert CHENG. He believes that these industry pain points and challenges are not unique to Hong Kong but also prevalent in mainland China. He firmly believes that together, we can explore how to leverage technology to solve these problems: "I believe technology is the only way forward."

Government macro policies are essential in every new field. The Hong Kong SAR Government's "Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint" announced in 2017 proposes 76 measures under six categories: smart mobility, smart living, smart environment, smart people, smart government, and smart economy. He also mentioned the Chief Executive's core policy objectives of "acceleration, enhancement, quantity, and quality" in land and housing supply. These macro visions and industry goals drive the construction industry to take the lead in technological innovation and enablement.

New Construction Methods for Enhanced Efficiency

The "Mi Infinity" concept advocated by the CIC in recent years has expands the application scope of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), Modular Integrated Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MiMEP), and other assembly-based construction methods. These methods are now being utilized in various types of construction projects, such as residential buildings, hospitals, schools, etc. By introducing cutting-edge building technologies, the aim is to enhance building efficiency. Off-site prefabrication methods, with instant assembly, eliminate the need for on-site fabrication practices that were previously required.

Solving Multiple Industry Challenges through Comprehensive BIM Application

The application of artificial intelligence has gradually become commonplace in the local industry. Ir Albert CHENG also shared the widespread use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Hong Kong architectural design sector. With the extensive adoption of this technology in the local industry, precise calculations are now made in the virtual environment from the beginning of the architectural design process. This not only reduces the need for changes during construction but also enables more accurate cost estimation and minimizes risks during the construction period. For example, what used to take three weeks to complete in Hong Kong can now be shortened to three hours. It is evident that digital technology applications hold great potential.

Nurturing Talent for Continuous Industry Innovation

Talent is the foundation of the construction industry. Various funds and awards within the industry that promote technological applications and even innovation, aiming to cultivate young talents to contribute to the construction industry. This series of initiatives reflects the industry's determination for innovation, benefiting not only the industry itself but also the long-term development of society.

Ir Albert CHENG believes that with the combination of supportive policies and advanced technologies, the industry will continue to strive for improvement. By leveraging smart technologies, the industry aims to bring benefits to both the sector and society as a whole.