Mainland Digital Transformation Offers Mutual Benefits Achieved through Diverse Solutions

To keep up with the "New quality productive forces" in China, the digital transformation of the construction industry is indispensable. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has been organising different visits to Mainland to visit the leading companies in the sector to understand the solutions and services they have provided for digitisation in recent years. Companies like Beijing Glory PKPM Technology Co., Ltd. (PKPM) and 4DBIM Co., Ltd. have introduced a variety of Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms and technologies to the industry, while the discussions with the China Graphics Society (CGS) also offered insights into the qualification framework for training in China.

Chinese Enterprises Developing BIM To Provide Applications And Collaborations For The Construction Industry

PKPM has been involved in BIM development and application for many years in mainland construction industry. Starting from scratch. Mr. Xia Xuyong, General Manager of PKPM, mentioned that the Hong Kong construction industry is experienced in applying BIM.  He suggested that further collaborations with the Hong Kong industry will be beneficial to the exchange of technology, thus elevating the domestic BIM platforms and technologies to provide greater efficiency and options for the industry.

With extensive experience in research and application across the building lifecycle management, PKPM has developed the BIMBase platform, facilitating digital design, modelling, and collaboration for construction industry and engineering teams, enhancing efficiency in design and construction. Additionally, by offering BIM training and consulting services, they assist companies in enhancing their application of BIM, expanding the benefits for their projects. 

A delegation has also visited 4DBIM, which is founded by a group of scholars from the engineering department of the Tsinghua University. They have successfully transformed their research outcomes into a BIM platform, which is applicable across the building lifecycle of major infrastructure projects. Fruitful discussions were held on the platform development process and its application in various mainland infrastructure projects, and laid a solid foundation for future exchange and collaboration between the construction industry in Hong Kong and mainland counterparts. 

A Solid Training Framework Nurtures Future Talents

Besides technical support, systematic training of BIM and digital talents is crucial to the digital transformation. The CGS organising various BIM courses, competitions, and assessments with a well-established examination and assessment system. Comparing to Hong Kong, Mainland has a clear certification examination and grading system – Level 1 for basic BIM program operations, while Level 2 is divided into architecture, structure, and equipment specialties according to the design requirements, and Level 3 incorporates construction and cost management specialties for comprehensive BIM application. This clear qualification framework helps construction industry in talent recruitment and job allocation, as well as offers guidance in training in relevant talent areas. The CGS also holds BIM competitions to commend outstanding engineering projects domestically, showcasing the achievements of BIM applications in the construction industry. 

As BIM technology continues to advance, the design, construction, and management of construction projects will become more efficient and intelligent, enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the entire industry. These visits facilitate cross-border cooperation and technical exchange between construction industry in the mainland and in Hong Kong. Mutual learning can promote the digital development of the industry, assisting the industry in achieving higher levels of efficiency and quality.