News

Prof Wei Pan, Director of the MiC Laboratory (MiCLab) , The University of Hong Kong, was invited to deliver a keynote speech entitled “Low-carbon Modular Integrated Construction” at the International Workshop at Curtin University on 28 April 2025. The Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) approach has been promoted globally with widely demonstrated benefits, including enhanced sustainability. During the keynote speech, Prof Pan introduced the systematic life cycle carbon modelling framework of high-rise MiC buildings, facing the challenges of climate change. Prof Pan further broadened the scope of the speech by drawing on the concept of total factor sustainability to promote the sustainable development of MiC projects.

On 10 May 2025, Prof Pan was invited to deliver a keynote speech entitled “Dialectical system theory for sustainable MiC and infrastructure” on the Nexus Forum 2025 held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In this keynote speech, Prof Pan explained the dialectical system theory and how it guides the research on sustainable MiC and infrastructure. Prof Pan also shared research on the Infrastructure Sustainability Assessment Tool (iSAT) and sustainability performance measurement of MiC building projects. The keynote speech presented sophisticated systems theories and approaches regarding the sustainable development of MiC and infrastructure.

The Chief Executive's Policy Unit of the HKSAR Government held the "Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) and Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (SPPRFS) Policy Research Seminar 2025" on April 1, 2025. The theme of this seminar was "Innovation Leading High-Quality Development and Deepening International Exchanges and Cooperation", with over 130 representatives from universities, think tanks, experts from various sectors, and Legislative Council members participating on-site and online.

The research project, entitled “Enhancing Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Supply Chain in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) for Hong Kong (HK) Development”, is funded by the SPPRFS and led by Professor Wei Pan, Head of Department of Civil Engineering, Director of MiCLab and Executive Director of CICID, HKU. As the Principal Investigator of the research project, Prof Pan was invited to share the research findings at the Seminar. He reviewed the MiC developments in Hong Kong, reported the major findings of the research project especially on the MiC supply and demand analysis and policy roadmap with an action plan, and outlined the recommendations.

About the SPPRFS

The SPPRFS is aimed at encouraging local think tank experts and scholars (including universities and civil society think tanks) to apply their expertise to conduct evidence-based research on key public policy issues, and to facilitate the knowledge transfer of research findings to policy considerations, serving as a channel for the Government to tap the public policy research expertise of society.

Full article (Chinese only):

https://www.cepu.gov.hk/sc/PUEG/expertGroup_events/20250401.html

The Development Bureau (DEVB) of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government hosted the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit on 15 November 2024, bringing together more than 500 major infrastructure project leaders and experts in infrastructure from over 20 countries and economies around the globe, including senior government officials from Mainland and overseas countries, and representatives of renowned international organisations such as the World Economic Forum and International Institute for Management Development, to delve into the strategies and policies of infrastructure delivery plans, and addressed the challenges and opportunities in implementing mega infrastructure projects under the theme of Strategic Leadership in Managing Complexity and Uncertainty in Infrastructure Delivery.

The event featured a series of keynote presentations and three plenary sessions, gathering prominent infrastructure leaders and experts from various sectors worldwide, including government, academia, construction and finance, to share the latest initiatives and challenges facing infrastructure development. The three plenary sessions included the themes entitled "The Next Growth Curve", "Powerful Partnerships", and "Building Tomorrow". Professor Pan Wei, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Executive Director of the Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID), and Director of the Modular Integrated Construction Laboratory (MiCLab), was invited as a panelist for the third plenary session. He shared HKU CICID's frontier research achievements in smart construction and sustainable infrastructure development, in particular, the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and Infrastructure Sustainability Assessment Tool (iSAT). Also, he highlighted: “Innovation and digital technologies are rapidly changing the infrastructure construction industry, it is critical to integrate multi-discipline and strengthen government-university-industry collaboration to harness innovation and digital technology to reshape infrastructure development, driving the industry to achieve greater efficiency and sustainability”.

To drive innovative applications in the construction industry, DEVB established the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) in August this year. At the summit, the BTRi signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research, the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, and three local universities, namely the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. These MoU would expand the collaboration network of the BTRi for the promotion of innovative applications in the construction industry. BTRi focuses on promoting applied research and development (R&D), reviewing and uplifting standards, as well as providing accreditation, certification and testing. It launched the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme on 15 November 2024 to promote the application and technology development of MiC in Hong Kong, which would consolidate Hong Kong's leading position in the international leadership of MiC technology. HKU will work closely with BTRi to promote the R&D and application of innovative construction technologies, together enhancing the industry productivity, cost-effectiveness and site safety performance and addressing the critical challenges of the Hong Kong infrastructure development and construction industry.

Original is available at：Development Bureau, HKSAR Government

https://www.devb.gov.hk/sc/sdev/press/index_id_13987.html

Funded by the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit under the Strategic Public Policy Research (SPPR) Funding Scheme, the Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID) and MiC Laboratory (MiCLab) of the Department of Civil Engineering of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) held a Strategic Public Policy Forum via a Webinar and launched the Booklet entitled "Modular Integrated Construction Supply Chain in the Greater Bay Area for Hong Kong Development: Supply-Demand Analysis and Policy Roadmap” on November 14, 2024. The event gathered distinguished speakers from government, industry and academia to discuss the latest advancements and insights in MiC supply chain policies and practices with an audience of over 280 stakeholders.

Professor SC WONG, BBS, JP, Acting Dean of Faculty of Engineering of HKU, delivered the Welcome Remarks. He acknowledged the promising achievement of MiC in Hong Kong since 2017, and commended on the insights and connections that the research and the Forum contribute to the advancement of not only the MiC supply chain but also the long-term development of Hong Kong and the whole GBA.

Ir Ricky LAU, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) of the Development Bureau of HKSAR Government, wrote the Foreword for the Booklet, in which he commented: “The Government has been leading by example and mandating the use of MiC in public works projects... The Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID)’s dedication to research and development, as well as its knowledge transfer efforts, have been instrumental in advancing MiC development in Hong Kong… I am confident that this research will strengthen the leadership and competitiveness of the Hong Kong construction industry in MiC and construction innovation”.

Professor Wei PAN, Head of Department of Civil Engineering of HKU, Executive Director of CICID and Director of MiCLab, presented the Booklet. He reviewed the MiC developments in Hong Kong, reported the major findings of the research project especially on the MiC supply and demand analysis and policy roadmap with an action plan, and outlined the recommendations.

The Forum also included two panel sessions on the future MiC development in the private and public sectors. The panel on the private sector, moderated by Dr Ken Zhang, Associate Director of CICID, included the speakers of Mr Derek WONG, Senior Project Manager of Chinachem, Mr Elden CHUNG, General Manager (Works & Contracts) of Urban Renewal Authority, Mr Terence WONG, Project Director of New World Development, and Mr Victor ZHU, General Manager of CIMC Modular Building Systems.

The panel on the public sector, moderated by Mrs Sylvia Lam, SBS, Former Director of the Architectural Services Department of HKSAR Government, included the speakers of Dr Sherman YIP, Assistant Director (Development & Procurement) of Housing Department, Mr Edward Wong, Project Director of Architectural Services Department, Mr Vincent WONG, Assistant Director (Project Management) of Hong Kong Housing Society, Dr Louis CHU, Associate Director of HKU Estates Office, and Mr Zongjun ZHANG, Chairman of China State Hailong.

Professor Mak Chai-kwong, GBS, JP, Vice Chairman of CICID, delivered the Closing Remarks of the Forum, thanked all speakers and participants, and called for closer collaboration between the industry and academic to further enhance the MiC supply chain.

About the Forum

This Forum is part of the research project funded by the Strategic Public Policy Research (SPPR) Funding Scheme (Project Number: S2019.A8.013) of the HKSAR Government, entitled “Enhancing Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Supply Chain in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) for Hong Kong (HK) Development”. The research project is led by Professor Wei PAN, Head of Department of Civil Engineering, Executive Director of CICID and Director of MiCLab of HKU.

About CICID

CICID of HKU was established in 2002, aiming to foster continuous improvements and excellence in the construction industry and infrastructure development in particular, through the development of innovative strategies and techniques. CICID targets to be a “Centre of Excellence” for research, discourse and dissemination of innovations in infrastructure, construction management and methodologies, and interdisciplinary research.

About MiCLab

MiCLab of HKU is a leading research laboratory to foster continuous improvements and target excellence in MiC. MiCLab was established in 2020 with diverse research expertise covering construction engineering and management, structural engineering and material science, computer and control science, and supply chain management. MiCLab has been conducting systematic research and development on MiC through close collaboration with government and industry.

For media enquiries, please contact Mr Ruby Kwok (Email: rubykwok@hku.hk/ Telephone: 3917 4986).

Original is available at： https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_27891.html

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Intelligent Construction Cooperation Development Conference and the Founding Conference for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Intelligent Construction Industry Development Alliance (ICIDA) were held on September 26, 2024, at the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research. Under the guidance of the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province, the Education and Technology Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and the Development Bureau of the HKSAR, the Conference was hosted by the ICIDA and undertaken by the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research Group Co., Ltd. and the Hong Kong Building Technology Research Institute. Professor Pan Wei, Director of the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Hong Kong, Executive Director of the Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID), and Director of the MiC Laboratory (MiCLab), was appointed as the Chief Consultant of the ICIDA for his leadership for and contribution to smart construction development. CICID was appointed as the Vice Chairman Unit of the ICIDA. Moreover, Prof. Pan delivered a keynote entitled "Smart Modular Integrated Construction (SMART MiC)" at the Conference.

ICIDA focuses on promoting the high-quality development of intelligent construction and new-type construction industrialization through "New quality productive forces", and adheres to intelligent, digital, and information as the engine to drive the deep transformation and comprehensive upgrade of the construction industry.

CICID is committed to promoting research, discourse and dissemination of innovations in infrastructure, construction management and methodologies. It focuses on various research areas, including low-carbon/zero-carbon buildings, construction informatics/intelligence, innovative project delivery, and building industrialisation/modularisation.

MiCLab is dedicated to leading the sustainable development of high-rise, high-density cities with continuous innovations in smart MiC through multidisciplinary integration and Government-Industry-University collaboration.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Centre of Science and Technology Industrial Development (CSTID) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Mainland and Hong Kong Construction Forum 2024 on March 26.

The MoU seeks to strengthen the Industry-University collaboration on exploring opportunities to promote the effective use of modular integrated construction (MiC) for quality housing and to support the research and development of MiC in Hong Kong and the Mainland.

Professor PAN Wei, Head of Department of Civil Engineering and Director of MiCLab, HKU and Mr ZHANG Feng, Chief Engineer of CSTID represented the two parties in the signing. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr ZENG Xianxin, Director-General, Department of Construction Market Supervision of MOHURD, Ms Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government, Mr ZHANG Yong, Director-General, Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province, and Mr. YE Shuiqiu, Deputy Director-General, Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR.

The collaborative efforts between the parties encompass the development of technical guidance and standards for MiC buildings, secure research funding, conduct collaborative research and consultation, explore state-of-the-art research and development opportunities and apply for recognition as a national or provincial lab or centre for innovations.

Original press link: https://hku.hk/press/news_detail_27185.html

Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) is an innovative approach to construction with widely demonstrated benefits including enhanced productivity, quality, cost-effectiveness and sustainability, and reduced safety hazards, waste and reliance on-site labour. The Policy Address of the Chief Executive of the HKSAR states that the Government will adopt the MiC approach to build light public housing (LPH) units expeditiously, and about 30,000 LPH units will be completed in five years. The Government also suggests that the Housing Authority require all public housing projects scheduled for completion in the first five-year period (2023-24 to 2027-28) to adopt the MiC approach in suitable projects and in the second five-year period (2028-29 to 2032-33), no less than 50% of the projects will adopt the MiC approach and that Housing Society will also adopt the MiC approach in more public housing projects. Consequently, hundreds of thousands or even millions of bulky volumetric modules, prefabricated in factories located mainly in the Greater Bay Area, will be transported to the construction sites in Hong Kong for assembly. This inevitably poses a challenge to Hong Kong's transportation system. How to ensure transportation safety and efficiency through technology and innovation becomes crucial.

A multidisciplinary research team led by Professor Wei Pan, Head of Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Hong Kong disrupts MiC module transport by developing a smart planning platform for safe and efficient MiC module transport. This project has secured a funding support of HK$19,326,900 from the Smart Traffic Fund (Project Reference: PSRI/69/2306/RA). With additional matching funds from the university and industry, the total project budget amounts to HK$21,475,900.

The innovative smart planning platform will offer three core technologies that promise to revolutionise MiC module transport in Hong Kong, including 3D Swept Path Analysis (SPA), Swept Path-Aware Routing (SPR), and Traffic Impact Review (TIR). These cutting-edge technologies will help reduce module transport safety risks by at least 40% compared to daily routing tools and improve swept path analysis efficiency by at least 50% and traffic impact review efficiency by at least 40% compared to current practice. This 24-month project has kicked off recently and should safeguard the safe, efficient, and environmentally-friendly MiC module transport system of Hong Kong, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

Professor Wei Pan, Principal Investigator of the project, expressed enthusiasm about the disruptive nature of this research, and said, "The Smart Planning Platform will not only streamline MiC module transport but also contribute to Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint 2.0 and Smart Mobility Roadmap for Hong Kong. We are confident that this project will greatly enhance the safety and efficiency of MiC module transport." Professor Pan also expressed his gratitude to the wide range of government bureaus and departments, as well as industry organisations, for their strong support of the project.

Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong

Mr Zheng Zhenjie (Tel: 6679 4797: E-mail: zhengzj@connect.hku.hk)

Original press link: https://www.hku.hk/press/press-releases/detail/27080.html

The Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Hong Kong (Civil Engineering, HKU) and MIDAS Information Technology Co., Ltd (MIDAS) jointly announced their agreement to enter into a Partnership Agreement on November 16, 2023, forging an international collaboration for the advancement of higher education.

The partnership programme brings together Civil Engineering, one of HKU's most prestigious and oldest departments, best known for nurturing and educating highly qualified and motivated engineers, and MIDAS, an international engineering software corporation dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology for engineers.

Under the partnership agreement, Civil Engineering will have access to academic software licenses offered by MIDAS for teaching purposes.

“This Partnership Agreement aims to establish a meaningful and pragmatic learning approach for our students. The knowledge and hands-on experience gained through this collaboration will contribute to not only their educational advancement but also their real-world practice.” said Professor Wei Pan, Head of Department of Civil Engineering.

“I always believe that technology is a powerful tool for spreading happiness and enhancing the quality of life. Our products are designed to empower students and young engineers, equipping them with the skills and tools necessary for a successful career in engineering. This initiative goes beyond mere business expansion; it reflects our dedication to contributing positively to the educational landscape and professional realms in Hong Kong. I hope all students from The University of Hong Kong who studied with Midas Software will advance to the world and make the world happy through technology.” said Dr Jeong, Suntae, President of MIDAS.

During the past 111 years, the Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Hong Kong has nurtured many brilliant leaders in the civil engineering discipline and made significant contributions to the local and overseas community. The Department has established an international reputation in both teaching and research. Today, the Department has 30 teaching staff, around 402 undergraduate, 539 postgraduate students, 43 Postdoctoral Fellows and 15 Research Assistant Professors.

The Department provides versatile programmes including the Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering; Master of Science in Engineering (Civil Engineering); Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The undergraduate degree programme is fully accredited by The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the master programme is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, UK. In addition, the Department offers professional training courses for civil engineers and engineering graduates.

For details, please visit https://www.civil.hku.hk/index.html

Founded in September 2000, MIDAS Information Technology Co., Ltd specialises in developing simulation software for science and technology. With over 700 professionals globally, MIDAS IT has expanded to a significant player in the engineering software market, exporting to over 110 countries. MIDAS IT operates through 8 subsidiaries in key regions including the United States, China, Japan, the UK, India, Russia, Dubai, and the Philippines, supplemented by a network in 28 countries. The company leads in computer graphics-based engineering modelling, advanced analysis, optimisation design, and object simulation. The MIDAS Family Program is renowned for stability and economic analysis in various engineering sectors, holding a top market position in construction-related fields.

For details, please visit https://www.midasit.com/

Department of Civil Engineering

Ms Jasmine Lee (Tel: 3917 2666; E-mail: jaslee12@hku.hk)

MIDAS Information Technology Co., Ltd

Mr Xiaofeng Li (Tel: +86 13020118866; E-mail: lixf@midasit.com)

Original press link: http://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_27056.html

The Chief Executive, Mr LEE Ka-chiu John, in his Policy Address 2023, said that the Development Bureau will continue to invest in infrastructure, promote Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) technologies, and motivate applied research and digitalisation of the construction industry, to further enhance the infrastructure project performance, expedite housing supply, and enhance Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness.

行政長官李家超先生在其2023年施政報告中表示，發展局將持續投資基建、推動採用「組裝合成」及「機電裝備合成」等技術、及助推應用研發和建造業數碼化，以進一步提升基建項目表現、加快樓宇供應、及提升香港長遠競爭力。

“We are delighted to see the various initiatives supporting the construction industry and infrastructure development in the Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address, such as the further promotion of MiC and smart construction technologies. HKU Department of Civil Engineering supports the initiatives by seeking innovation-driven and problem-solving-oriented solutions for enhancing construction productivity and sustainability continuously,” said Professor Wei Pan, Head of Department of Civil Engineering, Executive Director of Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID) and Director of MiC Laboratory (MiCLab) of The University of Hong Kong.

香港大學土木工程系系主任、建造及基建創新研究中心執行總監、組合建造實驗室主任潘巍教授表示：「我們很高興看到《行政長官2023年施政報告》中提出多項支持建造業與基建發展的舉措，例如進一步推廣「組裝合成」及智慧建造技術。港大土木工程系將探索以創新及解決問題為導向的方案，不斷提高建造業的生產力與可持續性，以支持《施政報告》中相關舉措的落實。」

The Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID) and the MiC Laboratory (MiCLab) of the Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) held a Strategic Public Policy Forum titled "Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Supply Chain in the Greater Bay Area for Hong Kong Development: Preliminary Policy Roadmap and Action Plan” on August 30. The event gathered prominent speakers from government, industry and academia to share state-of-the-art research, practices and policies for enhancing the MiC supply chain.

Professor Wei PAN, Acting Executive Vice-President (Administration & Finance) of HKU and Director of MiCLab, delivered the Welcome Remarks. He emphasized the significant growth in MiC adoption in Hong Kong since 2017, but noted that the MiC supply chain faces various technical and management challenges.

“This Strategic Public Policy Research project aims to establish a favourable business environment and recommend a policy roadmap with an action plan for enhancing the MiC supply chain in the GBA for HK development. The forum as part of this research project is to share the preliminary policy roadmap and key findings of the project and to collect feedback from wide stakeholders. The insights and connections forged during this event will contribute to the advancement of not only the MiC supply chain but also the development of a more productive industry and sustainable built environment,” said Professor Pan.

Ir Ricky LAU, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) of the Development Bureau, HKSAR Government, delivered the Opening and Keynote speech. “CICID is an unfailing partner in supporting government’s initiatives in promoting MiC. This Forum today is a very timely occasion that brings together different industry leaders to offer views on how to enable the healthy development of MiC supply chain in the GBA. The forum represents the collaborative effort of the whole industry in developing the MiC technology and transforming our construction process”, he said.

Other distinguished speakers included Mr Jianming LIANG, President of the Guangdong Construction Industry Association; Ir Dr Conrad WONG, BBS, JP, Vice Chairman of Yau Lee Holdings Limited; Mr Michael LI, JP, Deputy Director of Architectural Services, Architectural Services Department, HKSAR Government; Dr David-John Gibbs, Director (Infrastructure Advisory) of Ernst & Young Transactions Limited; and Mr Kun DING, Executive Director of Yahgee Modular House. They shared their expertise, experience and insights regarding the MiC supply chain in the GBA to facilitate Hong Kong’s development.

In addition, witnessed by Ir Ricky LAU, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), and Professor David Srolovitz, Dean of Engineering of HKU, Director of MiCLab Prof Wei PAN and Mr Michael LI, Deputy Director of Architectural Services of HKSAR Government jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the Government-University collaboration on exploring opportunities to develop and promote the effective use of MiC and to support the research and development of MiC in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, followed by the launch of a study on MiC safe lifting supported by the Development Bureau.

About the forum

The forum is part of the research project entitled “Enhancing Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Supply Chain in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) for Hong Kong (HK) Development”, led by Professor Wei PAN, Executive Director of CICID, HKU, and funded by the Strategic Public Policy Research (SPPR) funding scheme (Project Number: S2019.A8.013) of HKSAR Government.

About HKU CICID

CICID of HKU was established in 2002, aiming to foster continuous improvements and excellence in the construction industry and infrastructure development in particular, through the development of innovative strategies and techniques. CICID targets to be a “Centre of Excellence” for research, discourse and dissemination of innovations in infrastructure, construction management and methodologies, and interdisciplinary research.

About HKU MiCLab

MiCLab was established in 2020 to lead innovative research in MiC to enhance its widespread uptake and adoption in Hong Kong and beyond. MiCLab involves a team of researchers with diverse research backgrounds covering construction engineering and management, structural engineering and material science, computer and control science, and supply chain management, etc. MiCLab has been conducting systematic research and development on MiC.

Original is available at： https://www.hku.hk/press/press-releases/detail/26526.html

Official website of Department of Civil Engineering of HKU： https://www.civil.hku.hk/

「组装合成」建造：从零到一 从一到无穷

过去多年，土地及房屋供应是最困扰本港的社会问题。香港土地资源非常有限，随着人口增长，基层住屋成为政府必须面对及逼切解决的施政重点。正因轮候公屋时间漫长，政府早前推出简约公屋及过渡性房屋计划，希望改善基层在轮候「上楼」期间的生活环境。提到简约公屋及过渡性房屋，与其息息相关的，则是在建造业日益受到重视的「组装合成」建造技术，简称「组合建造」（Modular Integrated Construction-MiC）。

香港是MiC理想城市

MiC是特区政府与香港大学建造及基建创新研究中心（CICID）共同研究提出的一项新政策举措，旨在提高建造生产力、速度和质量，以解决住房危机、劳动力短缺、建造成本高企等重大社会民生问题。

顾名思义，组合建造是利用在工厂内预先制造完成的建筑模块兴建楼宇，理念与「砌积木」类似，即在工地现场将不同的组件及模块堆栈起来。当然，其背后牵涉非常复杂的技术，包括结构体系及细部节点设计、全寿命周期智能建造及保养等。

我从事MiC技术研究及发展逾20年，深信MiC是建造业发展的未来，亦有助于解决建造 业正面对的困难，例如行业劳动人口老龄化及不足、工程土地限制，以及极端天气影响施工 等。这些难题都能通过MiC的应用得到解决或纾缓。我过去亦于英国及新加坡等地参与有关MiC的建筑项目。相比之下，香港无疑是人口更为密集的城市，建造空间有限，楼宇也追求向高空发展，以达到最高的土地利用及成本效益。由于MiC技术的应用不受空间限制，我认为香港是应用MiC的理想城市，其应用能令发展商、承建商及市民等各方皆受惠。

MiC技术应用于香港兴建高楼大厦有多方面的好处。我们亦进行了相关的调查研究，希望透过研究数据加深大家对MiC的了解。首先，MiC有助减省建筑总成本10%至20%。由于MiC强调事先在工厂而非施工现场完成预制楼宇组件及模块生产及相关工序，可使现场施工工人数量减少高达25%至83%，楼宇建造时间亦可节省15%至50%，整个楼宇建造过程的生产力提高50%至80%。成本开支的大幅减省，对发展商及承建商的好处不言而喻；同时加快楼宇落成，等同加速房屋供应，亦有助于应对基层对住屋单位的逼切需求。

大减成本加速供应

在建筑成本的实际考虑以外，我们也重视环境的可持续发展，由于楼宇组件及模块的预制及大部分内部装饰工序均在工厂进行，工地的建筑废料可大幅减少67%至98%，从而减少该源头及现场产生的碳排放，为香港实现碳中 和目标出一份力。还有，涉及建筑工地的工业意外，亦将因工地工人减少及地盘施工程序简 化，而大幅递减80%或以上。

在特区政府发展局的大力推动下，MiC技术已在数个建筑项目中完成先导试验，首批项目包括将军澳百胜角消防处纪律部队宿舍及香港科学园创新斗室项目等。目前，全港已有超过120个建筑项目使用或计划使用MiC。香港大学亦响应于黄竹坑学生宿舍、西高山发展项目 等使用MiC技术。

我致力推动「官—产—学—研」的合作，带领港大MiC实验室（MiCLab）、建造及基建创新 研究中心（CICID）与特区政府及业界，就MiC相关研究紧密合作，咨询及指导14个MiC建筑项目（包括但不限于公共房屋、私人楼宇及隔 离方舱等）。研究团队研发了适用于40层及以上混凝土及钢结构组装合成建筑的创新结构体系及连接节点，并已申报国家专利，开发了可用于组装合成建筑全寿命周期的碳排放监测、 智能施工平台、基于虚拟现实的MiC项目交付智能监控平台，以及MiC智慧运输规划等。各项创新技术于香港的MiC项目中得到成功应用。

虽然目前MiC竣工项目未超过20层，然而研究已证明以MiC技术兴建高达50层的建筑物是可行的。展望未来，我们亦将继续致力于开发结构工程新技术、创新建筑物料及智能建造技术，期待透过MiC提量、提速、提效、提质，推动香港建造业向智能化低碳化转型升级。

Original is available at： https://stepaper.stheadline.com/

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) received four awards today (December 14) in the MiC Achievement Ceremony 2022.

The HKU Wong Chuk Hang Student Residence Site received the Outstanding MiC Project Award. Professor Wei Pan, Executive Director of the HKU Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID), and Director of Estates of HKU Ir K.L. Tam both received the Outstanding People (MiC Advocator) Award. Dr Louis Chu, Project Director of Wong Chuk Hang Student Residence Site, received the MiC Project Champion (Outstanding Project Team Members) Award.

The ceremony was held during the International Conference on MiC (Modular Integrated Construction) with an aim to recognise outstanding local projects, project teams, MiC advocators and practitioners for their contributions in the promotion and adoption of MiC that bring about innovation to improve productivity, quality, sustainability and safety of the construction industry.

The International Conference on MiC was co-organised by the Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government, the Construction Industry Council (CIC), and the Centre of Science and Technology Industrial Development (CSTID) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People’s Republic of China.

Professor Wei Pan – Outstanding People (MiC Advocator)

Professor Wei Pan was awarded the “MiC Outstanding People (MiC Advocator)”. Professor Pan is Executive Director of the HKU Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID). He formally introduced the modular construction approach to Hong Kong in Spring 2017, and co-created the concept of “modular integrated construction (MiC)” with the Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government. MiC has been adopted in the Chief Executive’s Policy Address every year since 2017. Professor Pan provided theory, methodology and guidance to support the “0-to-1” MiC creation. He has also made significant contributions to the “1-to-∞” MiC adoption by leading cutting-edge research on higher-rise, higher-density, higher-tech and higher-co-creation development of MiC, organising numerous knowledge exchange activities from which the government and industry have benefited, providing systematic solutions and advice for MiC projects’ planning, design, delivery and measurement, and encouraging MiC supply chains regionally and globally.

Ir K.L. Tam – Outstanding People (MiC Advocator)

Ir K.L. Tam was awarded the “MiC Outstanding People (MiC Advocator)”. Ir Tam is the Director of Estates of HKU, who works closely with various Government departments in the promotion of MiC development in Hong Kong. He is also the Fellow of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and Honorary President of the Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers, whose contributions to MiC are well acknowledged throughout Hong Kong’s construction industry. Ir Tam is one of the pioneers in implementing MiC in HKU, and there have been two ongoing university construction projects using the MiC approach and another one in the planning stage.

Dr Louis Chu – MiC Project Champion (Outstanding Project Team Members)

Dr Louis Chu was awarded the “MiC Project Champion (Outstanding Project Team Members)”. Dr Chu is the project director for HKU Wong Chuk Hang Student Residence Site, who has contributed his construction knowledge by combining his understanding of the manufacturing process to lead the team forward. Dr Chu led his team of consultants to seek the Buildings Department’s approval and developed an innovative MiC-Ready strategy at the tendering stage. He also initiated MiC briefings to minimise the uncertainties for tenderers, achieving greater cost savings.

HKU Wong Chuk Hang Student Residence Site – Outstanding MiC Project

The HKU Wong Chuk Hang Student Residence Site won the “Outstanding MiC Projects” award. The Wong Chuk Hang Student Residence is one of the pilot MiC projects nominated by the Development Bureau, providing a total of 1,224 hostel places with a total of 952 MiC modules. The project is targeted to be completed by the second quarter of the year 2023. The project has also fully supported HKU research teams in developing MiC supply chain and smart MiC management systems, and establishing various MiC standards for applications in Hong Kong.

The University of Hong Kong spares no effort to continuously drive innovation and support the sustainable development and betterment of the construction industry through smart and modular construction.

Original press link: https://hku.hk/press/news_detail_25582.html

The Centre for Innovation in Construction & Infrastructure Development (CICID) of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) held a conference named “Hong Kong 2050 – A City for the People: Capacity, Innovation, Smart and Sustainability” today (December 12) to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

“CICID has proven to be a major driver in propelling innovation and best practices in the construction industry and an unfailing partner in supporting DEVB and government’s initiatives,” Ms. Bernadette Linn, JP, Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government said in her Opening Address, adding: “Capacity, Innovation, Smart and Sustainability are the key elements for a brighter tomorrow for Hong Kong.”

Professor Richard Wong, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of HKU in the Welcome Speech said: “The Centre has extensively engaged with partners and supporters via the Academia-Government-Industry networks to dissimilate research findings that have contributed knowledge to construction engineering and engineering management; and inspired innovative industrial practices and informed policies in a number of areas.”

Ir Ricky Lau, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) in his Keynote Speech said: “The success of sustainable development of Hong Kong requires joint contribution and commitment from the Government, the universities and the industry. CICID is a best demonstration of “University-Government-Industry” collaboration, a pioneer with lot of great researches and contributions in driving innovation and best practices in construction industry.”

Other prominent overseas and local experts and industry leaders shared their insight. Ir. Thomas Ho, Chairman of Construction Industry Council voiced a timely concern about construction safety and stressed design for safety, roles and responsibility and smart sites. Mr James Lee, Chief Executive Officer (Executive Director) of Paul Y. Engineering Group echoed Ir Ricky Lau that fundamental changes in the construction industry is already taking shape when site construction has quickly been replaced by manufacturing processes off site. Prof. Makarand Hastak, President of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building & Construction also delivered the Keynote Speech and shared his expertise on advances in construction excellence and outlook for the construction industry in the future. Mr. Michael Li, Deputy Director of Architectural Services of the HKSAR Government, Ir Dr. Conrad Wong, Vice Chairman of Yau Lee Construction, Prof. Jacqueline Glass, Professor of Construction Management at University College London, and Prof. C.F. Lee, Chairman of CICID also shared their knowledge regarding construction innovation and infrastructure development.

Professor Wei Pan, Executive Director of CICID said: “With strong support from and well-established collaboration with government, industry and other local or overseas research institutions, CICID devotes to assisting the construction industry in enhancing productivity and achieving carbon neutrality through smart and modular construction.”

Professor C.K. Mak, Vice Chairman of CICID expressed his gratitude to all present at the conference, especially the strong support by the government, industry partners and other research institutions that will certainly be conducive to the Centre’s future development.

About HKU CICID

CICID of HKU was established in 2002. The aim of CICID is to foster continuous improvements and excellence in the construction industry and infrastructure development in particular, through the development of innovative strategies and techniques. CICID targets to be a “Centre of Excellence” for research, discourse and dissemination of innovations in infrastructure, construction management and methodologies, and interdisciplinary research.

Our collaborative research, led by Prof. Wei Pan and Dr. Zhiqian Zhang from the University of Hong Kong, and Prof. Angus Lam and Dr. Mun On Wong from the University of Macau, recently won the 3rd Winner Award in the Metaverse Hackathon For Digitalization and Decarbonization in Construction at the 22nd International Conference on Construction Application of Virtual Reality (CONVR 2022).

The event attracted 17 international teams from 13 universities and 2 companies to share the state-of-the-art research in Digital Twin, AI, Blockchain, VR/AR/MR for construction revolution. Our research, “Loco-AR: Lift Operation Coordination using BIM and Multi-user AR”, provided a novel solution to superimpose real-time 4D BIM to physical construction sites and empower information sharing among crane-lift co-workers at various locations, aiming to enhance the collaboration culture for the construction industry. The research should also facilitate safe and efficient MiC project delivery. The awarded research was supported by the Research Impact Fund of the Hong Kong Research Grant Council (Project No.: HKU R7027-18).

The video is available at: https://youtu.be/_bw6uRYYmnY

A team of HKU Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID) led by Professor Wei Pan in role of academic collaborator achieved BIM Achievement 2022 Award. The award was presented by the Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government and the Construction Industry Council to HKU Wong Chuk Hang Student Residence Site under the category of BIM Projects 2022 on 19 October 2022.

In the Policy Address on 19 October, Chief Executive Mr Lee Ka-chiu said that the Development Bureau will establish a cross-departmental steering committee for coordinating the development of high productivity construction methods such as Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) to uplift the productivity of the construction industry and to strengthen the leading regional position of Hong Kong’s construction industry in the adoption of MiC. Mr Lee also mentioned that the Hong Kong Housing Authority and Hong Kong Housing Society will adopt the MiC approach in more public housing projects to enhance the speed of project delivery.

行政長官李家超昨日發表施政報告時說，發展局將成立跨部門督導委員會，專責統籌「組裝合成」等高效建築的發展，以提升建造業生產力并加強香港建造業在區內採用「組裝合成」的領導地位。李家超表示未來數年房委會及房協亦會在更多公營房屋項目採用「組裝合成」来提速项目发展。

“The Policy Address 2022 delivered by the Chief Executive makes far-reaching impact on the construction industry through encouraging more innovation and technology adoption such as MiC, which greatly boosts the confidence of not only the industry locally but also the whole supply chain in the Greater Bay Area and beyond. We welcome the initiatives proposed in this Policy Address and believe that the initiatives and strategies will effectively address the critical challenges faced by the built environment,” said Professor Wei Pan, Executive Director of the Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development and Director of MiC Laboratory of The University of Hong Kong.

香港大學建造及基建創新研究中心執行總監及組合建造實驗室主任潘巍教授表示：「行政長官發表的《2022年施政報告》通過鼓勵采用「組裝合成」等創新科技，對建築業影響深遠。这不僅大大增強了本地行業的信心，同時提振了粵港澳大灣區乃至更廣領域供應鏈的信心。我們歡迎施政報告中提出的舉措，並相信這些舉措將有效應對建造業及人居環境面臨的嚴峻挑戰。」

About HKU CICID: http://www.civil.hku.hk/cicid/

HKU CICID was established in 2002, with the aim to foster continuous improvements and excellence in the construction industry and infrastructure development in particular, through the development of innovative strategies and techniques. CICID targets to be a “Centre of Excellence” for research, discourse and dissemination of innovations in infrastructure, construction management and methodologies, and interdisciplinary research.

香港大學建造及基建創新研究中心（CICID）

香港大學建造及基建創新研究中心於2002年成立。中心致力於通過發展創新科技，促進建造業尤其是基礎設施建設的可持續發展。中心以建立一個卓越的研究中心為發展目標，提升基建，工程管理及方法創新，鼓勵和支持跨學科研究。

Modular Integrated Construction Laboratory (MiCLab): https://www.miclab.hk/

MiCLab, based at the Department of Civil Engineering of HKU, was founded in 2020. MiCLab stands at the frontier of MiC research focusing on smart construction technologies, innovative structural and material solutions, project delivery and supply chain management of MiC. We also provide professional services and advice to the government and industry to facilitate better adoption of MiC technologies in real-life projects.

香港大學組合建造實驗室（MiCLab）

MiCLab 於 2020 年成立於香港大學土木工程系。該實驗室引領世界組合模塊化建造的研究與發展，專註於智能建造技術、創新結構和材料、項目交付和供應鏈管理。與此同時，我們還為政府和業界提供專業服務和咨詢，以確保組裝合成模塊化技術得到更好地應用。