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In face of the pressing demand for land and housing as well as the substantial construction volume, the Development Bureau (DEVB) is actively implementing "Construction 2.0" to lead the construction industry to reform in response to new opportunities by advocating “innovation”, “professionalisation” and “revitalisation”. In terms of promoting the development of advanced construction technologies, the DEVB has proposed various measures to strengthen the MiC supply chain. This time, I have invited a colleague from the DEVB to brief us on a number of related measures and the deepening of the co-operation in the construction and engineering sectors between Guangdong and Hong Kong on various fronts.

Supporting wider adoption of advanced construction technologies in the industry

Assistant Secretary (MiC) of the DEVB, Mr CHENG Chi-lung, states that the Government has been supporting the industry in adopting advanced construction technologies to enhance overall productivity. For example, utilising Building Information Modelling technology and high productivity construction methods, including MiC, to enhance the efficiency and quality of design and construction. Through applied research and development (R&D), innovative materials and construction technologies are developed. Digital Works Supervision System is employed to strengthen the supervision of the quality and safety of works. Additionally, the Government will establish the Building Testing and Research Institute within this year to promote innovative application across the industry.

MiC: Transferring conventional on-site construction to factories

Mr CHENG states that in the field of advanced construction technologies, MiC is an important breakthrough. The concept of “factory assembly followed by on-site installation” transfers the conventional on-site construction processes to factories. Freestanding modules, including structural frames, interior fitting-outs, and mechanical and electrical installations, are pre-fabricated off-site in factories. These completed modules are then transported to construction sites for assembly into buildings. He explains that this construction method enhances project quality and construction efficiency, shortens construction time, reduces construction waste, lowers the demand for on-site labour, improves site safety, etc.

Measures to strengthen the MiC supply chain

A number of public and non-governmental organisations, including the Hong Kong Housing Authority, Hong Kong Housing Society, Urban Renewal Authority, Hospital Authority, etc., have started the adoption or trial of MiC in over 70 projects.

Mr CHENG mentions that to better promote the development of MiC, the cross-departmental steering committee on high productivity construction methods established by the DEVB will formulate various short-term and long-term measures to support and strengthen the MiC supply chain. Land required for the construction industry has been reserved in the Northern Metropolis for MiC development, and the development of an advanced construction industry park in Lung Kwu Tan reclamation area is under study, with a view to setting up local MiC production facilities and nurturing professionals. Additionally, the Government will launch a study this year to consider supporting the development of the MiC industry through investment. The study will explore opportunities, forms, risks, and returns of investing in the MiC supply chain, as well as the overall economic benefits, to support sustainable and effective industry development and meet the needs of Hong Kong's construction industry.

Furthermore, the Government will enhance communication and collaboration with the MiC supply chain in the Greater Bay Area. This includes promulgating the annual overall MiC planning on a regular basis to outline the upcoming MiC projects, with the aim of helping the industry plan MiC production facilities in advance and enhance production capacity to meet project requirements. The Government will also implement a MiC Manufacturer Certification Scheme to strengthen the monitoring of the production process and quality of MiC modules.

Developing the MiC Industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA)

In January this year, I attended the MiC Supply Chain Conference co-organised by the DEVB, the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province (DHURDGP), and the People's Government of Huizhou Municipality in Huizhou. The conference aimed to promote the joint development of MiC across GBA cities and attracted about 300 participants from the construction sector in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Government representatives from the 11 GBA cities also attended to exchange views on matters such as strengthening the supply chain so as to enhance co-operation.

In March this year, I also attended the "Mainland and Hong Kong Construction Forum 2024" in Guangzhou, and witnessed the signing of the Letter of Intent on Strengthening Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation in Construction and Related Engineering Sectors between the DEVB and the DHURDGP, which deepens the co-operation and exchange in construction and related engineering services between Guangdong and Hong Kong.

On establishing Guangdong-Hong Kong MiC industry chain, we go beyond encouraging MiC application and enhance the R&D, quality accreditation, and international marketing for MiC to promote the synergistic development of the MiC industry in the GBA. Leveraging Hong Kong's global connectivity and experience in applying international construction standards, the innovative development of MiC as an industry in the GBA that enjoys clear advantages is further promoted for joint exploration of overseas markets.

Moreover, the Letter of Intent also supports the joint formulation of GBA standards for technologies and products as well as personnel training in the construction and engineering sectors between Guangdong and Hong Kong. It also promotes the selection of more suitable GBA projects to adopt Hong Kong's project management model, helping the industry seize the development opportunities in the GBA while injecting Hong Kong's design and project management elements into the GBA construction industry to foster high-quality development of the GBA. The DEVB is also discussing with relevant Mainland authorities to establish GBA standards for the technical skill levels of construction personnel, which will comprehensively support the long-term development of the construction industries in Guangdong and Hong Kong.