Hong Kong launches Construction 2
The Hong Kong government is upgrading its £30 billion a year construction industry. Lam Sai-hung of the Development Bureau says Construction 2.0 will focus on innovation, professionalisation and revitalisation. |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
As one of the world’s leading cities, Hong Kong relies on a remarkably complex but effective infrastructure system delivered and maintained by its construction industry.
But despite many outstanding achievements, the industry is facing a challenging future and urgently needs a strategy to carry it forward.
In the next few years, Hong Kong’s annual construction output will increase to over HK$300 billion (£30 billion). While this growing pipeline is encouraging, it has raised questions about the capabilities and resources of the construction industry in its current form.
Costs are high, the workforce is ageing and productivity is declining; there’s also a lag in innovation and adoption of new technology. Furthermore, the industry has witnessed a series of incidents related on a number of mega-projects in recent years, including budget overruns, delays, site accidents and alleged quality and site- supervision problems.
All these have led to heightened levels of media scrutiny, impaired public confidence and shortage of new recruits.
[edit] Driving innovation
In view of the challenges, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region launched Construction 2.0 – Time to change in September 2018 (Development Bureau, 2018).
The initiative rests on three key pillars: innovation, professionalisation and revitalisation.
Innovation is the key to improving capability and enhancing performance. The global economy is experiencing a huge and lasting impact from technological advances and innovation. An industry culture that embraces change, innovation and new technology is necessary to drive forward productivity, efficiency and enhanced project delivery outcomes.
A series of actions is being implemented in Hong Kong, including establishment of a Construction Innovation and Technology Application Centre and a Construction Innovation and Technology Fund.
In addition, building information modelling (BIM) is being mandated in all major capital works projects and off-site construction, such as modular integrated construction (Pan et al., 2018), is being encouraged.
[edit] Improving professionalism
Improving professionalism is another essential element for enhancing performance. The government is implementing a structured project management training programme, as well as setting up a Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders to equip government construction professionals with contemporary project leadership and management capabilities.
Other actions include enhancing the professionalism of subcontractors and enhancing professional skills within the workforce. For continual learning from the global construction industry, the government is also exploring collaboration with international counterparts such ICE in the UK.
In this regard the government has already adopted ICE’s suite of NEC contracts as its default procurement mechanism for public-sector works and maintenance projects.
[edit] Promoting revitalisation
To attract and nurture young talent, it’s crucial to reinvigorate the appeal and benefits of joining the construction industry, providing an appealing career proposition while offering a safe, clean and supportive environment that fosters continuous learning, development and knowledge-sharing within the workforce.
The government is also promoting system re-engineering and encouraging a broader and more commercial mindset, with a view to enhancing agility and sustainability at the individual, organisational and industry levels.
In summary, Construction 2.0 outlines the government’s vision for the upgrading the construction industry and provides a roadmap for its future. The publication is also intended to stimulate discussions within the industry and garner feedback. It will be piloted on selected upcoming public works projects.
This article was written by Lam Sai-hung of Hong Kong's Development Bureau. It was first published as a blog on the website of The Institution of Civil Engineers https://www.ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/the-civil-engineer/january-2019/hong-kong-launches-construction-2
--The Institution of Civil Engineers
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- China's New Silk Road - what you need to know.
- Government construction and infrastructure pipelines.
- Green infrastructure.
- Growth and Infrastructure Act.
- ICE200 Distinguished Lecture - Hong Kong.
- Infrastructure and Projects Authority.
- Infrastructure UK (IUK).
- Infrastructure nationalisation.
- London infrastructure plan.
- National Infrastructure Plan.
- Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
- Railway engineering.
- Smart cities.
- Traffic and transport.
Featured articles and news
Quality Planning for Micro and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises
A CIOB Academy Technical Information sheet.
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.