Past Event

PolyU FCE Build a Smart City Competition 2025 - A Smart Approach to Urban Renewal in To Kwa Wan: Old Communities in Transformation

  We are delighted to celebrate the success of the BRE project, ‘A Smart Approach to Urban Renewal in To Kwa Wan: Old Communities in Transformation’, as part of the ‘PolyU FCE Build a Smart City Competition 2025’.   The journey began with a kick-off ceremony led by Prof. Linda XIAO, Associate Dean (Partnership) and Prof. Charles WONG, Associate Dean (Teaching & Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE) in late June. This was followed by two engaging workshops in late June and early July where secondary school students explored the latest Smart City concepts and technologies.   Students enriched their experience through the laboratory visits, a trip to the URA Building Rehabilitation Resource Centre and guided tours of To Kwa Wan, gaining first-hand insights into both the challenges and opportunities of urban renewal. Along the way, they interacted with academic staff and researchers to deepen their understanding and spark new ideas.   The highlight of the project was the Presentation Day in late August where student teams showcased their creative visions for transforming To Kwa Wan into a smarter and more sustainable community. Their innovative ideas and passion provided inspiring perspectives on how old neighbourhoods can be revitalised while preserving their unique character and spirit.   A heartfelt thank you to all participating schools and the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) for your incredible support in making this initiative a success. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of urban innovators and empowering young minds to reimagine the future of our city.   We look forward to celebrating these young minds at the Award Presentation Ceremony in late September.

BRE Orientation for Undergraduate Freshmen

  We were delighted to welcome our freshmen  — including the first cohort of the new programme BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies, as well as students from our well-established and leading undergraduate programmes in Building Engineering and Management, Surveying and Property Management at the BRE Orientation on 21 August, marking the start of an exciting and rewarding journey!    The day kicked off with an introduction to the General University Requirements by the College of Undergraduate Studies, followed by an overview of the Student Exchange Programme from the Global Engagement Office.    Prof. Michael YAM, Head of BRE, then shared the Department’s vision, programme highlights and the diverse academic pathways ahead. Our Programme Leaders and Academic Advisors guided students through subject selection and academic advising, ensuring a smooth transition into university life.    The BRE Orientation wrapped up with engaging laboratory visits where students explored cutting-edge innovations such as 3D Printing, Human-robot Collaboration in Construction, Smart Tower Cranes and the CAVE System.   This is just the beginning! Ahead lies a world of opportunities to pursue your passions, gain knowledge, build skills and form lifelong friendships. We are here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to drop by anytime!

PolyU Summer Institute (BRE Session)

At the PolyU Summer Institute (BRE Session) on 22 and 24 July 2025, visiting students had the opportunity to explore the Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) and the motion device. Through immersive virtual reality experiences, students interacted with advanced building models and simulations, gaining firsthand insight into how CAVE technology and motion device are transforming the way we visualize and design built environments. This engaging activity highlighted the integration of cutting-edge virtual reality tools into our curriculum and the construction industry. Students responded enthusiastically, expressing that the visit was both inspiring and educational, and that it provided them with valuable exposure to innovative digital technologies shaping the future of construction. We believe this experience assisted them in making informed decisions when choosing their degree programmes.

BRE Supported HKIA Academy’s Inaugurating Lecture Series

  BRE was delighted to have supported the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) in hosting four inaugural lectures under the new HKIA Academy this July and August. The series explored four insightful themes on the historical development of Hong Kong’s landmarks.   The invited speaker, Dr Joseph TING Sun Pao, BBS, is a respected scholar on the history of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta, renowned for his award-winning books on Hong Kong’s cultural heritage and his pivotal role as Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Museum of History from 1995 to 2007.   The lecture series brought together nearly 400 participants from across the industry, including architects, historians, conservationists and students. These engaging sessions fostered meaningful dialogue on the importance of heritage, architecture and conservation in shaping our city’s future.   We extend our heartfelt thanks to HKIA, Dr Ting and all attendees for making this series a success. BRE remains committed to supporting knowledge exchange and professional development within the built environment community.

Meet with Students - Tea Gathering

We have recently had a wonderful time at our recent ‘Meet with Students - Tea Gathering’. Amidst a relaxing setting, we shared insights about our new BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies programme which is designed to ignite creativity and equip future architects with essential skills. The afternoon was filled with engaging discussions, interview tips for visiting students and recommendation of favourite architecture books. It was inspiring to see everyone sharing their ideas and questions, making the session truly interactive and meaningful. If you’re passionate about shaping spaces and exploring innovative design, our new programme could be the perfect fit for you.

A Big Applause to All Participants at the BRE Reception

  The BRE Reception was a memorable highlight of our academic calendar on 27 June. As a signature event with over 25 years of tradition, it brings together BRE students, academics, mentors, WIE organizations, donors, alumni, departmental advisors, industry partners and supporters, serving as an ideal platform to foster lasting connections across our community.   Following the welcome speech of Prof. Michael YAM, Head of BRE, we were honoured to have Sr Hon Tony TSE Wai Chuen, BBS, JP, Member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, recipient of The Outstanding BRE Alumni Award 2020 and the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2021, share his words of wisdom during the evening.   Also, the gracious presence of Prof. LING Kar Kan, SBS, Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) and Director of the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation of PolyU, further highlighted the significance of the event.   In addition, Mr Matthew YAU, the Outstanding BRE Student proposed a vote of thanks while Ir Phyllis CHEN, President of the Building and Real Estate Departmental Alumni Association, was invited to introduce its new executive committee and coming activities on the stage.   The strong presence and great support from industry professionals underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping our future leaders. The evening was made even more vibrant by lively student performances and games, adding extra excitement to the celebration.   The BRE Reception also provided a wonderful occasion to celebrate the achievements of our graduating students. Congratulations to them on completing their degrees! Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event such a memorable success! More pictures will be available on our website soon.   More pictures are available on our online photo gallery. (https://polyu.hk/jUCgY )

Visit by Nanjing University

We were delighted to welcome a group of students from Nanjing University to our Department last week. As part of our ongoing efforts to showcase our latest developments, the students explored our Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) System and Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies. Through hands-on VR experiences, they gained valuable insights into how these tools are transforming the construction industry. The visit also included tours of our sister departments, giving the students a comprehensive understanding of the Faculty of Construction and Environment’s innovative work. We look forward to more inspiring exchanges in the near future!

BRE Seminar ‘Borderless Community’

On 23 June, Ar Michelle YE 米笑, National First-class Registered Architect of China, shared her insights on the ‘Borderless’ philosophy at the BRE Seminar, inspiring participants to rethink the relationship between architecture, nature, and daily life. Drawing from Lingnan garden traditions and tropical modernism, she highlighted how innovative facades and spatial design can dissolve boundaries and enrich communities. Thank you, Ar Michelle YE, for your inspiring presentation, and to all students, academics and industry professionals who joined us for this seminar!

BRE Retreat

Last week, we successfully convened our annual BRE Retreat, providing colleagues with an exceptional platform to share updates, reflect on, and discuss important issues in teaching, research, and partnership. The Retreat was well packed with a range of insightful presentations and productive discussions, in alignment with the University’s goals. A heartfelt thank you to every colleague who contributed to the success of the BRE Retreat!

BRE Mentor-Meets-Mentee (MMM) Night

The ‘BRE Mentor-Meets-Mentee (MMM) Night’ was held on the evening of 17 June 2025. Ten distinguished mentors from the industry, including Sr Hon TSE Wai Chuen Tony, BBS, JP; Dr CHAN Kui Sing Eric; Ir LAM Shun Wang; Mr KOK Tsz Lung; Mr SIU Kin Ming; Mr TAM Wing Sum; Ms WONG Wai Ki Vickie; Sr LAM Wai Keung Andrew; Sr LEE Kwok Chuen; and Sr WONG San Samson, met with a group of our students for an evening of exchange and networking. The gathering provided a valuable platform for mentors and mentees to connect, share experiences, and discuss career development in a friendly setting. Participants enjoyed the opportunity to interact in small groups, fostering open communication and building lasting relationships. We extend our sincere thanks to all mentors and mentees who participated and contributed to the event’s success.