Past Event

Highlights from International Conference on Global Strategies for Infrastructure Delivery 2026: Strategy & Sustainability, and Innovative Practices

《Highlights from International Conference on Global Strategies for Infrastructure Delivery 2026: Strategy & Sustainability, and Innovative Practices》 We are proud to have launched the inaugural ‘International Conference on Global Strategies for Infrastructure Delivery 2026: Strategy & Sustainability, and Innovative Practices,’ a significant milestone organised by the Centre for Infrastructure Delivery (CeIDE) of the Department of Building and Real Estate at PolyU on 26 March 2026. Bringing together top scholars, senior government officials and industry professionals, this conference featured a day of insightful presentations and high-level discussions.  We are privileged to welcome Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) at PolyU, for the Welcome Speech and our Guest of Honour, Mr Ricky LAU, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) Development Bureau, the Government of the HKSAR, for the Opening Address.  Our distinguished speakers shared innovative strategies to navigate the growing complexities of global infrastructure delivery. With the theme ‘Strategy & Sustainability’, the morning session was packed with a wealth of knowledge from our distinguished speakers: • Prof. WHYTE Jennifer (Professor, School of Project Management Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney) • Ir FONG Hok Shing, Michael, JP (Director, Civil Engineering and Development Department, The Government of the HKSAR) • Prof. GOH Yang Miang, (Director, Centre for Project and Facilities Management (CPFM) National University of Singapore) • Mr O'BRIEN Kevin (Chief Executive, Gammon Construction Limited)  One of the morning’s highlights was the signing of three separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders (CoE) under the Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government, the National University of Singapore and Tsinghua University. By establishing the International Alliance of Infrastructure Delivery, we have solidified a collective determination to bridge borders in the pursuit of excellence. This alliance will pool global expertise through joint research, knowledge exchange, and policy development to transform infrastructure delivery into a more sustainable, resilient and equitable process. The session concluded with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Prof. CHAN Man Wai, Organising Committee Chairman and Associate Director (Partnership and Executive Education) of CeIDE, featuring our special guest, Ir Prof. Thomas HO On-sing, JP, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council. Following the morning’s engaging presentations and discussions, the momentum continued into the afternoon session. The distinguished speakers below shared their words of wisdom on the theme ‘Innovative Practices’: • Prof. FANG Dongping (Professor, Director of Institute for Future Cities and Infrastructures, Tsinghua University) • Ir KWAN King Fa, Alex (Chief Executive Officer, Asia Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc.) • Ir Prof. CHAN Ping Chuen, Albert, MH (Distinguished Research Professor and Director of Centre for Infrastructure Delivery (CeIDE) of BRE at PolyU) • Mr FARRANDS Sam (Honorary Advisor, IPPP and Head of Projects, King & Wood Mallesons) In addition, Prof. SHEN Qiping, Geoffrey, Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships) of PolyU and Associate Director (Research) of CeIDE was invited to lead the insightful panel discussion. The conference culminated in closing remarks by Ir Prof. Michael YAM, Head of BRE. Certainly, participants left with not only fresh insights but also newly forged professional bonds. The success of this inaugural conference has laid a strong foundation for CeIDE’s future impact and our next conference.  A big thank-you goes to everyone who made this event a great success!

Bridging Generations at BREDAA Mingling Night

《Bridging Generations at BREDAA Mingling Night》 Last Friday, the Building and Real Estate Departmental Alumni Association (BREDAA) and BRE jointly hosted a vibrant Mingling Night, bringing together a dynamic blend of alumni, students and faculty. The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Prof. Tanya TAN from BRE, who highlighted the importance of alumni and student connections. She also expressed our sincere gratitude to Ir TSUI Tack Kong, a PolyU Fellow and Outstanding Alumnus, for his generous sponsorship and steadfast support. Ir Tsui offered inspiring insights on connecting industry professionals with emerging talent. In addition, Ir Phyllis CHEN, BREDAA President, encouraged our community to stay active and engaged in our growing alumni network. Amid a relaxed setting, attendees enjoyed free-flowing conversation and exchanged career perspectives. It was wonderful to see multiple generations of BRE talent under one roof. A huge thank-you to Ir Tsui, the BREDAA Executive Committee and everyone who made this event a success. We look forward to many more opportunities to connect the diverse generations of our BRE Community!

A Warm Welcome to Inbound Exchange Students

《A Warm Welcome to Inbound Exchange Students》 In line with the University’s dedication to internationalisation, BRE continues to embrace every opportunity for global student exchange. In early March, BRE hosted a welcoming gathering for our inbound exchange students from Chongqing University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Politecnico di Milano and The University of Newcastle. Prof. Michael YAM, Head of BRE, together with Prof. SUN Yi, Associate Head (Partnership) and Prof. YI Wen, Student Exchange Officer, warmly greeted these new arrivals. Apart from the welcome, this gathering provided a valuable networking opportunity for our students preparing for their outbound exchange in the next academic year to connect with their international peers. We look forward to fostering more global connections to empower our students on their academic journeys!

Successful Opening of the Architectural Studies Student Installation Exhibition

《Successful Opening of the Architectural Studies Student Installation Exhibition》 Last Thursday marked the successful opening of the Architectural Studies Student Installation Exhibition. This showcase features the creative work from our Year 1 BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies (AS) students for the Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture (UABB). The event brought together a gathering of 60 industry professionals, academics and students. In attendance were Mr LIU Sing Cheong, JP, Adjunct Professor and University Fellow of PolyU, representatives from the Architectural Services Department (ASD) of the HKSAR Government, the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), UABB officials. This Opening featured insights from Prof. Xiangdong LI, the Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment, Prof. Tris KEE, AS Programme Leader, Ms Miffi CHENG, Senior Architect of ASD and Mr LIU LEI, Secretary-General of Shenzhen Biennale Foundation. They celebrated the students' creativity and the collaboration with the PolyU Industrial Centre. One of highlights was the announcement of the students' work being featured in the ASD’s 40th anniversary celebration. The event successfully demonstrated the strong link between our architectural curriculum and the professional industry, paving the way for future regional collaborations.

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Construction and Environment 2025 Award Presentation Ceremony & Spring Dinner

《Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Construction and Environment 2025 Award Presentation Ceremony & Spring Dinner》 The Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE) hosted its Outstanding Alumni Award Presentation Ceremony 2025 and Spring Dinner in February. It was a momentous evening to honour the outstanding graduates and celebrate the Chinese New Year with alumni, staff and students. One of the evening’s highlights was witnessing Sr Dr James TSUI Siu Lung, MH receive the Outstanding Alumni Award from Prof. LI Xiang-dong, the Faculty Dean. Sr Dr Tsui is a distinguished graduate whose academic journey with PolyU spans decades from his Bachelor of Science in Building Surveying in 1992 to his Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction (DIREC) in 2024. This Faculty-level accolade follows his earlier recognition as the Outstanding Alumni of BRE. Please join us in congratulating Sr Dr Tsui on this incredible milestone!

Recruitment Talk by FSE Engineering Group Ltd

《Recruitment Talk by FSE Engineering Group Ltd》 We would like to thank FSE Engineering Group Ltd (FSEE) for delivering a recruitment talk to our Quantity Surveying (QS) students in February. We were honored to welcome Mr Francis AU, Managing Director; Ms Tina HO, Assistant General Manager; Ms Ivy LO, QS Manager and Ms Kacey CHAU, Senior HR Officer. The speakers’ expertise provided our students with a roadmap for their future career paths. We value FSEE’s commitment to nurturing young talent in the QS profession!

DIREC Alumni Reunion Dinner

《DIREC Alumni Reunion Dinner》 The recent DIREC alumni reunion dinner in late January 2026 marked the enduring bonds between graduates and BRE. Prof. SUN Yi, Associate Head (Partnership), Prof. Esther YUNG, Associate Head (Teaching), Prof. Daniel CHAN, Programme Leader and Prof. Michael SING, Deputy Programme Leader of Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction (DIREC) programme, along with other BRE staff joined graduates in a warm and celebratory setting. The evening was filled with joy, laughter and gratitude. It was inspiring for us to witness their accomplishments and dedication to real estate and construction. The DIREC programme is designed to equip you with the essential expertise and skills needed to excel in this evolving landscape. By integrating comprehensive academic approaches with international practical applications, DIREC prepares you to meet the demands of innovative and large-scale projects both locally and globally. Sign up for DIREC Online Info Seminar (7 Feb) now: https://polyu.hk/RRMEE

Career Talk by Rating and Valuation Department

A career talk by the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) of the HKSAR Government was held for BRE final-year students in January 2026. Prof. Ivy WONG, Award Co-ordinator of the BSc (Hons) in Surveying programme and Prof. Michael SING, Assistant Professor of BRE, warmly welcomed the RVD representatives. The talk provided students with comprehensive information on career opportunities in the surveying profession and valuable insights into the industry trends. The students also gained an understanding of the essential skills needed for success in rating and valuation which help advance their academic and professional development.

Visit by Ning Po No. 2 College

Students from Ning Po No. 2 College were introduced to a range of our academic offerings and career opportunities available in construction and real estate during their visit to BRE in January 2026. Our team highlighted how innovative technologies are reshaping the industry and its professional landscape. The students also had the chance to interact with immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences through our Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) System and Motion Platform, as well as to discover the practical uses of Building Information Modelling.

AS Study Trip in Guangzhou

Our Year 1 Architectural Studies (AS) students have recently enjoyed an inspiring study trip to Guangzhou, led by Prof. Tris KEE, Programme Leader and Associate Professor, and Prof. Tanya TAN, Assistant Professor. To deepen their understanding of architecture, they explored the innovative hotel design at 12-Gate, strolled through the Guangzhou Orchid Garden and visited a local architecture studio. Also, at FEI Studio, the students discovered the artistry behind traditional Chinese woodwork and worked with various tools to craft scaled models of a green pavilion in pairs. The group was honoured by a visit from the outstanding alumnus, Sr LIU Sing Cheong, JP, who shared his expertise and creative ideas. On the last day of the trip, the students proudly showcased their models at an exhibition.