Past Event

BRE Students Visited Fanling Public Housing Project

In late-November 2025, approximately 30 students from our BSc (Hons) in Building Engineering and Management programme (BEM), accompanied by Dr. FAN Hong Qin, Associate Professor and Mr KONG Wai Kei, Lecturer of BRE, visited a public housing site in Fanling North Area, managed by Able Engineering Company Limited. The visit aimed to enhance students’ understanding of temporary works for Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) in large-scale public housing. Students gained first-hand experience by observing the construction of high-rise residential blocks and supporting facilities which enriched their practical knowledge of MiC implementation and professional outlook. Meanwhile, BEM Alumnus, Mr Bernard CHEUNG Pak Lun, General Manager of Lanon Development Ltd, shared valuable insights on career development in the construction industry.

School Visit to Pui Ching Middle School

BRE is always thankful for the chance to engage with students at Pui Ching Middle School. During our visit in late-November 2025, Mr KONG Wai Kei, Lecturer and Admissions Officer of BRE, introduced our range of programmes - BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies, BSc (Hons) in Building Engineering and Management, and BSc (Hons) in Surveying - and offered guidance on how to choose the most suitable options to about 100 students. We hope to equip them with the knowledge they need to make thoughtful decisions regarding their academic futures.

Symposium on Smart Construction cum the Opening Ceremony of the Centre for Future Technologies in Construction

The Symposium on Smart Construction cum the Opening Ceremony of the Centre for Future Technologies in Construction took place in November 2025. This milestone event marked an important step towards a smarter, greener and more sustainable future for the construction industry. In his welcome address, Prof. Xiang-dong LI, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment at PolyU, remarked, “The global construction industry is currently at a crossroads of profound transformation. The shift from 'traditional manufacturing’ to ‘smart construction’ has become an industry-wide consensus. PolyU is always committed to promoting sustainable urban development. The Centre for Future Technologies in Construction is a significant initiative by PolyU to serve the industry and look ahead to the future.” A highlight of the occasion was the plaque unveiling ceremony for the Centre for Future Technologies in Construction, officiated by Prof. Xiang-dong LI, Prof. Michael YAM, Head of Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE), and Prof. Heng LI, Chair Professor of Construction Informatics at PolyU and Director of the Centre. Led by Prof. Heng LI, the Centre aims to create an open platform that brings together expertise, focuses on research and nurtures talent, with the ultimate goal of transforming cutting-edge technology into new productive forces for industrial development. The establishment of the Centre also provides a solid foundation for enhanced collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in the field of smart construction. Against this backdrop, another key moment of the event was the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between Prof. Heng LI and Dr Zeyu ZHAO, representing BRE at PolyU and the Shenzhen Green and Intelligent Construction Association, respectively, paving the way for future collaboration. As the finale, co-hosted by both BRE and the Shenzhen Green and Intelligent Construction Association, the Symposium on Smart Construction: Shenzhen-Hong Kong Integration and Innovative Applications brought together distinguished speakers, including Mr Hangyu SONG, General Manager, Shenzhen Keehang Tech Co., Ltd , Mr Shaojun LIU, Deputy General Manager, LETS Technology Group Co., Ltd. and Chengdu Technology Research Institute, and Ms CHEN Biting, Overseas Account Manager, Guangdong Tendfine Information Technology Development Co., Ltd. who shared their research and insights on pressing topics such as smart construction, AI-driven control robotics and digital construction supervision.

BREDAA Homecoming Gala cum the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU BRE

  What a wonderful evening of joy, laughter and cherished memories for over 200 alumni and distinguished guests!   In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Building Real Estate Departmental Alumni Association (BREDAA), BREDAA and BRE jointly hosted the ‘BREDAA Homecoming Gala cum the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU BRE’ on campus last Friday.   Ir Phyllis CHEN, President of BREDAA, warmly welcomed all alumni and guests to this special occasion as well as introduced the executive committee. Shortly after, Prof. Michael YAM, Head of BRE, expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported the event. The evening provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate the achievements of the BRE community.   A highlight of the evening was the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU BRE for 2024 and 2025. BRE hououred two distinguished alumni, Sr Dr James TSUI, MH (2025 Awardee) and Ir Dr David KWOK (2024 Awardee). The awardees received their trophies from Mr Kevin SIU, JP, Commissioner of Rating and Valuation, Rating and Valuation Department of the Government and Chairman of BRE Departmental Advisory Committee, Prof. LI Xiang-dong, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment of PolyU, Prof. Michael YAM and Ir Phyllis CHEN. Both awardees expressed sincere thanks to their proposers, families, friends and judges for their support.   In addition, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and proposer of Ir Dr David Kwok, delivered heartfelt remarks about his nomination and encouraged alumni to actively engage with and support their alma mater, PolyU.   The evening’s ambience was further enhanced by musical performances from Mr KONG Wai Kei (BRE Academic), Mr Duncan YUNG (BRE Alumnus) and Miss Vicky HU (BRE Student). It showcased the strong connection among the Department, alumni and students.   The Gala began earlier in the afternoon with a guided campus tour to the University Gallery and the BRE Department, etc. which allowed alumni to revisit familiar places and witness the latest developments at PolyU. The evening continued with game and lucky draw during the dinner.   We look forward to many more years of success, connection and shared achievements within the BRE community!   More pictures are available in the BRE website (Photo Gallery).  

PolyU Info Day: A Day of Discovery, Inspiration and Innovation

  Last Saturday marked a great success for PolyU Info Day, themed ‘Innovation and Diversity’.   We were delighted to welcome secondary school students, teachers and parents to our campus. It was truly inspiring to see such enthusiasm from our visitors.   Visitors explored displays showcasing our programmes and initiatives, as well as many enjoyed hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technologies at our interactive game counters, making learning both fun and immersive. Our dedicated academic staff provided personalised programme consultations, answering questions and guiding prospective students toward the best possible choices for their futures.   Our Information Seminars offered valuable insights into admission requirements and diverse pathways available in our programmes, BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies, BSc (Hons) in Building Engineering and Management, and BSc (Hons) in Surveying. Besides, our alumni shared their experiences, inspiring the next generation of leaders. One of the highlights was the Green Architecture Workshop, where participating students engaged in a hands-on and creative model-making activity. We also provided a guided tour of our CAVE Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) System to further showcase our commitment to innovation.   Thank you to everyone who visited us and contributed to the day’s success! We look forward to welcoming these students to the campus in future!

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.