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

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!

RICS Re-accredited BRE UG and TPg Programmes

We are pleased to announce that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has re-accredited our BSc (Hons) in Surveying, MSc in Construction and Real Estate, and MSc in Project Management through 2028. This recognition comes after a thorough re-accreditation process, which included an evaluation visit by the RICS team in March 2025. RICS, a globally recognised professional body, sets and enforces leading international standards, ensuring the highest level of professionalism across the built and natural environment. Their rigorous accreditation process guarantees that educational programmes deliver exceptional quality and remain relevant to the evolving needs of the industry. This re-accreditation underscores our continued commitment to advancing knowledge, cultivating future industry leaders and promoting excellence within the sector. We sincerely thank our faculty, students, alumni and industry partners for their steadfast support and valuable contributions to this achievement.  

BRE Students Achieved Gold at Chun Wo Innovation Student Awards 2024

  Well-done to Miss TAM Ka Man and Miss WONG Wing Shan, our BSc (Hons) Surveying students, Miss CHAN Lam Yan, our BSc (Hons) Building Engineering and Management student and Mr DU Haoxun, a BSc (Hons) Computer Science student, for winning the Gold Award at the ‘Chun Wo Innovation Student Awards 2024 – Engineers: Overcoming World’s Challenges’!   Under the supervision of Dr ZHANG Fan, former Research Assistant Professor of BRE, their winning project ‘Renewable Material Coagulant’ addresses global challenges by developing a low-carbon alternative to traditional cement for ground stabilisation. By utilizing industrial by-products, their solution achieves more than an 80% reduction in carbon emissions.   Selected from over 40 teams representing 18 institutions across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, the team stood out for their achievement. They received their award from Ir Michael FONG, JP, Director of the Civil Engineering and Development of the Government of the HKSAR, and warmest congratulations from Prof. Michael YAM, Head of BRE, at the Award Presentation Ceremony on 28 July 2025. The event was well attended by government officials, industry leaders and academic representatives. In addition, Chun Wo will further provide relevant resources and investment to help the winning teams bring their innovative ideas to life.

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 Students Received HKIS Scholarships

In recognition of their exceptional academic achievements and unwavering determination, our recent graduates were awarded scholarships by the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS).  The awards were presented at the ceremony in late July, with the presence of Prof. Esther YUNG, Associate Head (Teaching) of BRE who congratulated the recipients on their remarkable accomplishments.  This honour not only celebrates the hard work and dedication of our students but also underscores the continued excellence of the BRE community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following awardees: BSc (Hons) in Surveying:        CHO Phoena (1st) CHUI Hiu Fung (1st) NG Chun Yu (1st) YAU Shun Kit (1st) CHAN Hiu Ying Grace (2nd)  CHEN Yingying (2nd) TANG Ho Yeung (2nd) WONG Tak Yu (2nd)   BSc (Hons) in Property Management: CHAN Hoi Sin (1st) CHEUNG Man Kai (1st) CHENG Yee Lam (2nd) WU Yu Hei (2nd)

HKIS Outstanding Dissertation Awards 2024: Dissertation/Thesis Awards for Postgraduate Students

In recognition of our postgraduate students’ outstanding thesis, the following postgraduate students were awarded the Hong Kong Institute of Surveying – Outstanding Dissertation Awards 2024. Award Project Title Student Name Programme Supervisor Top Award (Master) The attention prediction and optimization of operation interface in a tower crane VR simulation training Mr LONG Yitian MSc in Intelligent Construction Prof. CHI Hung Lin Finalist (PhD) Construction Quality Improvement by Adopting Worker-Robot Collaboration Teams and Decentralized Blockchains Dr WU Haitao Doctor of Philosophy Prof. LI Heng Finalist (Master) The Impact of Privacy Perception on Stress Level, Spatial Evaluation, and Work Performance for Office Workers in a Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment Mr LUO Junjiang Doctor of Philosophy Prof. LEE Minhyun

HKIS Outstanding Dissertation Awards 2024: Outstanding Final Year Dissertation Awards

In recognition of our undergraduate students’ outstanding dissertations, the following undergraduate students were awarded the Hong Kong Institute of Surveying – Outstanding Dissertation Awards 2024. Award Project Title Student Name Programme Supervisor Finalist (Building Surveying) Re-evaluating Green Buildings Practices in Hong Kong: An In-depth Analysis of Obstacles and Strategies for Enhancing BEAM Plus Implementation within the Private Sector LI Yiying BSc (Hons) in Surveying Prof. TENG Yue Finalist (Building Surveying) Moving Towards a Greener City: A Critical Study of Implementation of the Green Retrofit in Existing Residential Buildings in Hong Kong SZE Shun Ching BSc (Hons) in Surveying Mr KONG Wai Kei Finalist (General Practice) The Neighborhood Effect of Public Rental Housing on the Private Residential Property Price in Hong Kong TSE Hin Ting BSc (Hons) in Surveying Prof. Jeff SHEN Jianfu Finalist (General Practice) An Empirical Study on the Feasibility of Green Retrofitting Technologies in Aged Buildings for Urban Renewal in Hong Kong WONG Lok Yung BSc (Hons) in Surveying Prof. NI Meng Finalist (Planning and Development) A critical study of the age-friendliness of public housing estate under redevelopment in building an age-friendly housing for Hong Kong: A case study of redevelopment of Pak Tin Estate CHEUNG Tsun Wai BSc (Hons) in Surveying Mr KONG Wai Kei Finalist (Planning and Development) How Railway Development has affected Urban Regeneration in Hong Kong: A Critical Study of Kowloon City District TANG Ching Yee Cherry BSc (Hons) in Surveying Sr Prof. Ivy WONG Siu Wai Finalist (Property and Facility Management) The relationship between green building and residential health in Hong Kong: Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic HUI Man Yui BSc (Hons) in Property Management Prof. Jeff SHEN Jianfu Finalist (Property and Facility Management) The Relationship between Accessibility and the Empowerment of the Elderly and People with Disabilities – A Case Study of Kwun Tong WONG Sze Lam BSc (Hons) in Property Management Prof. Esther YUNG Hiu Kwan Finalist (Quantity Surveying) A critical study on New Town Development Model in environmental sustainability – A case study of Tsuen Wan, Tai Po and Tseung Kwan O TSANG Anson BSc (Hons) in Surveying Prof. HOU Yuting Finalist (Quantity Surveying) How does an Inclusive City Promote the Well-being of Older Persons: A Case Study of Wong Tai Sin TSANG Shunki BSc (Hons) in Surveying Prof. SUN Yi  

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.

Welcome Session for the 4th Cohort of the Project Delivery Capability Programme (PDCP)

4th Cohort of the Project Delivery Capability Programme (PDCP)   The Centre for Infrastructure Delivery (CeIDE) was honoured to participate in the Welcome Session for the fourth cohort of the Project Delivery Capability Programme (PDCP) at the Central Government Offices on 17 July 2025. The PDCP, designed and delivered by CeIDE, plays a pivotal role in strengthening project delivery expertise across Hong Kong.   Organised by the Development Bureau's Project Strategy and Governance Office (PSGO), the Welcome Session was officiated by Ir Ricky LAU, Permanent Secretary for Works, alongside with PSGO's Ir Frankie FUNG, and directors of various works departments. CeIDE was represented by Prof. Albert CHAN, Director and Prof. CHAN Man Wai, Associate Director.   Ir Lau encouraged all participants to make the most of the PDCP, enhancing their skills and mindset to further elevate Hong Kong’s construction industry. This year's cohort brings together 27 senior construction professionals: 21 from government works departments and 6 from consultancy firms and other major client organizations. This demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing project delivery