News

A Big Thank You for CRECCHKI’s Visit

We were honoured to welcome Prof. Charles LAM, Permanent Honorary President, Ms Natasha HO, President, Mr Raymond SOO, Vice President and members of China Real Estate Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong and International Chapter (CRECCHKI) on 22 April 2025. The visit began with a warm welcome and an introduction to the Department by Prof. Michael YAM, Head of BRE. Prof. Daniel CHAN, Programme Leader of the Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction (DIREC), then captivated the guests with an overview of DIREC’s innovative curriculum. In addition, DIREC graduates, Dr Kelvin WONG and Dr Joseph HO shared their learning experiences and how the programme shaped their careers. A highlight of the visit, elaborated by Prof. CHI Hung Lin of BRE, was the opportunity for guests to engage in VR experiences using our CAVE System and Motion Simulator. A big thank you to CRECCHKI for their visit. We hope everyone had an enjoyable time with us. We look forward to hosting another wonderful event with them in the future.

BRE PhD Graduate, Dr Nimesha Sahani JAYASENA, Appointed as Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University

  Anglia Ruskin University Dr Nimesha Sahani JAYASENA, a BRE PhD Graduate, was appointed as Senior Lecturer in Construction Project Management of the School of Engineering and the Built Environment at Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom in April 2025. Dr Jayasena completed her PhD in December 2022 with a thesis on best practice public-private partnership (PPP) models for smart infrastructure, supervised by Prof. Daniel CHAN, Associate Professor of BRE and Prof. Mohan M. KUMARASWAMY, Honorary Professor at the University of Hong Kong and Honorary Professor at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. She then worked as a Research Associate at BRE. Dr Jayasena’s research focuses on PPP, smart infrastructure, smart cities and village development, New Engineering Contract, retrofitting, and stakeholder management. She has published 11 top-tier journal articles, 10 international conference papers and a book chapter, and has received three outstanding research paper awards

BRE Research Team Won Silver Medal at International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

Congratulations to Dr Roy WANG Dong and the other team members, Dr LI Rongyan, Ms ZOU Zhe, and Mr LI Fangzheng, our research colleagues and students! The passion of Roy, Ronyan, Zhe and Fangzheng for intelligent construction has been recognised with a silver medal at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, a prestigious annual event to innovation, held in April. Under the guidance of Prof. ZAYED Tarek, Prof. CHI Hung Lin, and Prof. Geoffrey SHEN, the winning project titled ‘Intelligent Construction Site Layout Design Platform’ is the world's first Generative AI-powered tool for optimizing crane and site layouts. This innovative platform streamlines decision-making, offering engineers customizable design options through local software, online platforms, and CAD plugins. By visualizing AI-generated solutions in real-time, it revolutionizes traditional site layout practices, enhancing safety, productivity, and sustainability in the construction industry.

New Executive Committee of BREDAA

The new Executive Committee of the Building and Real Estate Departmental Alumni Association (BREDAA) was successfully elected during the Extraordinary General Meeting last evening. The election was witnessed by a representative from the Alumni Affairs Office of PolyU. The Committee Members include Ir Cr Phyllis CHEN, Sr Carmen LAI, Ir Dr David KWOK, Ir Cr Amy SIU, Mr Marco LEUNG, Sr Fiona LEUNG, Ms Michele LUI, Sr Daniel Ng, Sr Westing TSOI and Cr Dr Angela YUEN. The new Executive Committee will count on the support of all BRE alumni. The BREDAA is dedicated to fostering strong connections among the members. By facilitating networking opportunities and the exchange of knowledge, it strengthens the bond between alumni and BRE, ensuring a vibrant and supportive community for years to come. More about the BREDAA Executive Committee: https://polyu.hk/AtUmF

Join Us for an Online Info Seminar on MSc in Intelligent Construction Programme on 12 April, 11:00am-12:00nn

Unlock a wealth of knowledge of digitalisation in the construction industry! The MSc in Intelligent Construction programme is a pioneering initiative in Hong Kong, and the first of its kind. The construction sector is rapidly evolving with the adoption of 'Construction 2.0', which emphasizes a technology-driven approach to achieve 'innovation', 'professionalisation', and 'revitalisation'. This programme is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals by equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the sector's evolving needs, with a strong focus on digitalisation and technology. It covers cutting-edge Intelligent Construction Technologies (ICT) and explores the potential of construction engineering managerial skills through both theoretical and applied ICT approaches. Sign up for Online Info Seminar (12 April, 11:00am-12:00nn) now (Deadline: 10 April): https://polyu.hk/HjjDy

Sign up for Online Info Seminar on Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction Programme on 12 April 2025, 11:00am-12:30pm

The HKSAR Government has introduced transformative policies re-shaping the construction and real estate sectors in recent years. These changes open up exciting opportunities for professionals ready to lead innovative and large-scale projects in Hong Kong and beyond. Our Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction Programme (DIREC) 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 address the demands of innovative and large-scale projects in Hong Kong and beyond. To embark on your journey to new heights, you are encouraged to attend our online Info Seminar on 12 April 2025, from 11:00am to 12:30pm. Sign up for DIREC Online Info Seminar now: https://polyu.hk/HQvbJ

Campus Visit by Shung Tak Catholic English College

A warm welcome was extended to the students and a teacher from Shung Tak Catholic English College in early April. During their visit, to provide them with a comprehensive overview of our undergraduate programmes, Mr. KONG Wai Kei, our Admission Officer, delivered an informative presentation. They were also captivated by the opportunity to engage with our advanced technologies, including the CAVE system and building information modelling. The interactive experiences offered them valuable insights into the innovative tools and methodologies that are shaping the future of construction and engineering. We hope their visit inspired curiosity and excitement about the possibilities within these fields.

Visit by Students of Youth Mentorship Scheme

Organised by the Building Healthy Kowloon City Association and supported by the Home Affairs Department of Kowloon City District Office, a group of secondary school students and mentors from the Youth Mentorship Scheme, paid a visit to BRE in April. They were warmly welcomed by Prof. CHI Hung Lin, Associate Professor of BRE. They explored our department's undergraduate programmes and cutting-edge facilities, including the CAVE system, motion simulator and 3D printing technology for construction. The hands-on experiences provided them with valuable insights into the exciting possibilities within the field of construction. We hope this visit inspired these young minds to pursue studies and careers in construction innovation and technology.

Miss CHONG Hung Lee Honoured with Presidential Student Leadership Award 2024

Our surveying student, Miss CHONG Hung Lee received the ‘Presidential Student Leadership Award 2024’ in recognition of her leadership skills! PolyU launched this Award in the academic year 2022/23 with the purpose of recognising our student leaders and encouraging them to realise their full potential. Hung Lee said, “Receiving the Presidential Student Leadership Award is a profound honour that fills me with pride and gratitude. It symbolises the trust PolyU has placed in my potential as a leader and change-maker. This award acknowledges the values I strive to uphold: responsibility, compassion and service.” Drawing upon her experiences, such as working with children in Taiwan and Nepal, she aims to foster socially responsive change in the built environment. She added, “I am deeply thankful for this award, which encourages me to keep learning, growing and giving back, particularly, for the profession and the communities.”

Mr Matthew YAU Shun Kit Selected as The Outstanding BRE Student 2024/25

Congratulations to Mr Matthew YAU Shun Kit, a BRE Surveying student, on being selected as the recipient of ‘The Outstanding Student Award of  the Department of Building and Real Estate’! In recognition of Matthew’s remarkable accomplishments and contributions, he was presented with the Award by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, at the Presentation Ceremony in April. The event was marked with warm congratulations and enthusiastic applause from all in attendance. The PolyU Outstanding Student Awards aim to recognise full-time final-year students for their excellence in both academic and non-academic endeavours. The Awards are presented annually at department, faculty and university levels. Matthew said, “I am truly honoured to receive the Outstanding Student Award of BRE. This recognition inspires me to push beyond my current accomplishments, explore new opportunities and embrace greater challenges with unwavering determination.” He further shared, “One of my most transformative experiences was participating in the Chartered Institute of Building’s Global Student Challenge 2024.  Representing PolyU, our team won third place from among more than 40 teams worldwide for designing a reusable temporary housing solution for NGOs. The design can function as a home, school or medical centre in post-war and earthquake relief situations. This experience made me realise that I could contribute to improving the lives of those in need through my expertise and creativity, especially in our ever-changing world where conflicts and disasters are increasingly common.” For Matthew, being an outstanding student extends beyond academic success; it also involves giving back to the community.  Receiving this Award validates his dedication and inspires him to contribute even more to society in the next chapter of his life.