News

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.    

DIREC Alumni Reunion Dinner

Recently, we have hosted an alumni reunion dinner for graduates of Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction (DIREC) programme. Attended by Prof. Michael YAM, Head of BRE, Prof. SUN Yi, Associate Head (Partnership), Prof. Daniel CHAN, DIREC Programme Leader and other BRE colleagues, this dinner provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, celebrate their achievements, and reflect on their shared experiences. This programme has united a diverse group of professionals from finance, investment, construction, real estate, project management, and building management. We are incredibly proud of their academic and personal accomplishments and are eager to see how they will continue to make impact in the field of real estate and construction.

Inauguration Ceremony of the Centre for Infrastructure Delivery

We are thrilled to announce that the Inauguration Ceremony for the Centre for Infrastructure Delivery (CeIDE) was successfully held on 28 March. The event marked a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing sustainable and resilient infrastructure delivery. We were honoured to welcome Mr. Ricky LAU, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) of Development Bureau, Prof. Xiang-dong LI, Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment and Prof. Meng NI, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment (Research) as our Guest of Honour. Esteemed guests included Mr. Joseph LO, JP, Head of the Project Strategy and Governance Office, as well as BRE Departmental Advisory Committee members Ms. Clarice YU Po Mei, JP, and Mr. LAI Kwok Hung, Sammy, along with our host, Prof. Michael YAM, Head of the Department of Building and Real Estate and Prof. Albert CHAN, M.H., Director of the CeIDE. The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Meng NI, followed by an inspiring opening address from Mr. Ricky LAU, JP. Prof. Albert CHAN then shared the vision and goals of the CeIDE, further illustrated through a showcase video. A highlight of the event was the Plaque Unveiling Ceremony. Guests were also invited to explore recent research projects along with a visit to the department facilities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating this important occasion. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future in infrastructure development! More about the Centre for Infrastructure Delivery: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/breceide/  

PolyU Ranked High in Subjects, ‘Architecture and Built Environment’ and ‘Civil and Structural Engineering’ in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

In the recent QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, PolyU has attained commendable results, with the subjects ‘Architecture and Built Environment’ and ‘Civil and Structural Engineering’ both securing the 17th position. This achievement underscores the University’s steadfast dedication to excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer. BRE is honoured to have contributed to these subject areas over the years.

Join Us for an Online Info Seminar on MSc in Intelligent Construction Programme on 15 March, 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 (15 March, 11:00am-12:00nn) now (Deadline: 12 March): https://polyu.hk/HjjDy More about #BRE: https://polyu.hk/PDFsx

Sign up for Online Info Seminar on Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction Programme on 22 March 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 22 March 2025, from 11:00am to 12:30pm. Sign up for DIREC Online Info Seminar now: https://polyu.hk/HQvbJ

Let’s take Student Exchange!

  BRE strongly encourages students to participate in outbound exchange programs and assists with credit transfer issues.  Students are eligible to apply for the GEO Scholarship/Funding of up to $19,000, provided by the Global Engagement Office (GEO), and the FCE Outbound Exchange Scholarship (OES) provided by FCE, based on the destination.    Students can gain international exposure while only paying the PolyU tuition fee. Participating in an outbound exchange is a valuable opportunity to broaden your global perspective, experience different cultures, and fulfill the academic requirements of your degree at PolyU.   In the past, BRE students have participated in exchanges in various locations, including the UK, US, Sweden, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Korea, Mainland China, and Taiwan.   Applications for outbound exchanges are accepted according to the timeline established by the Global Engagement Office (GEO) during the academic year preceding the exchange year.   For more information, please visit here: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/bre/experience-and-opportunities/student-exchange-programme/

BRE Colleagues Honoured with PolyU Long Service Award

Congratulations to Prof. Geoffrey SHEN, Prof. NI Meng, Prof. Ivy WONG, Prof. Jeff SHEN, Mr KONG Wai Kei, Mrs. Vivien KAO, Ms Chloe SHING, Ms TONG Sau Ling and Ms Teresa WONG on receiving the PolyU Long Service Award! This award honors their unwavering dedication and loyalty, which have significantly contributed to the growth and achievements of PolyU and BRE. For the awardees, these years of service are filled with cherished memories and accomplishments. Some of them, who have reached milestones of 15 years or more, were celebrated at the PolyU Long Service Award Ceremony on 21 February. We are deeply grateful to all of them and look forward to continuing our journey together!