News

Exploring MiC Technology Applied at Public Housing Development Construction Site

In November, approximately 40 students from BSc (Hons) in Building Engineering and Management (BEM), accompanied by Dr FAN Hong Qin and Mr KONG Wai Kei, visited the construction site of a public housing development in Tuen Mun. The project is spearheaded by Lanon Development Ltd and Able Engineering Co. Ltd. During the visit, students engaged with industry professionals, including two BEM graduates, Ir Vincent CHOW, a site agent, and Mr Bernard CHEUNG, Director of Lanon Development Ltd. The students gained invaluable insights into the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) mock-up of the project, which includes three high-rise buildings—the tallest public housing development utilising MiC technology in Hong Kong. The visit also featured a recruitment talk that highlighted career paths within both companies and showcased promising opportunities in Hong Kong's evolving construction landscape.

BRE iOptiCrane Team Won First Place at Cornell EMI Pitch Competition

In November 2024, the iOptiCrane team from BRE secured first place at the ‘Cornell EMI Pitch Competition,’ an international entrepreneurship event that gathers startups from around the world, held in New York, USA. iOptiCrane is the world’s first AI-empowered platform designed to automatically create tower crane layouts for Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and traditional construction projects. This platform can enhance layout design efficiency by over 90%, reduce crane collision risks by 81%, and decrease crane operation duration and carbon emissions by 38%. The team members of iOptiCrane include Dr Dong WANG, Ms Rongyan LI, and Ms Zhe ZOU, under the supervision of Prof. Tarek ZAYED, Dr CHI Hung Ling , and Prof. Geoffrey SHEN.

Invitation to Online Info Seminars on Taught Postgraduate Programmes

Enhancing your career development and aspiration fulfillment with us! What better way to learn more about our Taught Postgraduate Programmes than by joining our coming Online Info Seminars? Applications are now invited to our taught postgraduate programmes in construction and real estate (Sept 2025 entry): o Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction (DIREC)(Pioneer in Hong Kong) o MSc in Construction and Real Estate (CRE) o MSc in Intelligent Construction (IC) o MSc in Project Management (PM) Sign up for DIREC Online Info Seminar now: https://polyu.hk/HQvbJ Sign up for Online Info Seminars (Master Programmes) now: https://polyu.hk/HjjDy 建筑及房地产学系修课式硕博课程宣讲会 快来报名！ 想要在职场上更上一层楼？快来报名参加我们的课程宣讲会，了解建筑及房地产学系修课式硕博课程。 理大建筑及房地产学系修课式硕博课程现正接受申请（2025年9月入学）： o 国际房地产及建筑博士 (DIREC) (香港首个) o 建筑及房地产学理学硕士 (CRE) o 智能建造理学硕士 (IC) o 项目管理理学硕士(PM) 报名参加国际房地产及建筑博士 (DIREC)课程宣讲会: https://polyu.hk/HQvbJ 报名参加硕士课程课程宣讲会: https://polyu.hk/HjjDy

BSc (Hons) Architectural Studies Workshop

To celebrate the launch of our new BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies, we tailored a workshop for students from various secondary schools this month. This event provided an opportunity for prospective students to learn about the admissions requirements, explore the unique characteristics of the architectural world and discover potential career paths in the field. During the visit, students were introduced to the curriculum and participated in an engaging architecture game designed to familiarise them with some of the world's most famous buildings. In addition, a laboratory tour offered them a first-hand look at the innovative technologies available to our students. This immersive experience aimed to inspire the next generation of architects and ignite their passion for the built environment.  

MSc in International Real Estate Graduates Visited BRE

Forty-four graduates of the MSc in International Real Estate programme (IRE) visited BRE to meet Dr Stanley YEUNG, the programme leader and their dissertation supervisors. Dr SUN Yi, Associate Head of BRE, greeted and congratulated them on officially becoming BRE alumni on the day of their graduation in November.  

PolyU's 30th Congregation (BRE Session)

On 13 November, nearly 400 BRE students celebrated their graduation, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. This celebration not only honoured their hard work and dedication but also highlighted their potential to drive societal progress and innovation in the construction sector. We were honoured to have Dr CHEUNG Tin Cheung, SBS, recipient of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2023, as our Guest of Honour for the Congregation. During the event, Prof. LI Xiang-dong, the Faculty Dean and Prof. Michael YAM, Head of BRE, extended their heartfelt congratulations to each graduate on stage. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of PolyU's gaining university status, we invite our graduates to stay connected and share their future achievements with us.

Join BRE and Lead the Future of the Built Environment!

• Discover our new programme, 'BSc (Hons) Architectural Studies', hosted by Department of Building and Real Estate, and co-hosted by School of Design, PolyU, for 2025/26 Intake • Discover the leading programmes, 'BSc (Hons) Building Engineering and Management', and 'BSc (Hons) Surveying' • Experience digitalisation and cutting-edge technologies like CAVE system, robotics, VR, AR, Landlink Technology and BIM • Achieve professional recognition from HKIE, HKIS, HKICM, PMSA, CIOB and RICS, with recognition varying by programmes • Connect with a robust network of remarkable alumni, industry professionals and government bodies • Prepare for a promising career as a Professional Architect, Engineer or Surveyor • Explore new admission pathways offering extensive choices and flexibility Take the first step towards an empowering future!    

BRE Gathering for Exchange Students

In November, we hosted a gathering with five inbound students from Oxford Brookes University, Chongqing University, Aston University, Xiamen University and the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon, and our BRE students who are going on overseas exchange this year. The gathering provided an ideal opportunity for cultural exchange and networking.  

BRE Scholars Ranked Among Top 2% of Scientists in the World

  Congratulations to 11 BRE colleagues of being ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists, by Stanford University in 2024! The rankings reflect the significant influence and research excellence of BRE scholars, who are committed to furthering their knowledge for the benefit of the world.   BRE scholars include (in alphabetical order): Dr ANWER Shahnawaz Prof. Albert CHAN Dr Daniel CHAN Prof. Edwin CHAN Dr CHIANG Yat Hung* Dr Patrick LAM* Prof. LI Heng Prof. NI Meng Prof. Geoffrey SHEN Prof. Michael YAM and Prof. Tarek ZAYED   *retired from BRE   Stanford University has made publicly available, a database of top-cited scientists, offering standardized information on citations, h-index, co-authorship adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions and a composite indicator (c-score). Scientists are classified into 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields according to the standard Science-Metrix classification.  

Welcomed Students and Teacher from St. Peter’s Secondary School

On 1 November 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting students and a teacher from St. Peter’s Secondary School. In this visit, Dr SUN Yi, Dr CHI Hung Lin, Dr Tris KEE, and Mr KONG Wai Kei welcomed them and delivered a comprehensive overview of BRE programmes, admissions details, career paths, the implementation of advanced technologies and the industrial development. Best wishes for their success in HKDSE!