News

BSc (Hons) Architectural Studies Workshop

This month, we had the privilege of hosting an engaging workshop for secondary schools to introduce our upcoming BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies programme. The fruitful day was filled with a captivating talk, demonstrations and hands-on experiences. The participating students got a preview of this new programme and engaged in an interactive architecture game. During their visit, the students also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in virtual reality experiences using our Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) System and Motion Simulator, and explore Building Information Modelling (BIM). These activities offered valuable insights into the application of cutting-edge technologies in the construction industry. The BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies programme is hosted by BRE and co-hosted by the PolyU School of Design, for the 2025/26 cohort. The programme aims to provide quality education to familiarise architectural students with the latest advanced technology such as Artificial Intelligence, Building Information Modelling and advanced construction technology relating to architecture, construction, building materials and building services to respond to issues of sustainable development in the built environment. The uniqueness of the programme lies in the integration of knowledge and analytical tools, digital skills and transferable skills with design capabilities for the needs of the architecture profession. Stay tuned for more exciting events!

Unlocking Insights into Real Estate Market at BRE Distinguished Lecture

To ring in the Chinese New Year, last Thursday’s BRE Distinguished Lecture came with our incredible speaker, Prof. Abdullah YAVAS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prof. Yavas shared his words of wisdom on the topic, ‘Real Estate Bubbles and an Update on US Real Estate Markets’ on 13 February. His insights are particularly timely as we navigate the complexities of the current real estate landscape. We are grateful to Prof. Yavas and all participants. This signature event aims to strengthen the connections among BRE, academia and industry. It serves as a key to unlocking fresh ideas, providing an ideal platform for industrial professionals, alumni, colleagues and students to engage in advanced learning.

Campus Visit by Santa Laurensia High School (Indonesia)

Thank you to Santa Laurensia High School (Indonesia) for spending a morning with us this month. The visit was designed to help them explore our undergraduate offerings, learning opportunities and latest development to assist in their academic selection. Prof. Charles WONG, Associate Dean (Teaching & Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, kicked off the morning with a briefing. The highlight of the visit was the hands-on experience we provided. Students immersed themselves in cutting-edge virtual reality using our Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) System and Motion Simulator, etc. They gained firsthand insight into the advanced technologies shaping the construction industry. We look forward to welcoming them back to our campus again!

Establishment of Centre for Infrastructure Delivery

We are pleased to share that Prof. Albert CHAN has transitioned from Chair Professor to Distinguished Research Professor and has taken on the role of Director of the newly established Centre for Infrastructure Delivery (CeIDE), which we expect inaugurating in March. CeIDE aims to be a hub for research, innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, addressing the challenges and opportunities in Infrastructure Delivery. Its mission is to enhance the capabilities of project leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders through executive training programs, advancing research in infrastructure delivery, and providing high-level support to the HKSAR Government and other key stakeholders. We invite you to join us on this journey! Visit our official website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/brecide to learn more and support our initiatives. Feel free to share this exciting news with your colleagues and friends! Stay tuned for our Centre's leaflet, coming soon to the general office! Together, let’s make a difference in infrastructure delivery!

Gathering with Inbound Exchange Students

We have recently hosted a warm and welcoming gathering for five inbound students from Aston University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and South China University of Technology. Prof. Michael YAM, Head, Prof. SUN Yi, Associate Head (Partnership), and Prof. YI Wen, Student Exchange Officer from BRE, were delighted to welcome the students, providing them with a briefing and ensuring they feel at home. This event also offered an ideal opportunity for connection. We hope they have settled in well and are excited to support them during their stay in Hong Kong!

Sign up for an Online Info Seminar on MSc in Construction and Real Estate Programme on 15 Feb 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm

Are you ready to gain fresh insights and make a significant impact on your career? Let's embark on a lifelong learning journey that will help you excel in today's construction and real estate industry. Our MSc in Construction and Real Estate Programme is designed for graduates and professionals, who are qualified in architecture, building, building services engineering, building surveying, civil engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, project management, property management, real estate or town planning at various levels of responsibility. It offers students the flexibility to choose subjects from the disciplines of construction, planning and development or commercial property. Sign up for Online Info Seminar (15 February, 2:00pm-3:00pm; Registration deadline: 12 February) now: https://polyu.hk/HjjDy

Sign up for an Online Info Seminar on Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction Programme on 22 Feb, 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 tackle the challenges of these sectors. The programme has received highly positive feedback from the members of the validation panel, including Dr CHEUNG Tin Cheung, former Director of Buildings of HKSAR Government, Dr Tony LEUNG, former President of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, and Prof. Makarand HASTAK from Purdue University. To learn more about DIREC, sign up for Online Info Seminar now (22 February, 11:00am-12:30pm; Registration deadline: 18 February): https://polyu.hk/HQvbJ

Career Talk by Rating and Valuation Department

We were glad to host a career talk by the Rating and Valuation Department of the HKSAR Government in late January. The event began with greetings from Prof. Ivy WONG, Award Co-ordinator of the BSc (Hons) in Surveying programme, and Prof. Michael SING, Assistant Professor of BRE. A heartfelt thank you to our speakers, Ms CHEUNG Yuen Kei and Ms CHENG Wing Ka, both Valuation Surveyors, and Ms HUI Sin Yee, a Valuation Surveying Graduate, for sharing their expertise and experiences with us. Our students from the BSc (Hons) in Surveying programme and the BSc (Hons) in Property Management programme, particularly, the final-year students, gained valuable insights into the dynamic world of valuation and the exciting career opportunities that lie ahead. Stay tuned for more events!

Chinese New Year Greetings from Department of Building and Real Estate, PolyU

We wish you a prosperous Chinese New Year filled with happiness, good health and success! (Animated e-card)

Prof. Jeff SHEN’s Success in Securing CEPU PPR Grants

Good things come in pairs! Congratulations to Prof. Jeff SHEN, Assistant Professor of BRE, on being awarded grants from the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (2024/25) by the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit for his two outstanding projects! Prof. Shen’s two granted projects are entitled ‘Climate Policy Risk and Green Infrastructure Financing in the Belt and Road Initiative: Policy Implications for Infrastructure Loan Securitisation’ and ‘Developing a MiC Data Platform for Reusable Modules in the Transitional Housing Projects: Towards a Circular Economy’. The Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) is dedicated to fostering public policy discussions, enhancing policy formulation to address societal needs, and nurturing the talents essential for future advancements. Congratulations once again to Prof. Shen on his remarkable achievements and contributions to impactful research! More about Prof. Jeff SHEN:https://www.polyu.edu.hk/bre/people/academic-staff/dr-jeff-jianfu-shen/