Faculty of Construction and Environment
Study
Graduate 2023
Recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU FCE 2024,
Recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award of PolyU BRE 2024,
BRE Departmental Alumni Association - Honorary Secretary
Construction
Having dedicated more than ten years to the engineering and construction industry, I have accumulated extensive experience across both civil engineering and building projects. Throughout my professional career, I have witnessed first-hand the rapid transformation of the built environment sector, driven by evolving market conditions, technological advancement and changing expectations from stakeholders across society.
In this increasingly complex environment, industry practitioners must develop not only technical expertise but also strategic perspectives and advanced analytical capabilities. A doctoral programme provides an opportunity to critically examine industry practices and explore innovative approaches that may address persistent challenges within the construction sector.
Despite its technological progress, the construction industry remains highly labour-intensive, characterised by long working hours, operational inefficiencies and a relatively high risk of human error. These factors have direct implications for both productivity and work safety. I therefore see doctoral-level research as an important platform to investigate how emerging technologies, improved management frameworks and data-driven decision-making can contribute to safer, more efficient and more sustainable construction practices.
Pursuing a doctorate enables me to bridge professional experience with academic research, with the ultimate goal of contributing practical insights to the future development of the real estate and construction industry.
The DIREC programme at PolyU presents a unique opportunity to integrate academic research with practical industry application. As a professional doctorate, the programme is specifically designed for practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of the built environment while continuing to engage with real-world industry challenges.
My professional interests span several interconnected areas, including project management practices, digital technologies applied to the construction sector, and the economic and planning dynamics that shape urban development. The interdisciplinary nature of the DIREC programme enables students to explore these fields in a holistic manner, fostering a deeper understanding of how technological innovation, management strategies and policy frameworks interact within the real estate and construction sectors.
On top of that, PolyU has long been internationally recognised for its strength in built environment disciplines. The University’s strong academic reputation, together with the programme’s emphasis on practical application, makes the DIREC programme an ideal environment for experienced professionals seeking to develop research that can generate meaningful impact within the industry.
As a graduate of the 2023 cohort - the inaugural class, studying in the DIREC programme has been a highly enriching experience that combines academic research with practical industry insights. The programme brings together experienced professionals from different areas of the built environment sector, creating a stimulating environment for knowledge exchange and discussion.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme has been the guidance and support provided by the professors who are both academically accomplished and closely connected to industry practice. Their willingness to share their expertise and perspectives has greatly enhanced the relevance of the learning experience.
The programme also served as an important platform for developing research that connects theory with real-world applications. During my studies, I published several papers examining the adoption of digital technologies and prefabrication in construction, including “Comprehensive evaluation of digital technology's effects on the supply chain of prefabricated construction” (Kwok & Chang, 2024), “Understanding client satisfaction of prefabricated curtain wall in Hong Kong using XGBoost and Pearson correlation” (Kwok, Chang & Li, 2025), and “Factors affecting unitized curtain wall system adoption for Hong Kong's high-rise residential buildings: a multi-stakeholder perspective” (Kwok, Chang & Li, 2024).
Overall, the programme has strengthened my ability to connect academic research with professional practice and industry innovation.
The DIREC programme has had a significant impact on how I approach both professional practice and industry challenges. It has strengthened my ability to analyse complex issues from a strategic perspective, combining academic research methodologies with practical industry insights.
One of the key outcomes of the programme is the development of a more structured and analytical approach to problem-solving within the built environment sector. The knowledge gained from the programme allows me to critically evaluate existing practices and explore innovative solutions that may enhance efficiency, sustainability and safety within construction and real estate development.
Looking forward, I expect the knowledge and research developed through the programme to contribute not only to my own professional development but also to the broader industry. By bridging academic theory with practical implementation, I hope to promote the adoption of new technologies, improved management strategies and more sustainable development practices within the construction sector.
Ultimately, the programme has reinforced my commitment to contributing to the long-term advancement of the real estate and construction industry through both professional practice and research.
For professionals considering the DIREC programme, my advice is to approach the experience with both curiosity and commitment. The programme is intellectually demanding, but it offers a valuable opportunity to expand one’s perspective beyond day-to-day professional practice.
Candidates should be prepared to engage critically with industry issues and to challenge conventional thinking. The programme encourages participants to connect academic concepts with real-world applications, which can lead to meaningful insights and innovative ideas for improving industry practices.
Another important aspect of the programme is the opportunity to interact with professionals from diverse sectors of the built environment industry. These interactions often lead to valuable discussions and collaborations that enrich the overall learning experience.
For those who are passionate about advancing the real estate and construction sector, the DIREC programme provides a unique platform to develop deeper knowledge, broaden professional networks and contribute to the future development of the industry.
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