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Dr Ericson LAU

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Dr Ericson LAU

Dr Ericson LAU

Graduate 2025

Educational Background

  • Engineering and Built Environment (Real Estate and Construction)
  • Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction (DIREC)

Industry Sector

Engineering, Construction Technology, ESG and Digital Infrastructure

Career/Job Position

Founder & Director, ESG VISA

Key Professional Achievements

  • Founder of ESG VISA, a technology platform for ESG compliance reporting, green building grading, and digital building identities. The project has been supported by innovation programmes including the HKSTP Ideation Programme and PolyU Micro Fund.
  • Published academic research on circular buildings, ESG-driven sustainability frameworks, and digital technologies for green construction in international conferences and journals. 
  • Silver Winner of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area Innovation Awards (Technology & Invention Category, 2025). 


Reasons for Pursuing a Doctorate Programme

My motivation for pursuing the Doctor of Real Estate and Construction programme was to deepen my understanding of the complex challenges facing the built environment, particularly in sustainability, ESG governance, and digital transformation. With practical experience in engineering projects and technology development, I wanted to strengthen my ability to integrate academic research with real-world industry solutions. The Doctoral Programme provided a valuable opportunity to bridge research, innovation, and commercialization in the Construction and Real Estate sector.

Why do you choose PolyU DIREC Programme

The PolyU DIREC programme stands out because of its strong connection with industry and its focus on addressing real challenges in the built environment. PolyU has long been recognized as a leading institution in Construction, Real Estate, and Engineering disciplines. The programme provides a unique platform where professionals can conduct applied research while continuing to engage with industry practices. This balance between academic rigor and practical relevance made DIREC the ideal choice for my doctoral studies.

Overall Learning Experience from Studying DIREC Programme

The learning experience in the DIREC programme has been both intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding. Through research training, seminars, and collaboration with supervisors and peers, I gained deeper insights into sustainability, circular construction, and digital technologies for the built environment. The programme also encouraged interdisciplinary thinking and helped me develop stronger analytical and research skills, which are essential for addressing complex industry challenges.

Outcomes/Expectations from Studying DIREC Programme

The doctoral journey has significantly shaped my professional direction. My research contributed to the development of frameworks for circular buildings and ESG-driven sustainability strategies. These ideas also influenced the creation of the ESG VISA platform, which aims to integrate technology, ESG governance, and digital infrastructure for sustainable assets. The programme has therefore strengthened my ability to translate research into practical innovations with real industry impact.

Advice for Prospective Candidates

For professionals considering the DIREC programme, my advice is to approach the doctoral journey with curiosity, perseverance, and a willingness to explore interdisciplinary ideas. The programme requires dedication, but it also offers an excellent opportunity to develop deeper expertise and contribute meaningful research to the industry. If you are passionate about shaping the future of the built environment, the DIREC programme can be a highly rewarding experience.

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