Educational Background
- Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health
- Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Structural Engineering
- Master of Science in Construction Management (Construction Project Management)
- NEC4: ECC Project Manager Accreditation
Industry Sector
Construction
Career/Job Position
- Co-founder, Perpetual Construction Limited
- Part-time Lecturer, VTC / Thei
Key Professional Achievements
I am a Chartered Civil Engineer (RPE, CEng MICE, MHKIE) with over 20 years of progressive experience delivering complex infrastructure and foundation projects in Hong Kong, managing contracts exceeding HK$1.4 billion. My technical expertise encompasses deep foundations including diaphragm walls, large-diameter bored piles, 610mm diameter rock-socketed steel H-piles, auger, mini, and pipe piles as well as ELS, site formation and substructure works.
I have played a pivotal role in supervising major civil works such as the Tuen Mun–Chek Lap Kok Link, Central–Wan Chai Bypass and the Express Rail Link. Recently, I led a HK$1.4 billion sewerage project under the NEC4 ECC Option C framework where I pioneered the integration of BIM and the Smart Site Safety System (4S) to enhance operational efficiency.
Beyond site delivery, I am an Accredited NEC4 Project Manager and an approved ICE mentor, dedicated to resolving complex contractual disputes and fostering the next generation of engineers. My commitment to the industry is further demonstrated through my role as a part-time lecturer at THEi/VTC. Academically, I have maintained a trajectory of excellence, earning four consecutive commendation letters during my doctoral coursework at PolyU. This unique blend of high-level project leadership, technical mastery and scholarly rigor underscores my ability to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of construction governance and reform.
Reasons for Pursuing a Doctorate Programme
My motivation for pursuing a doctorate lies in bridging practice and academia to reform contract administration. Having managed projects under NEC and GCC frameworks, I observed inefficiencies in risk allocation, dispute resolution and stakeholder collaboration. The doctorate provides a platform to critically analyse these issues and propose reforms that enhance transparency, accountability and project performance. My thesis, Application of New Engineering Contract (NEC) Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) – New Works from Public Sector in Hong Kong: An Empirical Study of Current Status, Benefits, Challenges and Project Performance, reflects this ambition. The four commendations I earned from PolyU affirm my academic capability and reinforce my determination to contribute to both industry reform and scholarly discourse.
Why do you choose PolyU DIREC Programme
PolyU’s Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction (DIREC) is my definitive choice because it is the preeminent platform for bridging high-level professional practice with transformative academic research. As a practitioner with over 20 years of experience in Hong Kong’s infrastructure sector, I require a program that offers both international breadth and localized depth.
The DIREC programme’s unique emphasis on governance, reform, and international standards perfectly aligns with my research into the NEC framework and its application in the public sector. My decision is further reinforced by my proven track record within the university by having earned four consecutive commendation letters during my doctoral coursework, I have experienced firsthand the program’s rigorous intellectual environment and the exceptional support of its distinguished faculty.
PolyU’s status as a global leader in construction research provides the interdisciplinary resources necessary to analyze complex issues like risk allocation and contract administration. Choosing DIREC is a strategic commitment to evolving into a scholar-leader, providing the ideal ecosystem to refine my vision for a more transparent, collaborative and efficient construction industry.
Overall Learning Experience from Studying DIREC Programme
PolyU’s Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction (DIREC) offers the ideal environment to align my professional expertise with academic inquiry. As Hong Kong’s leading institution in construction research, PolyU provides distinguished faculty, interdisciplinary resources and strong industry partnerships. The program’s international perspective complements my experience with NEC4 and global contract frameworks while its emphasis on governance and reform supports my thesis focus on NEC adoption in Hong Kong’s public sector. My consecutive commendations from PolyU highlight the program’s rigorous yet supportive environment which fosters excellence. Choosing PolyU DIREC reflects my commitment to advancing both scholarly contributions and practical reforms in construction governance.
Outcomes/Expectations from Studying DIREC Programme
The DIREC programme is the catalyst for my possible transition from an experienced practitioner to a scholar in capable of driving systemic reform in Hong Kong’s construction industry. My primary expectation is to produce a definitive empirical framework through my thesis on NEC ECC implementation. By identifying the root causes of inefficiencies in public sector contracting, I aim to provide policymakers with evidence-based strategies to optimize risk allocation, minimize disputes and enhance project transparency.
The impact of this study extends beyond academic discourse which it is designed to be a practical toolkit for the industry. I expect to leverage the rigorous training from PolyU to develop "best-practice" protocols that bridge the gap between the theoretical intent of NEC and the practical realities of complex infrastructure delivery. Furthermore, as an ICE mentor and NEC4 Project Manager, I intend to use my doctoral findings to modernize the training of junior engineers, fostering a new generation of professionals who prioritize collaborative contracting over adversarial litigation.
Ultimately, I expect the DIREC programme to solidify my position as a leading authority in contract governance. By blending my 20 years of site experience with scholarly rigor, I will contribute to Hong Kong’s evolution as a global hub for construction excellence, ensuring that the city’s multi-billion-dollar infrastructure pipeline is managed with world-class efficiency and accountability.
Advice for Prospective Candidates
Prospective candidates should approach DIREC with clear purpose, resilience and a readiness to integrate theory with practice. The programme demands rigorous research, critical analysis and examiner focused writing. Leveraging professional experience to identify real world problems is essential while openness to philosophical and methodological critique enriches the research journey. Time management and perseverance are key, inter alia, in balancing coursework and thesis writing. My four commendations from PolyU demonstrate that consistent effort and discipline are rewarded. Above all, candidates should view the doctorate not merely as a credential, but as an opportunity to contribute to industry reform, academic discourse and the development of future professionals.
