Prof. Kwok-Fai Chung Wins Local Grand Prize at the CIC Construction Innovation Award 2025

Prof. Kwok-Fai Chung Wins Local Grand Prize at the CIC Construction Innovation Award 2025

Led by Prof. Kwok-Fai Chung, Research Professor of CEE and Former Director of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC-Steel), the project titled “Ground-breaking Application of Ultra-high Strength S960 Steel in Civil Infrastructure: Paving the Way for Hong Kong's Green Construction” has been awarded the Local Grand Prize at the Construction Industry Council (CIC) Construction Innovation Award 2025. The project, executed for the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and expected to finish this summer, was led by AECOM Asia Co. Ltd. in collaboration with the Joint Venture of Daewoo E&C, Chun Wo C&E, and Kwan Lee Holding (DCK JV). 

The prize presentation ceremony was held at the Zero Carbon Park of CIC on 21 January 2026, in the presence of around 150 construction professionals and engineers. The ceremony was officiated by Ir Prof. Thomas Ho, Chairman of CIC, who welcomed all attendees, followed by Ir Ricky Chun-kit Lau, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), HKSAR Government, who delivered the opening address and presented the prize.

Prof. Chung received the prize alongside Ir Michael Fong Hok-shing, Director of Civil Engineering and Development. Under a MOU signed between CNERC-Steel and CEDD in June 2023, Prof. Chung has provided technical support to the innovative use of ultra-high strength S960 steel in construction as stiffened box sections for Footbridges F4 and F6 to replace in-site reinforced concrete box girders This innovative approach resulted in significant savings in materials, construction cost, and time.

The Judging Panel commended the winning project for being the world's first application of S960 steel to two pedestrian bridges in the Northern Metropolitan area, effectively reducing their structural self-weight and the number of piles, leading to lower carbon emission.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to the pioneering spirit and commitment to sustainability demonstrated by Prof. Chung and his team. Their ground-breaking work not only advances the construction industry in Hong Kong, but also sets a benchmark for future innovations in green infrastructure.

https://www.polyu.edu.hk/cee/news-and-events/news/2026/20260129_news/