News

The Inaugural CMI Reception Marked an Exciting New Chapter

《The Inaugural CMI Reception Marked an Exciting New Chapter》 The Inaugural CMI Reception marked a momentous occasion on 29 July as our very first large-scale gathering under our new name—the Department of Construction Management and Intelligence (CMI)! As our premier annual gathering, the event was a wonderful celebration of both our rich legacy and exciting evolution toward a more innovative future in built environment education. It also served as an ideal platform for networking and bonding among industry practitioners, professional institutions, donors, alumni, Work-Integrated Education representatives, mentors, faculty members and students. Most importantly, it provided us with the opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for their unwavering support. Following a warm welcoming speech by Prof. Michael YAM, Head of CMI, the evening was graced by our Guest of Honour, Sr Kevin SIU Ka Yin, JP, Commissioner of Rating and Valuation of the HKSAR Government and Chairman of our Departmental Advisory Committee. His insightful remarks made the occasion memorable. Expressing the collective gratitude of our graduating students, Mr Andrew PANG Yin Yui, Outstanding Student of the Department 2025/26, then proposed a vote of thanks. The atmosphere was made even more vibrant through lively student performances by Andrew and Mr Kevin CHEN Jiaxuan as well as the engaging games. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in marking this exciting new chapter! More photos are available on our website. https://polyu.hk/RfrAb

Joint Institutional and Cross-Disciplines Discussion Forum: How Data Technology Applies in Construction Industry

《Joint Institutional and Cross-Disciplines Discussion Forum: How Data Technology Applies in Construction Industry》 Last Friday, the PolyU campus hosted the Joint Institutional and Cross-Disciplinary Discussion Forum on ‘How Data Technology Applies in the Construction Industry’. The Forum was jointly organised by the Department of Construction Management and Intelligence (CMI) of PolyU, the Department’s Alumni Association (BREDAA), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors-Building Surveying Division (HKIS BSD) and the Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers (HKICM). We were inspired to receive such wonderful support from the industry professions, including over 800 online and in-person registrations. The event was kicked off with a warm welcome speech by Prof. Esther YUNG, Associate Head (Teaching) of CMI at PolyU. Under the expert moderation of Ms Ivy LAM, Director of Ankura, our panel of distinguished speakers, Ir Dr Derick PANG, JP, CEO of Asia Allied Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.; Ir Terence LUI, Founder & CEO of Varadise Ltd. and Mr Xiangrui KONG, Managing Director of Ankura shared invaluable and multi-disciplinary insights on operational optimisation, data sharing and digital infrastructure security in smart construction. A special thanks to everyone who made the event a great success, particularly, our distinguished guests, the BREDAA Executive Committee and the organising team. We look forward to more inspiring collaborations ahead!

Prof. ZAYED Tarek’s Research Featured on Croucher Foundation Website

《Prof. ZAYED Tarek’s Research Featured on Croucher Foundation Website》 How can we protect public health through smarter cities? To protect public health, Prof. ZAYED Tarek, Professor of CMI and his team are leading the way with a breakthrough approach to urban sewer system management. This impactful work is well featured on the website of Croucher Foundation.  Read the story now: https://croucher.org.hk/en/news/ai-goes-underground-to-track-sewer-risks More about Prof. ZAYED Tarek: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/cmi/people/academic-staff/prof-tarek-zayed/

CMI Student Awarded HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship

《CMI Student Awarded HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship》 Well-done to Mr Hugo CHEUNG Pak Yin, a student of our BSc (Hons) in Surveying programme, who has been awarded the HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship for the 2025/26 academic year! This well-deserved recognition highlights Hugo’s exceptional academic performance and dedicated community involvement. Throughout his studies, he has demonstrated a strong professional drive and global perspective, gaining hands-on experience through quantity and building surveying internships, heritage preservation work in Germany and BIM research in South Korea. The achievements of this year’s cohort were celebrated at the HSBC Scholars Day at the HSBC Main Building where Ms Joyce CHEUNG, Section Head (Student Resources and Support), commended the awardees. Since launching its first scholarship scheme in 1965, HSBC has been dedicated to empowering young talent to excel professionally and give back to society. The rigorous selection process evaluates academic excellence, English proficiency, leadership, commitment to service and overall potential. Join us in celebrating Hugo’s brilliant achievement!

BRE Connected – June 2026 Issue

《BRE Connected – June 2026 Issue》 The newest edition of ‘BRE Connected’ is out now! Discover a vibrant collection of stories that brings you closer to our community, featuring the latest updates on our research, teaching, and collaborative partnerships. (Full Version:https://polyu.hk/Hfsse ).

Renaming of the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

《Renaming of the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University》 We are pleased to announce that, effective 1 July 2026, the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE) will be renamed the Department of Construction Management and Intelligence (CMI) [建設管理及智能學系]. Approved by the Senate, this milestone marks an important step in our continued evolution. Building on our legacy since 1993, the new name reflects our commitment to innovation, industry advancement, and leadership in shaping the future of the built environment through excellence in education, research, and professional practice. Our Bachelor’s and postgraduate programmes will remain unchanged while we embed AI, digital construction, and smart technologies across our curriculum and research initiatives. We remain dedicated to delivering top-tier education, advancing impactful research, and serving the wider community. Thank you for your continued support as we enter this exciting new chapter.

Congratulations to Sr LAI Carmen on Receiving the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU BRE 2026

《Congratulations to Sr LAI Carmen on Receiving the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU BRE 2026》 Sr Carmen LAI, a graduate of our BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying programme, has received the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU BRE 2026. This award recognises her exceptional professional achievements and vital contributions to the Department, PolyU and the wider community. Her dedication and impact have earned her the very well-deserved honour. Join us in congratulating Sr Lai on her success!

Prof. CHI Hung Lin Shared Insights on GenAI in Assessment

《Prof. CHI Hung Lin Shared Insights on GenAI in Assessment》 Prof. CHI Hung Lin, our Associate Head (Research), has been recently invited by the University’s Educational Development Centre to discuss his forward-thinking work on GenAI-in-assessment innovations. In the interview, Prof. Chi shared his valuable experience in redesigning assessments to integrate GenAI, fostering active learning and boosting student engagement. He also highlighted the encouraging feedback received from his students. This paves the path forward to shape the future of education. Check out the full interview here: https://polyu.hk/uCwFb

BRE Retreat

《BRE Retreat》 Against a perfect backdrop of a stunning sky, the BRE Retreat was a great success last week. As an important part of our agenda, the two-day retreat provided a valuable platform for colleagues to share achievements for the academic year and engage in productive discussions on key topics across partnership, teaching and research for our forward planning. In a supportive atmosphere, colleagues presented ideas and exchanged insights which made the days both fruitful and enjoyable.

《BRE Distinguished Lecture》

《BRE Distinguished Lecture》 Last evening marked a significant chapter for our signature event, the ‘BRE Distinguished Lecture’ series. The comprehensive presentation by Ir Prof. Thomas HO On-sing, JP, on ‘Be the Excellence for Future Construction Industry’ was met with resounding applause. As the Chairman of the Construction Industry Council and the recipient of both the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award and the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU BRE, Ir Prof. Ho delivered an inspiring lecture, taking us on a journey through the realms of AI and digitalisation in construction. We hope the participating students, alumni, colleagues and industry professionals enjoyed a rewarding evening.