News

Strengthening Ties with RISM Sarawak

It was our privilege to welcome a delegation from the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia Sarawak Branch (RISM Sarawak), led by the Chairperson, Sr Bong Lee Hong this month. Prof. Michael YAM, Head of BRE, along with Dr Esther YUNG, Associate Head (Teaching), Dr CHI Hung Lin and Dr Michael SING from the Programme Team, were delighted to engage with our esteemed guests. The visit provided a wonderful opportunity to introduce the Department and showcase our diverse programmes. We engaged in enriching discussions about the various divisions within the surveying profession and the requirements for becoming registered professional surveyors. We also explored the differences in admissions and study patterns between Malaysia and Hong Kong. We are excited about the potential for future collaborations and stronger connections!

BRE Students Received RICS Hong Kong Student Awards

Congratulations to the BRE undergraduate and postgraduate students on being selected for the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Hong Kong Student Awards! We were delighted to celebrate their exceptional academic achievements at the inaugural RICS Hong Kong Student Awards Ceremony this month. These bright minds were awarded certificates in recognition of their hard work and dedication. This event marked a significant milestone, celebrating the excellence of RICS accredited degree programmes and universities, and above all, honoring our future surveying talents. Postgraduate Programme Awardees: o MSc in Construction and Real Estate - CHAN Ka Man and CHEN Jiamin o MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution - CHAN Xut Kan and WANG Liting o MSc in International Real Estate - YU Tong o MSc in Project Management – CHAN Tin Wai and QI Jingyu Undergraduate Programme Awardees: o BSc (Hons) in Property Management - FUNG Shing Pan o BSc (Hons) in Surveying - CHEUNG Pak Yin Hugo BRE academic representatives including Dr Ether YUNG, Associate Head (Teaching), Dr CHI Hung Lin, Associate Professor, Dr Minhyun LEE, Assistant Professor, and Dr Stanley YEUNG, Adjunct Associate Professor, were also present to congratulate the BRE students on their outstanding accomplishments. 2nd group photo credit: RICS

Prof. Geoffrey SHEN Recognised amongst the World’s Most Highly Cited Researchers 2024 by Clarivate

Prof. Geoffrey SHEN, Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships), Director of Global Engagement and Chair Professor of Construction Management, has been honoured as one of this year’s Highly-Cited Researchers in the cross-field category by Clarivate Analytics. This recognition highlights his significant research impact, as demonstrated by the frequent citations of his work by fellow scholars. Notably, this marked the second consecutive year that Prof. Shen has received this recognition, serving as strong encouragement for his continued dedication to research excellence. Sixteen scholars from PolyU are included on the list, highlighting the University's commitment to advancing research excellence and driving positive societal changes through various channels. In 2024, a total of 6,636 researchers from 59 countries and regions, spanning diverse research fields, were named as highly-cited researchers. These scholars have earned recognition for their influential contributions, demonstrated by their production of numerous papers that rank in the top 1% by citations in their respective fields and publication year, according to the Web of Science™, over the past 11 years. More about Prof. Geoffrey SHEN: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/.../acade.../prof-geoffrey-qp-shen/

Join BRE and Lead the Future of the Built Environment!

• Discover our new programme, 'BSc (Hons) Architectural Studies', hosted by Department of Building and Real Estate, and co-hosted by School of Design, PolyU, for 2025/26 Intake • Discover the leading programmes, 'BSc (Hons) Building Engineering and Management', and 'BSc (Hons) Surveying' • Experience digitalisation and cutting-edge technologies like CAVE system, robotics, VR, AR, Landlink Technology and BIM • Achieve professional recognition from HKIE, HKIS, HKICM, PMSA, CIOB and RICS, with recognition varying by programmes • Connect with a robust network of remarkable alumni, industry professionals and government bodies • Prepare for a promising career as a Professional Architect, Engineer or Surveyor • Explore new admission pathways offering extensive choices and flexibility Take the first step towards an empowering future!

Enroll Today! Your Path Starts Here in Architectural Studies!

【Enroll Today! Your Path Starts Here in Architectural Studies!】 Have you spotted our eight vibrant banners hanging on the PolyU wall? They're showcasing our exciting new programme: Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architectural Studies. This programme is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic world of architecture. Dive into cutting-edge topics like Artificial Intelligence, Building Information Modelling, Advanced Technologies, Sustainability & Human-Centred Design. You’ll gain hands-on experience through practical training and our mentorship scheme will pair you with industry leaders. Seize the chance to embark on this innovative journey by applying to the Architectural Studies programme with JUPAS code (JS3214)! We can’t wait to welcome you to the future at PolyU! Enroll Now: https://polyu.hk/Zweqf

Talk by China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited

We had a wonderful session earlier with Mr. Chris CHEUNG, Assistant General Manager of the Quality and Technology Department of China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited. His presentation on ‘Construction Technology & the Future’ captivated BRE students, offering profound insights into the latest advancements in smart construction. We were also delighted to welcome the human resources team, led by Ms. Olivia CHOI, Assistant Talent Resourcing Director, who shared recruitment information and potential career paths with BRE students. In addition, Dr CHI Hung Lin, Award Co-ordinator of BSc (Hons) in Building Engineering and Management, and Mr KONG Wai Kei, Subject Leader of Building Services, were in attendance to support the event.

Dr Caleb DEBRAH Received Best Paper Award at 47th AUBEA 2024

Dr Caleb DEBRAH, a postdoctoral fellow of BRE, was honoured with the Best Paper Award at the 47th Australasian Universities (AUBEA 2024) Conference in Australia on 24 to 27 November 2024. The award-winning paper, titled ‘Strategies for the Adoption of Green Finance in Green Building: The Case of Ghana’, was co-authored by Dr Amos DARKO from The University of Washington, Prof. Albert CHAN, Chair Professor of BRE, Dr Michael Atafo ADABRE from BRE, Mr Joshua Amo LARBI from The University of Hong Kong, Dr Prince ANTWI-AFARI from The University of Adelaide, and Dr Ernest KISSI from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. With the theme ‘Building for a Sustainable Future: Innovations, Challenges, and Collaboration’, AUBEA 2024 was hosted by Victoria University and organised by the Built Environment program within the Institute of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities (ISILC). It brought together researchers, educators, students, and industry professionals from across Australia and beyond. The conference also served as a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and discussions on the latest issues in the construction and built environment sectors. Congratulations to Dr Debrah and his co-authors on their outstanding achievement!

Sign up for Online Info Seminar on Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction Programme

Don't miss the chance to learn more about Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction Programme (DIREC) on 14 Dec 2024, 11:00am -12:30pm! The programme is designed to equip you with essential expertise and skills by integrating comprehensive academic frameworks with international practical applications. This integration prepares you to meet the demands of innovative and large-scale projects in Hong Kong and beyond. Embarking on your journey with us is a significant step towards self-fulfillment and career advancement. Because of very limited places, your early application is strongly encouraged to avoid disappointment. Sign up for DIREC Online Info Seminar now: https://polyu.hk/HQvbJ

Exploring MiC Technology Applied at Public Housing Development Construction Site

In November, approximately 40 students from BSc (Hons) in Building Engineering and Management (BEM), accompanied by Dr FAN Hong Qin and Mr KONG Wai Kei, visited the construction site of a public housing development in Tuen Mun. The project is spearheaded by Lanon Development Ltd and Able Engineering Co. Ltd. During the visit, students engaged with industry professionals, including two BEM graduates, Ir Vincent CHOW, a site agent, and Mr Bernard CHEUNG, Director of Lanon Development Ltd. The students gained invaluable insights into the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) mock-up of the project, which includes three high-rise buildings—the tallest public housing development utilising MiC technology in Hong Kong. The visit also featured a recruitment talk that highlighted career paths within both companies and showcased promising opportunities in Hong Kong's evolving construction landscape.

BRE iOptiCrane Team Won First Place at Cornell EMI Pitch Competition

In November 2024, the iOptiCrane team from BRE secured first place at the ‘Cornell EMI Pitch Competition,’ an international entrepreneurship event that gathers startups from around the world, held in New York, USA. iOptiCrane is the world’s first AI-empowered platform designed to automatically create tower crane layouts for Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and traditional construction projects. This platform can enhance layout design efficiency by over 90%, reduce crane collision risks by 81%, and decrease crane operation duration and carbon emissions by 38%. The team members of iOptiCrane include Dr Dong WANG, Ms Rongyan LI, and Ms Zhe ZOU, under the supervision of Prof. Tarek ZAYED, Dr CHI Hung Ling , and Prof. Geoffrey SHEN.