News

Research Centre for Design for Safety – Seminar on Design for Safety – Modular Integrated Construction (MiC)

The Research Centre for Design for Safety (RCDfS) seminar on “Design for Safety – Modular Integrated Construction (MiC)” was successfully held on 20 August 2025 (Wednesday). Hosted by Ir Richard Lee, CEE Alumni and General Manager of Yau Lee Construction Co. Ltd., the event brought together over 550 participants including CEE students, alumni, and industry partners, who joined both in-person and virtually. Ir Lee has been dedicated to project design and management in Hong Kong for over three decades. Through delivering the talk and showcasing real-life case studies, he emphasized the importance of promoting and proactively integrating the principles of “Design for Safety” into MiC projects to ensure construction safety in the industry. The event was sponsored by the Construction Industry Council, and supported by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association (CEEAA), The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (Safety Specialist Committee), Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers, Hong Kong Federation of Occupational Safety and Health Associations, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Industrial Centre Safety Course Alumni Association, Hong Kong Association of Risk Management and Safety, the Society of Registered Safety Officers, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and The Hong Kong Institute of Project Management. We express our gratitude to all sponsors and supporting organizations, as well as the participants who are interested in enhancing construction safety. Together, we aim to foster a culture of safety and collaborate in creating a safer construction environment.  

CEDD Safety Stand-down Workshop 2025

The CEDD Safety Stand-down Workshop 2025, organized by the Safety and Environmental Advisory Unit (SEAU) of CEDD and supported by the Research Centre for Design for Safety (RCDfS) of CEE, was successfully held on 1 August 2025. The event focused on enhancing site safety by strengthening site supervision and the adoption of innovation technology. It brought together senior management from CEDD, along with collaborators from consultants and contractors, to share best practices and insights on site safety management. Ir Prof. Chi Sun Poon, Distinguished Research Professor of CEE and Former Director of RCDfS, delivered the opening address, placing particular emphasis on The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s ongoing commitment to advancing construction research. He highlighted the practical, real-world applications of CEE’s research initiatives and introduced RCDfS, underscoring its pivotal role in promoting innovative and safe practices within the construction industry. CEE has long been dedicated to promoting safety within the construction sector and RCDfS strives to advance the science and practice of safety by integrating cutting-edge research from engineering, environmental science, and systems design. We welcome industry partners to collaborate with us not only to equip future generations with skills and knowledge but also to translate research findings into practical, actionable solutions. Together, let’s establish a safe and risk-free environment in the construction industry.  

Research Centre for Design for Safety – Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Construction Safety

The Research Centre for Design for Safety (RCDfS) Workshop themed “Artificial Intelligence in Construction Safety: Design and Practical Applications” was successfully held on 11 July 2025 (Friday). The event attracted over 50 participants including CEE students, alumni, and industry partners. It was sponsored by the Construction Industry Council, and supported by The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (Safety Specialist Committee), Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers, Hong Kong Federation of Occupational Safety and Health Associations, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Industrial Centre Safety Course Alumni Association, Hong Kong Association of Risk Management and Safety and the Society of Registered Safety Officers. Hosted by Ir Dr Nicole Yiu, Director of RCDfS, the workshop explored how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming construction by enhancing safety, efficiency, and productivity. Ir Dr Yiu introduced several AI tools, such as project management software and safety monitoring systems, and showcased real-world examples that highlighted how AI improves site inspections and operational effectiveness. To further connect CEE students with industry partners, two CEE students studying Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health (EOSH), Mr Harry Lau and Mr Leo Sham, shared their academic projects and perspective on real-life safety practices during the workshop. This workshop offered a glimpse into a future where technology and innovation drive safer and more efficient construction practices. By leveraging AI's potential, we look forward to fostering a culture of safety and paving the way for a safer construction environment.

HKIE Safety Specialist Committee 30th Anniversary Dinner

We are pleased to announce that Prof. CS Poon (Director of RCDfS and Head of CEE) served as the judging panel for the "Design for Safety Excellence Award 2025".  The competition honors outstanding achievements in safety design and innovation. Awards were presented during the "HKIE Safety Specialist Committee 30th Anniversary Dinner", celebrating the exceptional contributions of all participants.  Thank you for promoting safety in our industry!

CEE Departmental Visit – St. Francis Xavier’s College (15 May)

A group of 22 students from St. Francis Xavier’s College visited CEE on 15 May 2025 (Thursday). Prof. Tony Sze, Associate Professor of CEE, unveiled the visit by a programme talk, providing the students with useful information about the admission process for the BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering and the BEng (Hons) in Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Development programmes. He also shared updates on the civil engineering industry and discussed career prospects, offering the students insights into their future opportunities. After the informative session, the students visited Hydraulics Laboratory and HiVE (Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment) of Research Centre for Design for Safety (RCDfS), where the students gained insights on the hydraulics system in Hong Kong and interacted with the virtual environment simulating construction accidents via latest virtual reality technology. This visit allowed the students to have a clear picture on CEE academic programmes and the civil engineering industry trends, while also exposing them to the real-world applications of engineering studies.

CEE Students Received OSH Best Project Scholarship 2024

We are proud to announce and Mr Ng Chi Hin, graduates of CEE, for being awarded the Occupational Safety & Health Best Project Scholarship 2024 by the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC).  Both students graduated from the BSc (Hons) in Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health (EOSH) programme. Supervised by Prof. Tony Sze, Associate Professor of CEE, Mr So’s final year project titled “The Effectiveness of Metaverse Technology in Construction Safety Education: A Study on Enhancing Learning Outcomes and Cognitive Performance, and Practical Applications in Working at Heights” received Winner Award; while Mr Ng, under the guidance of Dr Nicole Yiu, Lecturer of CEE, received Merit Award for his final year project titled “Application of VR Technology for Occupational Safety Training – A Case Study at PolyU-CEE Laboratories”. This scholarship recognizes outstanding project work in critical areas such as occupational safety and hygiene, ergonomics, accident prevention, construction safety, risk management, and rehabilitation. It not only acknowledges the hard work of our students but also encourages them to engage in quality applied research, enhancing their understanding of occupational safety and health. Congratulations again to Mr So and Mr Ng for their remarkable achievements. We wish them continued success in their academic and professional journeys in the field of environmental and occupational safety and health.

Research Centre for Design for Safety Train-the-trainer Workshop

The Research Centre for Design for Safety Train-the-trainer Workshop themed “Applying VR/Mixed-reality Interventions in Construction Safety Trainings” was successfully held on 22 February 2025 (Saturday). This event was co-organized with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association (CEEAA) and supported by the Industrial Centre of PolyU, the Society of Registered Safety Officers, and the Hong Kong Association of Risk Management and Safety. Attracting over 40 enthusiastic participants, including CEE students, alumni, and industry partners, the workshop focused on the integration of virtual and mixed-reality technologies in construction safety education and training. Dr Nicole Yiu, Programme Leader of BSc (Hons) in Environmental and Occupational Safety & Health, addressed the latest safety training criteria as outlined in the Code of Practice on Safety Management. Participants also had the unique opportunity to participate in on-site demonstrations, where they experienced firsthand the immersive training scenarios created by VR/MR technologies. This interactive workshop not only deepened their understanding of crucial construction safety protocols but also equipped them with practical skills essential for their future careers in the industry. We believe that this workshop successfully inspired our students and industry partners to embrace innovative learning methods and prioritize safety in their professional journeys. Together, we are fostering a culture of safety and paving the way for a safer construction industry through cutting-edge practices. 

CEE One-Day Seminar Innovating Towards a Sustainable Built Environment

The CEE One-Day Seminar – Innovating Towards a Sustainable Built Environment was successfully held on 23 November 2024, attracting over 280 participants, including alumni, industry partners and students, joining the day filled with ground-breaking ideas of innovative and sustainable approaches to shape a greener future for the built environment. The seminar was graced by keynoted speaker Ir Ricky Lau, alongside with nine distinguished speakers, including Ir Dr Johnny Cheuk, Ir Prof. Kwok Fai Chung, Ir Dr Goman Ho, Ir Hailong Liu, Ir Prof. Chi Sun Poon, Dr Alessandro Stocchino, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, Mr Eddie Tse and Ir Ricky Wong. Our keynote speaker, Ir Ricky Lau, delivered an enlightening speech, highlighting the pivotal role of fostering innovation in creating a carbon neutral environment as well as underscoring the importance of embracing both sustainability and development. A special Thank You to all our esteemed speakers for sharing the expertise and insights on their respective fields, all aligned with the common goal of paving the way for a more sustainable future. Congratulations to Ir Ricky Wong for being honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award of CEE 2024, recognizing his exceptional contributions to both the department and the field of civil engineering. The seminar also featured the award presentation ceremonies to the winners of the Asia-Pacific Design for Safety Award Competition organized by the Research Centre for Design for Safety of CEE, and the CEE Entry Scholarships Awardees who attained HKDSE with flying colours.  We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all speakers and participants for contributing to a dynamic and insightful seminar, igniting a spark towards a greener and more sustainable future. We look forward to a closer collaboration among the government, industry and academia to overcome challenges ahead and continue the journey towards a thriving and safe future.  

Opening Ceremony of Research Centre for Design for Safety

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Research Centre for Design for Safety (RCDfS). The opening ceremony, took place on 27 June 2024 (Thursday), attracted more than 100 participants, bringing together industry leaders, professionals, alumni, staff and students to celebrate the launch of this groundbreaking initiative. The ceremony was kicked off by a welcome address by Prof. Chi Sun Poon, Head of CEE and Director of RCDfS, followed by an in-depth presentation by Ir Dr Vincent Ho, Professor of Practice of CEE and Associate Director of RCDfS, who outlined the objectives and future plans of the research centre. The keynote speech by Mr Rex Wong, Chairperson of the CIC Committee on Construction Safety, was a highlight of the event as he shared insights on embedding safety into the DNA of construction project design. Dr Nicole Yiu, Lecturer of CEE and Associate Director of RCDfS, also made an exciting announcement about the upcoming Asia-Pacific Design for Safety Award Competition, which aims to recognize excellence in the field. The event also honoured industry advisors, sponsors, and supporting organisations, who have played a crucial role in the establishment of the RCDfS. The climax of the ceremony was a cloth-unveiling ceremony, marking the official opening of RCDfS. Attendees then enjoyed a guided tour to the centre, during which the latest technologies and the innovative work being done in the field of design for safety were showcased. The opening ceremony of the RCDfS was a momentous occasion that set the stage for a new chapter in promoting safety within the construction industry. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants for contributing to the success of the opening of the research centre, and we look forward to the continuous innovation and inspiration of RCDfS in the years to come.