News

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.

Invitation to Online Info Seminars on Taught Postgraduate Programmes

Enhancing your career development and aspiration fulfillment with us! What better way to learn more about our Taught Postgraduate Programmes than by joining our coming Online Info Seminars? Applications are now invited to our taught postgraduate programmes in construction and real estate (Sept 2025 entry): o Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction (DIREC)(Pioneer in Hong Kong) o MSc in Construction and Real Estate (CRE) o MSc in Intelligent Construction (IC) o MSc in Project Management (PM) Sign up for DIREC Online Info Seminar now: https://polyu.hk/HQvbJ Sign up for Online Info Seminars (Master Programmes) now: https://polyu.hk/HjjDy 建筑及房地产学系修课式硕博课程宣讲会 快来报名！ 想要在职场上更上一层楼？快来报名参加我们的课程宣讲会，了解建筑及房地产学系修课式硕博课程。 理大建筑及房地产学系修课式硕博课程现正接受申请（2025年9月入学）： o 国际房地产及建筑博士 (DIREC) (香港首个) o 建筑及房地产学理学硕士 (CRE) o 智能建造理学硕士 (IC) o 项目管理理学硕士(PM) 报名参加国际房地产及建筑博士 (DIREC)课程宣讲会: https://polyu.hk/HQvbJ 报名参加硕士课程课程宣讲会: https://polyu.hk/HjjDy

BSc (Hons) Architectural Studies Workshop

To celebrate the launch of our new BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies, we tailored a workshop for students from various secondary schools this month. This event provided an opportunity for prospective students to learn about the admissions requirements, explore the unique characteristics of the architectural world and discover potential career paths in the field. During the visit, students were introduced to the curriculum and participated in an engaging architecture game designed to familiarise them with some of the world's most famous buildings. In addition, a laboratory tour offered them a first-hand look at the innovative technologies available to our students. This immersive experience aimed to inspire the next generation of architects and ignite their passion for the built environment.  

MSc in International Real Estate Graduates Visited BRE

Forty-four graduates of the MSc in International Real Estate programme (IRE) visited BRE to meet Dr Stanley YEUNG, the programme leader and their dissertation supervisors. Dr SUN Yi, Associate Head of BRE, greeted and congratulated them on officially becoming BRE alumni on the day of their graduation in November.  

PolyU's 30th Congregation (BRE Session)

On 13 November, nearly 400 BRE students celebrated their graduation, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. This celebration not only honoured their hard work and dedication but also highlighted their potential to drive societal progress and innovation in the construction sector. We were honoured to have Dr CHEUNG Tin Cheung, SBS, recipient of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2023, as our Guest of Honour for the Congregation. During the event, Prof. LI Xiang-dong, the Faculty Dean and Prof. Michael YAM, Head of BRE, extended their heartfelt congratulations to each graduate on stage. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of PolyU's gaining university status, we invite our graduates to stay connected and share their future achievements with us.

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!