Construction Industry Council launches Digital Twin Hub to popularize the industry’s digital transformation

In a concerted effort to accelerate digitalization and propagate the use of digital twin technology in the construction industry, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) officially launched the CIC Digital Twin Hub with an opening ceremony on 26 July.

The global construction industry is undergoing a massive digital transformation. From streamlining procurement to optimizing operations and managing project delivery, the construction industry as a major powerhouse of the Hong Kong economy must take the initiative to leverage technology and digitalization to enhance efficiency and stay ahead of the curve.

It is against this background that the Construction Industry Council (CIC) has revamped and turned the former CIC BIM Space into the CIC Digital Twin Hub. The new platform serves both as a collaborative base and a technological showcase, most notably the highly practical and widespread applications of digital twin. This cornerstone was celebrated with an official opening ceremony on 26 July.

Seize the golden era of technology

In his welcome address, Ir Thomas Ho On-sing, Chairman of the CIC, said Hong Kong’s construction industry will enter its ‘golden era’ over the next decade, with the city’s annual construction volume expected to top HK$300 billion per year. “Adopting Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital twin technology, as well as managing projects through their overall lifecycle, are key to meeting this growing demand in a safe and efficient way,” Ho noted.

With technology and wellbeing at the heart of the CIC Digital Twin Hub, Ho was confident that the launch of the collaborative space will go a long way in nurturing digitally minded engineers, coordinators and managers, while attracting a pool of young and energetic talent to the workforce. “It’s crucial for the construction industry to concentrate on developing quality projects and aligning itself with Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, reducing our total carbon emissions with the capabilities of cutting-edge technologies,” he added.

Digital twin, according to Ho, is the “virtual representation of real-world entities and processes that can transform business by accelerating holistic understanding, optimal decision-making and effective action.” The CIC Digital Twin Hub is making headway in showcasing the digital twin concept with 30 illustrious landmark projects throughout their lifecycle.

In line with the HKSAR government’s Construction 2.0 initiative, facilitating knowledge exchange, nurturing young talents and inspiring innovations in the field of digital twin and construction technology are among the major focuses of the CIC Digital Twin Hub.

Four major exhibition areas

At the CIC Digital Twin Hub, there is also a variety of sharing sessions on applying digital twin, consulting workshops and guided tours across four major exhibition areas: Showcase Area, Smart Site Management Corner, Multi-purpose Area and Digital Twin Lab. These programs and offerings will give new impetus to driving an industry culture that embraces changes, new technologies and innovations head-on, enhancing the long-term growth prospect of Hong Kong’s construction sector.

Ho urged his fellow supporters of digital construction to promptly bring the members and staff of their organizations and companies to visit the CIC Digital Twin Hub: “It’s time for us to change our mindsets and consider the total asset lifecycles as early as the design stage. By adhering to the ‘Four Commitments’, together we can enhance site safety and build a sustainable future for the construction industry.”

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