The government will inject HK$1 billion into the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund to enhance productivity and site safety within the industry, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po.
Chan noted that the funding aims to promote the widespread application of innovative technologies, ultimately reducing construction costs and improving site efficiency.
He added that the government has required public works projects adopt construction robots in suitable processes. The Construction Industry Council will also offer relevant training to promote such effective use.
An additional HK$100 million has been earmarked for commissioning the Building Technology Research Institute to carry out research projects on reviewing construction standards and exploring AI applications.
Hong Kong will align local construction regulations with national and international standards, leveraging the city’s strengths and expertise to collaboratively develop construction standards for the Greater Bay Area and support the entry of national standards into international markets.
The government is working with the Qianhai Authority to pilot Hong Kong’s New Engineering Contract form and Smart Site Safety System in Qianhai to help align mainland engineering contracts and management systems with Hong Kong and international standards.
Meanwhile, Chan noted that the Development Bureau is refining procurement models and streamlining the approval process to lower construction costs and improve efficiency.
This approach can yield savings of 10 to 20 percent through direct procurement of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) modules in light public housing projects as well as electrical and mechanical equipment for a sewage treatment plant project.
The Housing Department’s “Building Information Modelling (BIM)-enabled Systematic Approach to Foundation Design” program saves an average of HK$1 million per building.
The second-generation MiC approach and innovative coupling technology are also being adopted to expedite public housing projects and enhance cost-effectiveness.
