In recent years, the Development Bureau (DEVB) has been actively promoting the adoption of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) in the construction industry to enhance productivity and cost-effectiveness. Currently, over 100 government and private projects have adopted MiC. Recently, a large-scale promotional event, the MiC Week, has been jointly organised by Guangdong and Hong Kong. This event has not only facilitated exchanges among regions and promoted MiC internationally, but also announced a series of enhanced measures to boost the development of the MiC industry chain. This time, I have invited colleagues from the DEVB and various stakeholders to share details of the activities of the MiC Week and the various measures.

Establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Modular Integrated Construction Industry Alliance

MiC involves various building modules, with Guangdong Province serving as the manufacturing base, while Hong Kong has unique advantages in research and development, certification and overseas promotion. Both Guangdong and Hong Kong have been committed to developing MiC as a new quality productive force. From 23 to 28 June this year, the DEVB and the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province (DHURDGP) jointly organised a series of activities in the MiC Week, with the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi), the Construction Industry Council (CIC), the MiC Laboratory (MiCLab) of The University of Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Modular Integrated Construction Industry Alliance as co-organisers. The MiC Week has not only brought together the Government and the industry, academia and research sectors, but also announced a number of important measures, including the release of the Guangdong-Hong Kong Modular Integrated Construction Cross-boundary Trading Guidebook (the Guidebook) and the first MiC Annual Demand Forecast, and the presentation of MiC Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme certificates to the first batch of eight accredited manufacturers.

In addition, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Modular Integrated Construction Industry Alliance (the Alliance), co-led by the DHURDGP and the DEVB, was officially established at the launching ceremony of the MiC Week. The Alliance is composed of relevant industry associations, higher education institutions, research institutes, enterprises and experts from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to facilitate the upgrading and transformation of the construction industry in these regions. Dr Conrad WONG Tin-cheung, President of the Hong Kong Modular Integrated Construction Manufacturer Association, says that as the Hong Kong representative of the Alliance, he looks forward to leveraging the platform to draw together enterprises, institutions and industry associations which aspire to serve the MiC industry, and foster collaboration along the industry chain while integrating resources, with a view to promoting innovation and application of MiC technology. Mr WANG Jian, the Guangdong representative of the Alliance, says that the Alliance aims to pool resources of the industry chain and establish a long-term mechanism for cross-industry and cross-sector collaboration to make breakthroughs in common key technologies, achieving co-creation, sharing and win-win outcomes. The Alliance also seeks to accelerate the transformation and application of technological achievements by establishing a multi-level talent system and an international exchange platform.

Release of the Guangdong-Hong Kong Trading Guidebook to facilitate cross-boundary trade of building modules

Mr HO Chun-sang, Son, Assistant Secretary (High Productivity Construction) of the DEVB, shares that the industry had limited exposure to cross-boundary trade involving MiC modules in the past. To address this issue, the DEVB has released the Guidebook, which provides guidelines on application for bonded processing trade arrangements and cross-boundary tax declaration for exporting modules to Hong Kong, helping the industry understand the entire trade process. It also specifies that under the processing trade model, imported goods are exempt from customs duties and value-added tax, alleviating financial pressure on enterprises. The DEVB has also held forums in Hong Kong and Shenzhen to explain the contents of the Guidebook, and the industry has responded enthusiastically.

First batch of eight manufacturers are presented with MiC accreditation certificates: An important milestone for quality standardisation

In addition, the BTRi presents accreditation certificates to the first batch of eight manufacturers that have passed rigorous assessments under the MiC Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme. This marks an important milestone in enhancing the standards of MiC in Hong Kong. Mr HON Chi-keung, Chairperson of the BTRi, says that the institute is honoured to be entrusted by the DEVB to implement this accreditation scheme. He believes the scheme will bolster the industry’s confidence in the quality of MiC and help strengthen the MiC supply chain to meet the growing local demand for MiC projects. He says that in the future, government projects will require the accreditation certificates issued by the BTRi as a prerequisite for bidding. The relevant approving departments, such as the Buildings Department and the Water Supplies Department, will streamline the approval and acceptance procedures for accredited manufacturers. The BTRi will regularly review and elevate the assessment standards to ensure that accredited manufacturers maintain high standards and quality, thereby boosting the confidence of the public, industry and approving departments in the accreditation scheme and further promoting the development and application of MiC technology.

Moreover, Mr HON Chi-keung says that the BTRi will actively promote MiC technology and the accreditation scheme overseas to help accredited manufacturers explore international markets. The BTRi is collaborating with the MiCLab of The University of Hong Kong and the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research to jointly devise and refine MiC-related standards for the Greater Bay Area, enhancing regional connectivity and helping MiC technology go global.

Anticipating high demand for MiC, CIC enhances relevant training

Professor Thomas HO On-sing, Chairman of the CIC, says that the market demand for MiC is very high. According to the first MiC Annual Demand Forecast jointly published by the DEVB and the CIC, approximately 2.5 million square metres of MiC floor area will be completed over the next five years, including residential buildings, schools, hospitals and government buildings. In view of this, the CIC will continue to enhance relevant training.

The CIC also organised a number of activities during the MiC Week to help the industry better absorb new trends and knowledge. At the MiC Resources Centre located at the CIC - Zero Carbon Park in Kowloon Bay, a guided tour for the public was held to give an in-depth yet accessible explanation of the benefits of MiC technology and enhance public understanding of the subject. Mr LAM, who participated in the public guided tour, says that he learns from the tour that the latest MiC method can significantly mitigate issues like water leakage in buildings, which enhances his knowledge of this construction method. Ms MAK, another participant with an engineering background, finds the guided tour very comprehensive. She considers that even minute details such as pipe connection methods are expounded, which helps her gain further insights.

International conference on MiC: New Paradigm brought together over 400 academics for in-depth exchange

MiC is not only recognised in Hong Kong but also widely adopted internationally. Professor Wei PAN, Director of the MiCLab of The University of Hong Kong, says that the international conference held during the MiC Week themed on “New Paradigm” brought together over 400 experts, academics and industry leaders from around the world to share on policies and strategic developments, knowledge and practices, the latest technological breakthroughs and research innovations in relation to MiC, such as high-rise concrete MiC buildings in Hong Kong and Singapore, facilitating in-depth exchanges and mutual learning among experts worldwide.

Recently, the DEVB has also been actively promoting MiC internationally, including hosting delegations from Qatar and Ireland, both of which express strong interest in this high productivity construction method. Last month, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr LAU Chun-kit, Ricky, led a team of colleagues to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to introduce the advantages of this innovative technology.

We will continue to promote this advanced construction method both locally and overseas, with a view to developing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into an MiC technology and construction hub and making its MiC buildings a globally competitive construction brand.