The Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) successfully hosted the first BTRi Seminar, with the theme "Future-Proofing Hong Kong: From Strategic Mindsets to Advanced Standards” on 14 November 2025. The Seminar brought together approximately 200 representatives from government, academia, and industry to explore how innovative mindsets and standards reviews can enhance the cost effectiveness in the construction industry.

Ir WONG Kwok-fai, Alfred, Chief Executive Officer of BTRi, stated in his speech: “BTRi is committed to becoming a hub for advanced construction technologies, facilitating the application of innovative and cost-effective construction technologies and materials in construction projects, particularly in the development of Northern Metropolis. At the same time, BTRi also aims to be an expert in construction innovation and standards. We will regularly review and optimise Hong Kong’s current construction standards and requirements, and through the development of Greater Bay Area standards, we will support the construction industry to ‘go global’ and seize more opportunities.”

Ir Wong Kwok-fai, Alfred, CEO of BTRi, delivered an opening speech at the seminar

The first panel discussion focused on "Adopting a New Mindset – Practical Strategies for Accelerating Northern Metropolis Development”. Representatives from government, consultants, and BTRi emphasised the significant opportunities offered to the construction industry in the Northern Metropolis. They provided insights into how industry professionals can capitalise on the prospects by embracing an innovative mindset and explored methods to advance project progress and enhance cost-efficiency through the application of advanced technologies.

Mr Chi Sum LI, Partner, Head of Government and Public Sector, KPMG (First left); Mr NG Kim-wai, Head, Planning and Development Team, Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Development Bureau (Second left); Ir FUNG Yiu-man, Frankie, Principal Assistant Secretary (Project Capability and Strategy), Project Strategy and Governance Office, Development Bureau (Third left); Ir CHOW Sui-ping, Chief Engineer, North Development Office, Civil Engineering and Development Department (Third right);Ir Dr Ryan YAN, Executive Director, Geotechnical, AECOM Asia Company Limited (Second right); Ar FONG Chi-hang, Colin, Section Head (Accreditation, Certification and Testing), BTRi (First right)

The second panel discussion featured experts from the government and academia, who shared achievements and future plans for optimising and enhancing current construction standards. The discussion also explored the strengths of Hong Kong’s standards and how these advantages can be leveraged to establish “Greater Bay Area Standards”. This aims to achieve the goal of “Advancing Standards - Driving Efficiency and Value in the Construction Industry”, while also facilitating our country to align its standards for construction technologies and products with those in the international market, thereby to go global. 

Ir Simon NG, Joint Managing Director, Mannings (Asia) Consultants Limited (First left); Ir YEUNG Fei, Jenny, Deputy Head of Geotechnical Engineering Office (Planning and Testing)(Second left); Ir HO Wai-kuen, Adrian, Chief Structural Engineer, Hong Kong & Heritage, Buildings Department (Third left); Ir KWONG Yiu-chung, Daniel, Chief Highways Engineer, Bridges and Structures, Highways Department (Third right); Ir Prof. C.S. POON, Distinguished Research Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Second right); Ir SO Hong-lung, Kelvin, Assistant Secretary (Building Technology and Research), Project Strategy and Governance Office, Development Bureau (First right)

BTRi will continue to leverage its unique advantages to drive construction innovation and advance standards, further enhancing the cost-effectiveness in the construction industry.