The Polytechnic University of Hong Kong (PolyU) and a China-based construction engineering company have joined forces to establish the China Harbour-PolyU Joint Research Centre for Land Development (JRC). The primary objective of this collaboration is to advance sustainable land development, foster a green and low-carbon economy and enhance the quality of urban living.
The inauguration ceremony of the Centre took place at the PolyU campus on 17 May 2023, signifying the combined dedication of the two parties towards promoting applied research in the field of land development.
Distinguished guests from various government departments, academic institutions, and industry organisations attended the ceremony. Notable attendees included representatives from the Department of Environmental and Ecological Affairs, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, and the Development Bureau of the HKSAR.
Additionally, professionals from The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, the Beijing–Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, the Greater Bay Area Branch of the engineering company and the construction engineering company were present. Key figures from the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong (PolyU) included the President, the Director of the PolyU Academy of Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), and the Director of the PolyU Research Institute of Land and Space (RILS).
The agreement to establish the JRC was signed by the Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and the Managing Director of the construction engineering company, solidifying their collaboration.
The Secretary for Environment and Ecology expressed his enthusiasm for the JRC and emphasised its potential as a valuable platform for both fundamental and practical research in green land development and construction. He expressed anticipation for significant research outcomes from the Centre, which would support Hong Kong’s efforts in achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing the city’s liveability and sustainability.
The President of PolyU highlighted the collaborative strengths of JRC. He emphasised the effective synergy between PolyU’s robust scientific research capabilities and CHEC’s wealth of experience in project implementation. He expressed confidence that the Centre, through close cooperation, would generate innovative ideas and advanced technologies. The research outcomes could then be applied to land development projects in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, the nation, and even globally, resulting in improved livelihoods and significant contributions to societal sustainability.
The Managing Director of the construction engineering company acknowledged the global perspective, project expertise, and exceptional research capabilities of the collaborative team. He highlighted that this collective strength would drive research and development in cutting-edge technologies, with a particular focus on green, low-carbon, and sustainable land development and construction.
The objective is to promote the findings of the JRC for the benefit of the entire industry and society as a whole, by enhancing efficiency, safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental protection throughout the land development and construction process.
The JRC represents a significant milestone as the first joint research centre established by the parent company of the construction engineering firm, in collaboration with a higher educational institution in Hong Kong. Leveraging the company’s extensive resources and expertise in project implementation and technology application worldwide, combined with PolyU’s strong research capabilities in land and infrastructure development, the JRC aims to foster innovation and advancement in these areas. The operation of the JRC will be a joint effort between RILS and the construction engineering company.
The JRC will initially concentrate its efforts on research innovation, knowledge transfer, and talent development in the following key areas:
- Technologies related to marine engineering and the construction of immersed tunnels to establish connections between islands.
- Innovative prefabricated building technologies, as well as smart harbour and smart airport projects, to enhance land utilization efficiency.
- Solutions for the effective treatment of municipal and marine solid waste, contributing to the achievement of carbon neutrality and promoting recycling and reuse.
- Development of fibre-reinforced polymer composite materials and green high-performance concrete for marine engineering purposes.
- Life-cycle technologies for marine infrastructures and development, along with the application of innovative AI-based spatial information technologies for construction projects.
These areas of focus will drive research advancements, facilitate the transfer of knowledge, and cultivate talent within the JRC’s scope of work.
