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Hong Kong’s construction sector is on the brink of a ‘golden decade’, with an annual turnover expected to exceed HK$300 billion. This includes new infrastructure, railway, commercial, and housing development projects undertaken by both public and private sectors.
As per the Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address, the Government plans to proceed with the Northern Metropolis mega-project. This includes the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. Concurrently, the Government is preparing to propose financing arrangements for the reclamation of the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, along with its related infrastructure and strategic transport infrastructure development.
In terms of emerging technology adoption, the construction sector has significantly transitioned to “Construction 2.0”, which promotes “innovation”, “professionalisation”, and “revitalisation”.
A new generation of innovative and visionary leaders is crucial for efficiently and sustainably driving these mega-projects as well as leading the shift to tech-empowered construction industry in the coming decades.
In response to the anticipated surge in demand for top talents, the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE) at PolyU has developed the DIREC programme, leveraging the expertise of the department and the university.
Established in 1937 as a government trade school, PolyU and BRE have decades of experience in delivering high-quality taught Master of Science (MSc) and research-based PhD/MPhil programmes. It boasts a robust network of alumni who actively share their expertise and experience with current students. Many of them are senior executives or at Director and CEO levels in leading private sectors or senior officials in government’s relevant departments.
BRE has invested in numerous state-of-the-art facilities to integrate innovation and technology as one of the strategic components supporting its research and teaching. Professor Michael Yam Chi Ho, Head of the Department, has concentrated on enhancing high-tech innovations used at BRE, which has been actively adapting to the latest changes and reforms in the construction industry.
BRE utilises cutting-edge innovation and technological approaches. The advanced technologies adopted by the department include the Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) system (MR, VR and AR), exoskeleton robotics, visualisation and interactive technologies, 3D concrete printing in construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM) models, Tele Radio Remote Monitoring and Control System for Tower Cranes, construction robots, and VR simulators, among others. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, PolyU was ranked 65th indicating its global recognition of commitment to academic excellence. In the latest QS World University Rankings by subject 2024, BRE contributes to two subject areas, including “Architecture and Built Environment” and “Engineering – Civil and Structural” (both ranked 14th in the world).
DIREC
The new development in Hong Kong’s construction sector is set to significantly increase the demand for senior industry practitioners equipped with strong technical expertise, advanced theoretical knowledge and sound understanding of cutting-edge technologies, a global perspective, and top-tier research and analytical skills.
Dr Daniel Chan Wai Ming, Associate Professor in Construction Project Management and DIREC’s Programme Leader, says that a primary goal of DIREC is to cultivate future leaders who will excel in the modern real estate and construction sector. These leaders will spearhead the development of “Construction 2.0”, which emphasises the integration of technological innovations in Hong Kong’s future real estate development throughout the planning, design, construction, and maintenance and incorporating stages. They include digitalisation, modularisation, automation, robotisation, IoT, AI, machine learning, data mining, and 3D concrete printing.
“The programme also equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to stay abreast of the constantly evolving global landscape of real estate financing modes and systems,” adds Dr Chan.
DIREC not only strengthens their skills and knowledge but also offers them a pathway to achieve a globally recognised advanced individual academic qualification.
Upon the successful completion of the programme, graduates can address themselves with the pre-nominal title of “Doctor (Dr)”.
Seamless knowledge integration
DIREC, a part-time professional doctorate programme spanning three years, offers an advanced research methods course and a diverse range of subjects specialised in construction and real estate. These subjects, which include strategic project management, digital technologies for construction projects, real estate finance and appraisal, and urban and regional planning, are designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge to seize the opportunities that arise in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
Apart from state-of-the-art knowledge in real estate and construction, the programme is research focused. The research proposal and thesis report development process benefits senior industry practitioners in numerous ways. It enhances their critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling them to make data-supported decisions and evidence-based solutions for execution. “The ability to conduct independent research is crucial for personal career advancement,” adds Dr Chan.
Two thesis-related courses provide students with an immersive academic research experience. “We encourage students to identify work-related issues and develop detailed thesis proposals with full technical support from their assigned thesis supervisors,” says Dr Chan.
Under the guidance of their professors, students select appropriate research methods, gather data, and analyse and interpret findings. Throughout this process, students are expected to apply and integrate their theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in identifying and solving niche issues relevant to their professions so as to address the needs of and combat the identified prevailing problems besetting the current construction or real estate industry.
Study trips outside of Hong Kong
Beyond traditional classroom learning, seminars, group projects and thesis research work, students broaden their horizons through two International Study Visits to Europe and Asia Pacific Region in summer term.
These visits facilitate knowledge exchanges and experience sharing with top-tier academics, government representatives, professional institutions, and senior industry practitioners. In the summer of 2023, students had the opportunity to visit the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands, as shared by Dr Daniel Chan.
Plans for the summer of 2024 include one study visit to Singapore, including the top-universities and statutory bodies specialising in real estate and housing development. The trip will also take students to Beijing, covering several academic activities organised in collaboration with the Tsinghua University.
The visits aim to deepen students’ understanding of cutting-edge practices, knowledge, and skills that are beyond Hong Kong, offering insights into how the real estate and construction sectors develop from a global perspective. The findings and observations on the latest developments provide students with a chance for developing critical reflections on their own professions.
Academic and professional expertise
DIREC’s multidisciplinary faculty team consists of full-time academic staff specialising in construction, real estate, technology, economics, management, urban planning, and architecture. Besides, experienced practitioners and senior executives are invited as Visiting Lecturers including Dr Charles Lam, Co-head of APAC Diversified Funds at EQT Exeter. Professors of Practice (PoPs) are also involved in the DIREC programme, which include a former senior executive from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and a former senior official from the Rating and Valuation Department.
Dr Daniel Chan, being the Programme Leader and a globally recognised scholar, ranks among the top 2% of most widely cited scientists worldwide in the field of “Building and Construction”, according to the Stanford Impact Assessment Study, for three consecutive years since 2021. Fourteen BRE academic staff are on the “top 2%” list, who are currently teaching or acting as thesis supervisors for DIREC students.
Graduates’ feedback on academic journey and learning experience
Many professionals in real estate and construction sectors, particularly those at the management level, have been seeking advanced education to elevate their careers. Catering to this demand, DIREC is a programme tailored for industry professionals and leaders. DIREC is designed to accommodate the needs and busy schedules of industry veterans. Under the mentorship of a faculty team of globally recognised academics and PoPs, students integrate updated theoretical knowledge with their practical technical expertise. They further enhance their research competencies through the learning and application of advanced research skills in two closely related but distinct fields of the property sector, namely, real estate and construction. The programme is designed for practitioners with a relevant master’s degree and a minimum of eight years of related work experience in the real estate or construction industry, spanning from middle to senior management levels.
The inaugural batch of DIREC graduates believes that the programme has not only equipped them with the skills and knowledge needed for new challenges, but also enriched their professional networks. With dedication and commitment, these graduates have successfully completed the programme in three years, all while excelling in their professional careers.
Among the graduates is Dr Felix Chan Chun Tao, a seasoned construction project manager, who cites his frequent collaborations with colleagues in property evaluations as a reason for seeking a professional doctorate programme that could enhance his knowledge in real estate.
The DIREC programme has not only bolstered his specialised knowledge but also significantly enriched his understanding of real estate complexities, notes Dr Felix Chan, who has recently been promoted to Senior Manager (Projects) of Swire Properties Ltd in January 2024, a few months after graduation.
Comprehending various facets of a project is crucial for the professional growth of future industry leaders. Dr Felix Chan says, “My understanding of construction has expanded through DIREC, and I’ve also acquired knowledge in real estate. Grasping the intricacies of closely related specialisations is essential for construction projects nowadays. The programme has bolstered my confidence in translating theoretical concepts into practical solutions at work, proving advantageous for my career progression.”
In his capacity as a full member of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Felix emphasises the importance of this globally recognised academic qualification. “It’s crucial,” he says, “as it attests to a high level of competence and knowledge.”
In DIREC, professors promote interdisciplinary collaboration in group project work among students specialising in construction and real estate to enhance mutual learning. The mixture aims to provide students with opportunities to learn practices in the related fields, gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the whole construction and real estate processes.
Felix believes that this mixed approach fosters a platform for group members to exchange insights and deepen their expertise in their respective fields. “We’ve also established voluntary study groups among classmates, which are not only beneficial for mutual learning but also foster enduring friendships,” he adds.
“DIREC offers a balanced blend of technical and practical skills and theoretical knowledge,” says Felix. He strongly recommends the programme to other property sector professionals, emphasising that success requires initiative, dedication, self-discipline, and effective time management.
Another graduate Dr Kelvin Wong King Wai, a real estate veteran, shares similar sentiment. Kelvin emphasises that he searched for a professional doctorate programme of international real estate and construction for years and DIREC caught his attention as the first professional doctorate programme in Hong Kong.
“DIREC has allowed me to consolidate my practical work insights and theoretical knowledge in the international real estate market,” says Kelvin, Head of China Real Estate at Schroders Capital.
Kelvin received his undergraduate degree in urban planning from Canada in 2000 and completed his Master of International Real Estate programme at PolyU in 2003. DIREC is seen as a channel for academic advancement and knowledge enrichment. He describes his transition from urban planning to real estate as a fulfilling journey in his career. “Being involved in the international real estate market since 2000, I find the global perspective emphasised by DIREC to be professionally invaluable,” says Kelvin.
An emerging trend is observed in which more working professionals seek advanced academic qualifications on a part-time basis to enhance their competitive edge. “Many new hires these days hold dual master’s degrees,” Kelvin points out.
Besides, the programme’s tuition fees (HK$ 451,350 in total for September 2024 intake) is attractive, in comparison with other part-time professional doctorate programmes offered in Hong Kong.
As ambitious professionals, Dr Felix Chan and Dr Kelvin Wong have set their sights high. They have proactively sought to enhance their professional skills while earning a globally recognised doctorate, thereby paving the way for further advancements in their careers.
