Master Talk: CIC iHub

Following the visits to many signature infrastructure projects in Hong Kong, the "Master Talk" this time turned its focus to a tour of the "CIC iHub" with Form 5 students from Kwun Tong Government Secondary School. The visit provided an opportunity to explore the latest technologies and developments in the construction industry. A young surveyor was also invited to share career planning insights, broadening the students' imagination about the construction sector.

Four Key Aspects: A Comprehensive View of the Latest Developments in the Construction Industry

Representatives from the Construction Industry Council (CIC) first in provided the students with an introductory overview of the local construction sector, highlighting its diversity with 142 distinct job roles and a workforce of over 600,000 individuals. These professionals collaborate across a range of fields to drive societal progress. Subsequently, the students embarked on a guided exploration of various exhibits at the CIC iHub. They visited key areas including MiC Resources Centre, Construction Innovation and Technology Application Centre (CITAC), the CIC Digital Twin Hub, and the CIC-Zero Carbon Park. This tour offered them valuable insights into cutting-edge technologies and recent advancements within the industry.

MiC Resources Centre Showroom and Project Display

With the implementation of the 'Modular Integrated Construction' (MiC) method, engineers can transfer construction processes from the onsite environment to a controlled factory setting. This shift facilitates the pre-assembly of components that are subsequently installed at the construction site. Such a method significantly mitigates the uncertainties typically associated with onsite construction, including weather-related delays and spatial limitations, thereby enhancing both work efficiency and site safety. The students had the opportunity to tour the first building in Hong Kong constructed using the MiC method, which features a simulated residential unit. This visit allowed them to directly observe the effectiveness of the 'pre-install then integrate' approach and to understand its growing relevance not only locally but also internationally, ranging from straightforward public housing initiatives to complex private endeavors, such as the 56-story Avenue South Residence in Singapore and mixed-use developments at 24-38 Tokyo Street in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's First Zero-Carbon Building CITAC: Exploring How Innovative Technologies Can Protect Workers

During their visit to the CITAC, the students discovered how cutting-edge technologies can decrease labor costs, heighten safety on construction sites, and reduce the physical strain on workers. They learned about IoT-enabled smart helmets that monitor vital signs such as body temperature and heart rate, sending alerts to both the worker and their supervisors if any irregularities are detected. Additionally, wearable exoskeleton devices were demonstrated, showing how they lighten the load on workers’ shoulder joints and decrease the risk of injuries, particularly from working at heights. The tour also highlighted the first zero-carbon building in Hong Kong, showcasing its use of advanced construction technologies and eco-friendly architectural designs to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

Introduction to CIC Digital Twin Hub and Interaction with Young Surveyor

At the CIC Digital Twin Hub, students witnessed firsthand the transformative application of Digital Twins in modern construction practices. A Digital Twin is a highly detailed virtual model that, with the help of sensors gathering real-time data, can accurately monitor and simulate the behavior of its physical counterpart under diverse conditions. This technology streamlines workflows, minimizes safety hazards, and provides a cost-efficient approach to managing construction projects. During the visit, a young surveyor shared valuable insights into her profession, elucidating the critical role of surveying in the construction industry and the latest sector advancements. She emphasized the significance of proficiency in computer technology within surveying. This discussion was particularly resonant for students with an interest in computer science, linking theoretical knowledge with practical industry applications.