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Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) is an innovative approach revolutionising the construction industry. To advance the sustainable development of MiC and align with the government’s strategic vision for high-quality development and the creation of "better houses", MiC Laboratory (MiCLab) of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) hosted the International Conference on Modular Integrated Construction: New Paradigm on 26 June 2025 at the Rayson Huang Theatre. The conference brought together over 400 local and international experts from government, industry, and academia to share groundbreaking advancements in MiC and exchange insights into innovative modular construction practices and knowledge.

Professor Richard Wong, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of HKU, delivered the welcome address at the conference. He mentioned that “HKU developed MiC together with the Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government in 2017. Supported by the systematic research conducted by HKU MiCLab, MiC has made significant impacts on policy, society, and industry development. ”

The Guest of Honour, Ms. Bernadette Linn, JP, Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government, delivered the opening address. She said that “HKU has been a crucial partner of the government, driving progress in modular construction through innovation and technology. This conference gathers experts from around the world to strengthen partnerships, leverage expertise, and embrace cutting-edge innovations.” Mr Wei Wang, Level I Bureau Rank Official, from the Department of Standards and Norms, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) delivered the special remarks. He said that “Hong Kong has made remarkable achievements in promoting MiC. MOHURD will support Hong Kong further to develop MiC, actively promote exchanges and cooperation between Mainland and Hong Kong, jointly promote the transformation and upgrading of China’s construction industry, and provide significant support for the construction of better houses.”

During the conference, HKU MiCLab signed the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) of the HKSAR Government under the witness of Prof Richard Wong, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of HKU and Ir Ricky Lau, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) of the HKSAR Government. Also, HKU MiCLab signed the MoU with the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen, under the witness of Prof Richard Wong and Mr Genghui Liu, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province (DHURDGP). These MoUs aim to expand collaboration networks, fostering the promotion of innovative MiC applications in Hong Kong and beyond.

Professor Wei Pan, Head of Department of Civil Engineering, Director of MiCLab and Executive Director of Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID), HKU, introduced the New Paradigm for MiC Research and Development (R&D) with cutting-edge research outcomes from HKU MiCLab. Prof Pan launched the Guidebook for Safe Heavy Lifting in Modular Integrated Construction for High-Rise Buildings, together with Ir Ricky Lau, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) of the HKSAR Government. The Guidebook aims to equip industry stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure safer and more efficient practices. Prof Pan also announced the launch of the International Association for Modular Construction (IAMC). The IAMC envisions a smart, sustainable and resilient built environment through continuously pushing outward the knowledge boundary of modular construction technology and innovation, and gathers leading modular construction research units worldwide, in order to drive knowledge creation and sharing, champion technology breakthroughs, and facilitate industry application of modular construction.

Other prominent local and overseas scholars, experts, and industry leaders shared their insights, including Prof Martin Fischer, Stanford University; Prof Richard Liew, National University of Singapore; Prof Mohamed Al-Hussein, University of Albert; Ms Linfeng Wen, General Director, Center of Science and Technology and Industrialization Development, MOHURD; Prof Chris Goodier, Loughborough University; Prof Tuan Ngo, The University of Melbourne; Prof Thomas Bock, Technical University of Munich; Mr Edward Wong, Architectural Services Department, HKSAR Government; Dr Sherman Yip, Housing Department, HKSAR Government; Mr Edmond Lo, Chinachem Group; Mr Allan Tan, United Tec Construction Pte. Ltd.; and Er. Seng Wong, TW-Asia Consultants Pte Ltd.

On the panel discussions, Ir Prof Thomas Ho, Chairman, Construction Industry Council; Ir Frankie Fung, Principal Assistant Secretary (Project Capability and Strategy), Development Bureau; Mrs Foo-Leoh Chay Hong, Director, Construction Productivity and Quality Group, Building and Construction Authority, Singapore; Ir John Kwong, Director, Building Technology Research Institute; Ir Franco Cheung, Director (Projects), Hong Kong Housing Society; Ir Dr Conrad Wong, Chairman, Hong Kong Modular Integrated Construction Manufacturer Association; Dr Louis Chu, Associate Director, Estates Office, HKU; and Mr Baojun Zhao, General Manager, China State Construction Hailong Technology Co., Ltd. also shared their knowledge regarding the technology breakthroughs and industry application of modular construction.

Prof C.K. Mak, Vice Chairman of CICID, delivered the closing remarks. He expressed his gratitude to all guests, especially for the strong support from the government, research institutions, and industry partners, which will certainly be conducive to the future development of MiC.

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About HKU MiCLab
HKU MiCLab was established in 2020 to lead innovative research in MiC to enhance its widespread uptake and adoption in Hong Kong and beyond. The vision of MiCLab is to become the global leading research unit in modular construction and MiC. MiCLab covers a range of R&D topics, including but not limited to innovative MiC structures and materials, smart MiC manufacturing, transportation and assembly, MiC supply chain and logistics, and MiC sustainability.

Media enquiry
Faculty of Engineering, HKU
Prof Wei Pan (Tel: 3917-2671 / Email: [email protected])
Ms Christina Chung (Tel: 3910-3324 / Email: [email protected])