The conference opened with an opening address from the conference Guest of Honour, The Honourable Bernard Charnwut CHAN, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman, Our Hong Kong Foundation.
In recent years, the construction workforce in Hong Kong has faced unprecedented challenges due to ageing workers and severe manpower shortages. This issue is compounded by the lack of interest from the next generation in joining the industry. While innovative technologies have been introduced to enhance productivity and attract new talent, many medium and small-sized companies struggle to fully harness these advancements due to limited resources.
Under the theme "Redefine Productivity Frontiers," The Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers (HKICM) and the Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA) Joint Conference 2026 served as a dynamic platform for cross-sector exchange and reinforced the importance of collective action to shape the future of construction in Hong Kong. A number of distinguished speakers from both Hong Kong and mainland China gathered to discuss two key topics: "Redefining Frontiers in Construction Management Productivity" and "Breaking Through Efficiency Barriers in Site Management".
In his opening address, the Guest of Honour of the Conference, The Honourable Bernard Charnwut CHAN, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman, Our Hong Kong Foundation candidly addressed the psychological and practical realities of change, "It's easy to ride things out and let the next person deal with the problem. But if we don't act now — not for ourselves, but for the next generation — how can we expect a better future? Change is risky, it requires investment with no guaranteed return. But doing nothing is also a choice — and it's the riskiest one of all."
Cr Alfred TANG, President of Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers, emphasised the urgent need for transformation and inclusivity, "Within every challenge lies an opportunity for transformation. The pressures we face today are pushing us to think differently, to innovate boldly, and to reimagine what our industry can become. But we must ensure that this technological revolution leaves no one behind. Together, through collaboration and shared vision, we can build a smarter, more sustainable future for Hong Kong's construction industry."
Ir Simon LIU, President of Hong Kong Construction Association, called for a shift in how the industry measures productivity — placing safety at the forefront, "True productivity is not just about doing more in less time. True productivity is about doing things right — efficiently, sustainably, and most importantly, safely. A project delivered on time but with workers injured along the way cannot be regarded as successful. We need to change how we measure success."
The Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers and the Hong Kong Construction Association continue to serve as a cornerstone event for the construction industry, fostering professional excellence and industry advancement through knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Click here to download the Conference Programme.
Click here to download the Event Photos.
Photo 1
Group photo of the distinguished guest, (1st row, left to right) Hon Augustine Wong Ho-ming, JP, Functional Constituency - Real Estate And Construction of Legislative Council, Cr Chan Chi-man, Task Force Chairman of HKICM/HKCA Joint Conference 2026, Cr Alfred Tang, President of Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers, Hon Bernard Chan, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of Our Hong Kong Foundation, Ir Simon Liu, President of Hong Kong Construction Association, Hon Duncan Chiu, Member of the Legislative Council and Mr Lo Kwok Kuen, Joseph, JP, Head of Project Strategy and Governance Office, Development Bureau, together with the conference speakers and moderators.
Photo 2
The Guest of Honour of the Conference, The Honourable Bernard Charnwut CHAN, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman, Our Hong Kong Foundation, delivered the opening address.
Photo 3
The conference invited distinguished speakers from government bodies, leading contractors, academic institutions, and technology innovators shared their insights on topics such as digital transformation, workforce development, and collaborative project delivery.
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