ASTRI Forms ConTech and PropTech Alliance to Boost Industry

The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) held the inauguration ceremony for the “ConTech and PropTech Alliance.” This alliance aims to advance technology adoption to improve construction efficiency, quality, and safety, thereby fostering industry growth. The event was officiated by Ms. Winnie Ho, Secretary for Housing of the HKSAR Government, Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI, and Dr. Denis Yip, CEO of ASTRI.

Enhancing Construction Through Technology

Ms. Winnie Ho emphasized the commitment to transforming industry challenges into opportunities through cross-sector collaboration. She highlighted the government’s efforts to integrate innovative technologies into public housing construction and management to improve residents’ well-being. Collaboration with ASTRI aims to enhance ‘Modular Integrated Construction’ (MiC) and ‘Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing’ (MiMEP) methods, focusing on speed, efficiency, quantity, and quality in public housing development.

Developing New Productive Forces

Ir Sunny Lee noted that the construction and real estate sector is crucial to Hong Kong’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP. Despite its recognized expertise, the sector faces challenges such as high costs, an aging workforce, and frequent accidents. Advanced technologies can address these issues by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing site safety. With major projects expected to cost HK$300 billion annually over the next decade, leveraging technology can drive productivity and growth.

Promoting Smart Construction

Dr. Denis Yip highlighted that the Alliance is creating a comprehensive ecosystem, including government bodies, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and technology providers. This ecosystem aims to revolutionize traditional construction and property management processes, supporting Hong Kong’s progress towards becoming a smart city. ASTRI’s key technologies for the construction and real estate industries include:

• Site Safety: Solutions incorporating passive cooling, edge AI technology, and neuromorphic sensing for hazard identification and safety monitoring.
• Crane Safety: Systems to monitor operator and machinery conditions, enhancing safety and detecting abnormalities in real-time.
• MiC Positioning: High-precision positioning systems using non-Visible Light Communication (nVLC) and neuromorphic sensing to improve safety and efficiency.
• Mixed Reality Helmet: Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Metaverse technologies for education, training, and operational assistance.
• Universal AI Predictive Maintenance System for Lifts: IoT and AI-based system for predicting lift breakdowns, enhancing maintenance efficiency and property management quality.

Industry Leaders Share Insights

Two panel discussions featured industry leaders sharing insights on construction safety, sustainability, and the future of PropTech innovation.

• Building Safety and Sustainability: Moderated by Mr. Wilfred Wong, with panelists from the Housing Department, Hong Kong Housing Society, Construction Industry Council, University of Hong Kong, and China Real Estate Chamber of Commerce.
• PropTech Innovation and Market Outlook: Hosted by Ir Andrew Young, featuring speakers from Hongkong Land, Chinachem Group, and Pi Labs.

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