Building Technology Research Institute Established to Innovate Hong Kong's Construction Industry Standards and Practices

Building Technology Research Institute completes business registration procedures

A Government spokesman said today (August 15) that the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) was established officially upon completion of business registration procedures, with Mr Hon Chi-keung and Dr Chan Ka-kui appointed as the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of the Board of the BTRi respectively.

The Financial Secretary announced in the Budget in February this year the establishment of the Building Testing and Research Institute by the Development Bureau (DEVB) within this year to promote innovative applications in the construction industry. The institute, now named the Building Technology Research Institute, is a limited company wholly owned by the Financial Secretary Incorporated.

The BTRi will conduct research and development (R&D) activities in areas covering innovative construction materials, construction methods and technologies, as well as devise standards, conduct testing and provide accreditation. Through collaboration with government authorities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the BTRi will foster interconnectivity and integrated development of the GBA, and help build the brand of "GBA Standards" by developing standards for different domains of construction, such as materials, design and construction methods, with a view to developing the GBA into one of the regions with the most advanced construction technologies in the country and transforming the construction industry into a new quality productive force.

The DEVB will inject funding of $10 million for the initial operation of the BTRi. Thereafter, the BTRi will collaborate with academic institutions, research institutes, government departments, private organisations and more to carry out various projects and research. It will adopt a self-financed operation strategy through its business receipts.

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said, "The construction industry is one of the key industries in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has unique advantages with a wealth of knowledge and experience in applying international construction standards. Established with two strategic missions, the BTRi will enhance professional skills, product quality and cost effectiveness on one hand, while on the other hand facilitating our country to align its standards for construction technologies and products with those in the international market, thereby enabling relevant construction technologies and products to go global, as well as attracting R&D talent to Hong Kong."

Ms Linn welcomed the appointment of Mr Hon and Dr Chan as the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Board of BTRi. She said, "They have over 40 years of experience in the construction industry as well as outstanding leadership and management abilities. Under their leadership, the BTRi will drive the sustainable development of the construction industry." During Mr Hon's tenure as the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), he proactively promoted and implemented "Construction 2.0", leading the construction industry to seize new opportunities with innovation as well as promoting the long-term and sustainable development of the industry. Dr Chan is a registered professional surveyor and a Fellow Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. He served as the Chairman of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), leading the CIC to implement various measures successfully and enhancing the overall performance of the construction industry.

Following the completion of business registration procedures, the BTRi will work on manpower recruitment and formulation of development directions, and liaise with potential project partners, with the aim of announcing the work plans and development proposals of the first stage later this year.

Source: AI-generated images

CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 11) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

"Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

The public should adopt the following precautions:

Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;

Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;

Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;

For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;

Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and

Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

​The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):

Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;

Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;

Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;

Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and

While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

​If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

​The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111),heat strokepage andUV radiationpage; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.

Source: AI-generated images