BTRi Chairperson Outlines Key Development Directions at International Infrastructure Summit

Building Technology Research Institute is spearheading construction industry to strengthen innovative applications

The following is issued on behalf of the Building Technology Research Institute:

The Chairperson of the Board of the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi), Mr Hon Chi-keung, today (November 15) attended the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) to introduce the three major development directions of the BTRi, namely driving applied research and development, reviewing and uplifting standards, providing accreditation, certification and testing. He also shared the initial work plans of the BTRi.

The BTRi was established in August this year as a limited company wholly owned by the Financial Secretary Incorporated to spearhead the construction industry in strengthening innovative applications to enhance productivity, cost-effectiveness and site safety performance in response to Hong Kong's future infrastructure development.

Driving applied research and development

The BTRi will work closely with the DEVB and works departments to implement and establish innovative construction materials, technologies and machineries through pilot projects in public works projects. The BTRi is collaborating with works departments such as the Architectural Services Department and the Civil Engineering and Development Department to promote the application of high-strength steel and ultra-high performance concrete by piloting in public works projects. The BTRi will assist the project team in solving technical issues, collect data and monitor the performance, so as to facilitate the approval of relevant departments, and formulate relevant standards and guidelines for wider adoption by the industry. These construction materials are two to three times stronger than traditional materials, which can reduce the amount of material, structural weight and even the scale of the foundation, and also facilitate the prefabrication of related structural components in the factory, so as to achieve the effect of speed, quantity, efficiency and quality.

Uplifting standards

The BTRi will collaborate with local universities to make reference to overseas building standards and Guobiao (GB). It is expected to effectively improve the efficiency of the project and reduce the construction cost by reviewing and optimising the building standards that have been used in Hong Kong for many years, starting from the design loading requirements of buildings and the design values of the bearing capacity of the foundation, etc. The BTRi will also facilitate the local application of high-quality and cost-effective construction materials from the Mainland and overseas by comparing and complementing the differences in testing and certification requirements between standards in different regions. In addition, the BTRi will work closely with the DEVB and closely liaise with counterparts in the Guangdong Province to take forward the formulation of the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Construction Standards.

Providing accreditation, certification and testing

The BTRi today launched the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) to ensure that accredited MiC manufacturers adhere to strict standards in management, production, transportation and other processes, and strengthen quality control. The details and application method of the Scheme is available on the BTRi's website (btri.hk). The Scheme will play a key role in further promoting the local application of MiC and the development of MiC technology, which will help consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international leader in MiC. The BTRi will also review the existing testing needs for various construction materials and products in Hong Kong, and strengthen the relevant building testing capabilities of the construction industry.

Collaboration and development

Witnessed by the Secretary for Development, Mr Hon signed Memoranda of Understanding today with the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research, the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, and three local universities, namely the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, to collaborate and promote innovative applications to address the pressing challenges of the construction industry.

In terms of future development, the BTRi will develop its business in areas such as driving applied research and development, uplifting standards, providing accreditation, certification and testing, etc., and will gradually build a professional team to promote innovation in the construction industry. On the other hand, the BTRi will strengthen co-operation with relevant local and overseas institutions to enhance the applied research capabilities of the BTRi and establish its leading position in the GBA and even internationally.

Building Technology Research Institute is spearheading construction industry to strengthen innovative applications Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government announces details of Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme

The Government today (November 15) announced the application details of the Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme (SPAPS).

The Government invites proposals from local performing arts groups and practitioners for large-scale stage productions.

Interested parties can submit application from December 30, 2024 to May 30, 2025. The Government will form an assessment panel, comprising experts, veteran arts and cultural practitioners, professionals with rich business acumen and experience as well as representatives from the Government. The application results are expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Proposals will be assessed based on the following factors:

artistic vision and merits of the production or programme;

representativeness as a production or programme of Hong Kong to showcase characteristics of Hong Kong and the capacity and creativity of local talents;

marketing and promotion strategy that appeals to a broad range of audience, local and abroad;

potential for long-running; and

impact on consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.

The selected proposal must stage at least 15 performances (can be implemented by phase) in Hong Kong and attract at least 10 000 paid audience members. There will be a quota of two productions for this application. Existing programmes with outstanding performances in relevant aspects will also be considered, provided that the programme must substantially transform and enhance existing programmes in terms of creativity and presentations, and have the capacity to generate renewed interest.

Each selected proposal under the SPAPS will receive a direct subsidy of up to $10 million for a maximum period of three years to support expenses in areas such as creative concepts, stage productions, venue rentals, as well as marketing and promotion of the programme. The SPAPS will also provide a matching subsidy of up to $5 million to each selected proposal to match private sponsorship raised and income received. In line with the objectives of the Scheme to nurture world-class performing arts productions and international cultural brands that represent Hong Kong, the Scheme will require that a substantial portion of the expenditure for the production must be expended in Hong Kong and the majority of the key personnel should be Hong Kong residents.

In the event that the selected proposal can generate profit from the 15 stage performances and stage a re-run of an equivalent or larger scale within 18 months after the first run, a matching subsidy equivalent to 20 per cent of the total funding support from the Scheme for the first round of the performance and capped at $3 million will be provided to match private sponsorship raised and income received in the re-run, with a view to encouraging project proponent to unleash the long-running potential of the proposed programme.

The Government will hold a briefing session in the afternoon on December 17, 2024 at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Museum of Art to provide further details of the Scheme and answer questions. Interested parties who would like to attend the briefing session may register by sending email to spaps@cstb.gov.hk.