The Department of Building and Construction at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has received a HK$1.6 million donation from the Construction Industry Institute, Hong Kong (CII-HK), to set up a fund to provide scholarships to encourage construction related research, in order to pursue further technological advances in the industry. The cheque presentation ceremony was held today (22 April).

This is the first instance of CII-HK setting-up a scholarship at a local university. It aims to support CityU’s PhD research projects related to the construction industry and to enhance quality of construction in Hong Kong.

Many large scale construction projects in Hong Kong, including the “ten major infrastructure projects”, are being implemented gradually. At the same time, local society is paying more and more attention to issues such as eco-friendly construction, construction safety and repair and maintenance of aging buildings. In response to these societal needs, the CII-HK Scholarship will support CityU’s PhD students research in disciplines of construction management and surveying. Areas of study include environmental protection, energy efficiency, productivity, safety, quality and use of information technology in the construction industry.

The cheque presentation ceremony was attended by Sir David Akers-Jones, Chairman of CII-HK, Dr Nicolas Yeung, Convenor and Founding Director of CII-HK, Mr Raymond Cheung, Chairman of the Executive Board, CII-HK, Professor Chan Chi-hou, Acting Provost, CityU, Professor Edwin Pun Yue-bun, Acting Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, CityU and Professor Sritawat Kitipornchai, Head of the Department of Building and Construction, CityU.

In his welcoming remarks, Professor Chan said, “I would like to express my most sincere appreciation to CII-HK for its generous donation. The Department of Building and Construction at CityU will contribute a matching HK$1.6 million, making an aggregate of HK$3.2 million, to support the first year stipend of our PhD students. Research projects undertaken by students are expected to help promote the development of construction industry and enhance the industry’s performance.”

“The construction industry needs innovative ideas but there is not much research. Green building, which brings economic benefits to society but is expensive, is the kind of research that is necessary,” Sir David said, adding that they were pleased their donation to CityU has led to the setting up of the scholarship on construction-related research.

“Construction industry is one of the most important industries in Hong Kong and the region, and it has great impact on both the economic and social development of Hong Kong. This scholarship encourages talented students to pursue construction related research, which will help raise quality standards in the industry,” said Professor Kitipornchai.

CII-HK was initiated and established by construction industry professionals to offer solution-oriented strategies for advancement of the construction industry in Hong Kong.

Media enquiry: Eliza Lee, Communications and Public Relations Office, CityU

(Tel: 3442 6121 or 9424 3823)