Building Intelligence 2017 success in Hong Kong

BIM Academy and BK AsiaPacific partnered to deliver the Building Intelligence 2017 Conference on 6 November, attracting over 120 senior construction professionals to the interactive BIM event.

With the 2017 Hong Kong government policy address explicitly requesting that consultants and contractors use Building Information Modelling (BIM) when undertaking the design and delivery of major capital works projects from 2018 onwards – the interest in BIM is surging.  This combined with the growing international impetus towards a global digital built environment are clear markers that now is the time to consider how to embark on your organisation’s BIM implementation strategy.

The conference was opened by Ms. Ada FUNG Yin Suen, BBS, JP, deputy director of Housing (Development & Construction), Hong Kong Housing Authority, closely followed by founding chair of the Hong Kong Institute of BIM (HKIBIM), Francis Leung.  We then heard case studies and lessons learnt on the value of BIM and the importance of effective data management for improved building performance.

Unlike many BIM conferences currently in Hong Kong, this was an interactive discussion based event, giving delegates the opportunity to ask questions, and learn and share in intimate expert round table groups.

Ten discussion groups took place focussing on a variety of digital construction topics, including BIM for contracts and legal, BIM and well building, BIM for asset management. BIM Skills – mind the gap, BIM the business case, BIM for clients, BIM for civil infrastructure, BIM 4D tools, BIM technologies and BIM standards.

The plenary questions to the panel raised several interesting points, comprising of top five barriers to BIM implementation in Hong Kong. These included readiness of supply chain, lack of client awareness and understanding, difficulties of moving the traditional sector forwards, the need for additional awareness and communication with the FM sector and the need for consistent standards.

Building Intelligence was extremely enlightening demonstrating the current status of maturity of BIM in Hong Kong and the drivers for BIM as a value creator,” Keith Fletcher, operations director, Jones Lang Lasalle

“We are delighted with the success of the conference and workshops which allowed us to bring together expertise from the international and local market to demonstrate the real value of BIM to clients, contractors and designers in the Hong Kong SAR.  We plan to build on this momentum in the region over coming months,” Peter Barker, managing director, BIM Academy (Enterprises) Ltd

“Building Intelligence was a well managed conference with practical workshops and interactive roundtable discussions.  The participants learnt a lot and really enjoyed the day,” Benny Chow, director of sustainability, AEDAS