The Government today announced the official establishment of the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) upon completion of business registration procedures.

Hon Chi-keung and Chan Ka-kui are appointed as the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of the BTRi Board respectively.

The Financial Secretary announced in the Budget in February this year the establishment of the Building Testing & 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, in addition to devising standards, conducting testing and providing 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.

The ultimate aim is to develop 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 $10 million in funding for the BTRi’s initial operation. 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, and its current objective is to announce its first-stage work plans and development proposals later this year. 

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said the construction industry is one of the key industries in Hong Kong, which 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.”

Welcoming the appointment of Mr Hon and Mr Chan, Ms Linn said they have over 40 years of experience in the construction industry as well as outstanding leadership and management abilities. She added that 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 its long-term and sustainable development.

Mr Chan is a registered professional surveyor and a Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors Fellow Member. He served as Construction Industry Council Chairman, leading it to implement various measures successfully to enhance the overall industry’s performance.