Hong Kong, 22 February, 2023 – Arcadis, the leading global Design & Consultancy organization for natural and built assets, welcomes the proposal set out by “The 2023-24 Budget” on Wednesday February 22, to support people in need to the best of the ability, and sustain the impetus to economic recovery in moving towards high-quality development.
In response to the Budget, Francis Au, Greater China Growth Director said, “Arcadis welcomes the numerous budgeting by the Government with clear direction and specific goals for the development of Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands. We are also thrilled to hear that the HKSAR Government is supporting the extensive application of advanced technologies in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to improve certainty on budget, quality and delivery time of our projects.”
Develop Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands
The Northern Metropolis serves as an important base for promoting the development of livable space, Innovation & Technology industries, facilitating high-quality economic co-operation between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. In parallel, the Budget also outlined there are forth preliminary proposals on the scope of reclamation, land use, transport infrastructure network and financial arrangements regarding the Kau Yi Chau artificial islands. Arcadis embraces the multi-pronged approach by HKSAR Government, which will compress the major projects time by half from more than 10 years in the previous plan. Hence, more land resources will be released for public and private developments to Improving Quality of Life of Hong Kong citizens.
Application of Innovation and Technology in the Construction Industry
Arcadis developed advanced forecasting model to predict the Hong Kong construction manpower in the coming 5 years, the model suggested that there will be about 40,000 skilled workers in shortage and 15,000 in shortage in professionals, supervisors and technicians in 5 years. Enhancing training & recruitment while driving the adoption of advance construction methods and new technologies should be prioritised to uplift our construction capacity. We are delighted the Government addressed the issues and planned HKD $75 million for conducting studies on establishing the Building Testing and Research Institute, constructing an advanced construction industry building, and strengthening the supply chain of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), MiMEP, prefabricate reinforcement bar, etc.. We are in line with the proposition of Modular Infinite.
Francis Au said, “We see the opportunities by devise standards, conduct testing and provide accreditation and related products to align with those in the international market and China standards. Hong Kong can participate actively and complete the tasks locally by optimising and capitalising our local and GBA talents.”
“Furthermore, the innovative ideas on implement large scale infrastructure project to achieve on budget, on time and meet the benefit. We should consider having partnering approach among clients, consultants, contractors and suppliers such as early contractor and supplier involvement, and pain / gain sharing mechanism in our procurement strategy.” Francis Au continued.
