Interview with Ir ZA Wai Gin,Tony

Q: As a representative of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the Chairman of the QBA 2026 Jury Sub-committee, what aspect of smart construction technologies like BIM, Digital Twins, and MiC does the jury focus on most during project evaluation? 

A: Smart construction technologies have evolved at an unprecedented pace. What was considered a cutting-edge innovation just a year ago has rapidly become standard configuration today. In the past, it might have taken multiple iterations for a feature to become standard; now, innovation spreads across the market almost instantly.

Because basic digital tools are now standard across the board, our judging panel focuses on how mature technologies are being applied in increasingly diverse, multifaceted, and innovative ways.

Take BIM (Building Information Modelling) as an example. Initially, people viewed BIM as a standard design and drafting tool for drawing coordination. In reality, BIM is a dynamic data model. When programmed and tagged properly, real-time BIM data can streamline long-term property management, enable complex statutory compliance checks in days rather than weeks, and run assembly simulations for off-site manufacturing and congested urban construction sites.

Similarly, with MiC (Modular Integrated Construction), the technology has matured far beyond standard container units. The standout projects are those that integrate MiC so seamlessly into high-quality housing or site facilities that you do not even perceive its modular constraints.

Ultimately, having basic technology is no longer the differentiator. We want to recognize projects that take these mature tools, broaden their application, and use them creatively to drive true value.

Q: When preparing their submission decks, how can participating teams effectively highlight these technological applications to differentiate themselves during the judging process?

A: Teams must clearly articulate their unique competitive edge. When evaluating the nominated projects where every entry claims to be aesthetically stunning and equipped with smart systems, having basic digital technology alone does not distinguish a project. Since everyone is operating from the same baseline, applicants need to pinpoint their specific highlights and demonstrate what makes their application of technology truly unique. That clarity of purpose is key.

Q: With your expertise in smart construction and digital transformation, which project do you think demonstrated the strongest integration of technologies or digital management this year, and why?

A: Digital transformation has really taken root across all of our categories, from commercial and mixed-use to institutional and community buildings. On top of that, the entries in our new Greater Bay Area and overseas categories showed an impressively mature use of these technologies. While every single project did an incredible job, the one that left the deepest impression on me was, without a doubt, this year's highest honor, the Quality Excellence Award winner, Kai Tak Sports Park.

Q: What do you see as the biggest technological bottleneck for Hong Kong’s construction industry in its digital transformation journey – hardware, software, talent, or industry culture?

A: Adaptability requires strong capability. In fact, when we talk about BIM and MiC, neither one is just a physical product. Looking back, BIM started replacing AutoCAD for drafting over ten years ago. As for MiC, it began as an innovation initiative, with the first project completed around 2019. Less than a decade later, MiC technology is already widely adopted. 

Many of the early bottlenecks have been broken through over the past few years. For instance, a BIM data model naturally contains massive amounts of information, which used to create enormous file sizes that were difficult to transmit across the globe via the cloud. Today, both technology and infrastructure have upgraded. 

Issues that used to worry the industry now have clear corporate solutions. Workflows have improved, and a strong pool of BIM-trained talent has been established, with engineers now learning to operate these tools directly in their foundational courses. Because of this, I believe digital transformation has reached a mature phase. It is no longer an obstacle to progress, but simply a matter of how creatively everyone chooses to apply it. 

Q: How can these digital practices be effectively implemented on the ground? Digitalization varies significantly depending on company size. For instance, smaller firms, mid-tier main contractors, or subcontractors might not fully grasp how to execute it. Will it take time to transition gradually so that smaller companies have the resources and capability to train their people and collaborate with mid-tier contractors?

A: Alternatively, it can be driven by client demand, with clients saying they want to start using digital construction technologies. Whether it is written into the contract or requested directly, we will naturally invest in manpower, talent, and software. You are absolutely right that construction projects are subcontracted down to many second-tier specialists. In the early stages, this was an inevitable path we had to navigate, but Hong Kong has developed very rapidly. Over the past five to six years, the industry has been upgrading step by step. 

Setting aside the large specialist subcontractors for a moment, subcontractors in our industry are categorized into different tiers, which is quite unique. Some are what we call specialist contractors. They recognized early on that these tools could truly help them, so they were just as willing to take the first step and invest. That was already six or seven years ago, so their technology usage is highly mature now. Today, the more traditional subcontractors handling fewer complex scopes are coming on board. I find it highly beneficial for them for tasks like drawing coordination, which is remarkably effective for overall productivity. 

The third category is being driven forward gradually. These are the traditional trades we often talk about, such as steel reinforcement, plastering, and carpentry, and they are taking it one step at a time. That said, current BIM applications and programs have become far more user-friendly. To use an analogy, typing a letter on a computer used to give us a headache back when we were only used to typewriters, because early software required memorizing countless keyboard commands. It was exhausting, and I studied those back then as well. 

Software today has become much more intuitive, similar to a smartphone home screen where you can tell at a glance what a function does. Hardware and software must complement each other, and the design needs to be user-friendly so that small and medium enterprises can pick it up easily. This is a very positive development. Why can so many engineers operate BIM themselves now? If we were still using those complex first-generation systems where you had to memorize a dizzying array of commands, it simply would not work. Today's tools are designed so that you get the hang of them after a short period of use, so the problems of the past have largely been resolved. 

Q: This year, QBA 2026 has lowered the entry barrier – project teams from the Greater Bay Area and overseas are now welcome to join without needing a Hong Kong-registered company. From an engineering and technical standpoint, do you see a gap between Hong Kong and these regions in terms of construction technology, precision, or digital maturity? Are there areas where Hong Kong can learn from overseas, or conversely, where overseas and GBA cities can learn from Hong Kong?

A: Over the years, the construction industry, especially between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, has engaged in extensive exchanges. It is truly a process of mutual learning and complementing each other's strengths. When it comes to construction technology and digitalization, everyone has begun looking to one another for reference. Our ties with the GBA are very strong and close, and I do not think there is a significant gap in our technical levels. The digital technology they used was quite different from ours. This is precisely why over the past two cycles, given our inclusion of GBA and overseas categories, we invited professional contractors and industry leaders from mainland China to join our judging panel in Hong Kong. For instance, we invited Mr. CHEN Ribiao,Vice President of Guangdong Engineering Exploration & Design Association, as well as the Mr. WU Biqiao, Vice President of Guangdong Construction Industry Association. They spoke with us afterward and expressed immense praise. If you ask about the differences between Hong Kong and the Mainland, mainland China has an abundance of mega projects and expansive spatial environments. 

Large projects are numerous in mainland, whereas there’re smaller but highly exquisite projects in Hong Kong. Visiting judges often remark on Hong Kong’s high precision and meticulous attention to detail, noting that there are many aspects of Hong Kong projects they can learn from. You see what makes Hong Kong unique in our exceptionally tall towers, which are rarely standalone buildings and usually built in clusters of three, as well as our heritage revitalization and temporary building projects. 

When judges learn about the internal designs and intricate details, they are amazed by how well thought out and comprehensive they are. This is where both sides enrich each other: we can learn their methods for managing mega projects, while they observe the meticulous details of our small to medium, non-traditional projects.

Q: Given that Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and overseas markets operate under different building standards and compliance codes, how does the judging panel evaluate design innovation across these varying regulatory frameworks? 

A: We certainly do not let institutional differences limit our appreciation of these designs. It is true that standards differ between regions. 

Looking ahead, the industry is actively exploring how to combine the best elements of both national and local standards. As we integrate these strengths, the technical gap will narrow even further, making cross-border design execution increasingly seamless for future regional developments. 

Q: How does the Quality Building Award define "smart" design, and is there an inherent tension between adopting smart technologies and achieving true environmental sustainability?

A: When we talk about "smart," our core theme is actually "Wisdom into the Future." People often assume "wisdom" simply refers to smart technology, but it truly means using human ingenuity and insight to construct a building efficiently or to express a profound architectural concept.

Under this framework, smart design and sustainability are not in conflict—they complement each other seamlessly. The intelligent methods chosen to construct a building are often designed specifically to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.

A prime example from our award winners is the China Overseas Building, the Grand Award of QBA 2026 Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong) Category. Rather than relying heavily on fossil fuel electricity, the project maximizes natural energy through two key design innovations:

• Integrated Photovoltaics: Solar panels are no longer restricted to limited rooftop space; instead, they are integrated vertically directly into the glass curtain walls.

• Vertical Greening & Natural Ventilation: By avoiding a fully enclosed layout, the design fosters natural airflow to create cooling breezes, significantly reducing indoor heat loads.

Q: For the next Quality Building Award (2028) cycle, what are your expectations for future participants, and what direction do you hope to see the industry take?

A: Looking ahead, our primary goal is to expand our platform for cross-border learning. We hope to attract even more entries from the Greater Bay Area and overseas, allowing Hong Kong practitioners to absorb fresh insights while driving regional standards forward through healthy exchange.

Beyond regional expansion, my main advice for QBA 2028 applicants is to embrace a broader definition of "Quality." Historically, quality was evaluated on a foundational tier including structural safety, engineering integrity, and material durability. While those technical foundations remain essential, QBA aspires toward a higher dimension.

True quality must be community-oriented and inclusive. We want to evaluate how a project enhances daily human comfort, transforms the surrounding community, and tells a compelling narrative. Take the Kai Tak Sports Park, QBA 2026, Quality Excellence Award, as an example: placing such a massive landmark in Kai Tak not only revitalized the local area, but fundamentally transformed how Hong Kong hosts international mega-events, bringing world-class culture and sports directly to residents. That level of social contribution is the benchmark for future breakthroughs.

Q: Could you share a specific example of how a project can demonstrate this higher dimension of social impact, particularly beyond traditional commercial developments?

A: A representative project from a recent cycle involved temporary site offices constructed using Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) by the Hong Kong Housing Society.

Rather than relying on standard, modified shipping containers, the project meticulously designed temporary offices using MiC to challenge the traditional, harsh perception of construction site environments. By incorporating functional features, daylighting, and thoughtful interior layouts, the team created a dignified workspace that directly improved the mental well-being and daily experience of frontline construction workers.

While temporary site structures wouldn't traditionally be compared to permanent commercial developments based solely on material specifications, this entry won an award because of its profound purpose, heart, and attention to detail. It demonstrated how visionary leadership in Hong Kong can take the first step toward uplifting the entire construction sector's working culture.