Head of Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering and Development Department

It is my great pleasure to welcome all distinguished guests, speakers, and fellow engineering professionals to the Joint SCCT-HKCI International Conference on Concrete Technologies 2026.

The theme this year is “Development of Innovative and Sustainable Concrete Technology for New Quality Productive Forces”.  As our industry drives toward carbon neutrality and responds to evolving infrastructure demands, driving innovation is no longer optional—it is essential. Embracing new quality productive forces means transforming how we design, test, and deploy concrete through advanced material science, digitalisation, and sustainable engineering practices.

The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) is committed to turning research into practical applications. Across our capital works projects, CEDD has been actively pushing the technical boundaries of advanced concrete materials. Building on the successful pilot application of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for durable, high-strength structural applications, CEDD is also pioneering the site implementation of Low-Density Engineered Cementitious Composites (LD-ECC). Notably, in a recent roadwork application at the Shap Pat Heung Interchange under the Yuen Long South New Development Area project, using LD-ECC as road embankment backfill material streamlined construction, enhanced durability, and improved safety. These practical applications demonstrate how advanced materials directly enhance productivity and sustainability in public works projects.

Today’s conference also marks a meaningful milestone: the 20th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Concrete Institute (HKCI). Over two decades, HKCI has actively fulfilled its core mission to promote the study and foster better relationships and understanding amongst professionals in the concrete technological field. We deeply value this strong partnership across academia, government, and industry as we collectively shape the future of Hong Kong’s built environment.

At this year’s Conference, leading experts will share groundbreaking insights into advanced, smart and low-carbon concrete technologies. I trust this platform will inspire new partnerships and accelerate the adoption of new quality productive forces across our industry.

I wish you all a highly rewarding conference and extend my warmest congratulations to HKCI on its 20th Anniversary!