The Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) was established officially upon completion of business registration procedures, with Mr Hon Chi-keung and Dr Chan Ka-kui appointed as the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of the Board of the BTRi respectively.
The Financial Secretary announced in the Budget in February this year the establishment of the Building Testing and 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, as well as devise standards, conduct testing and provide 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, with a view to developing 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 funding of $10 million for the initial operation of the BTRi. 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.
The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said, "The construction industry is one of the key industries in Hong Kong. Hong Kong 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."
Ms Linn welcomed the appointment of Mr Hon and Dr Chan as the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Board of BTRi. She said, "They have over 40 years of experience in the construction industry as well as outstanding leadership and management abilities. 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 the long-term and sustainable development of the industry. Dr Chan is a registered professional surveyor and a Fellow Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. He served as the Chairman of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), leading the CIC to implement various measures successfully and enhancing the overall performance of the construction industry.
Following the completion of business registration procedures, the BTRi will work on manpower recruitment and formulation of development directions, and liaise with potential project partners, with the aim of announcing the work plans and development proposals of the first stage later this year.
