BTRi Delegation in Melbourne: Advancing MiC Collaboration Across Industry, Academia and the Public Sector

The Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) member delegation continued its five-day visit to Australia, fostering knowledge exchange with Melbourne's property, research and construction communities while exploring overseas opportunities for Modular Integrated Construction (MiC). 

On 14 July 2026, the delegation met with Knight Frank to gain first-hand market insights into Melbourne's property landscape, with a particular focus on project delivery practices for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and the significant growth potential in the residential sector. Perspectives from key growth councils—Hume and Greater Dandenong—further enriched the delegation's understanding of the opportunities ahead. 

The delegation also visited Building 4.0 - a Cooperative Research Centre co-funded by the Australian Government and headquartered at Monash University - to explore its latest research initiatives on uplifting industry performance through construction innovation. In addition, the delegation also met with the University of Melbourne and explored possible areas of collaboration, such as promoting applied R&D.  

On 15 July 2026, the delegation had an exchange session with DCF Property Group, followed by a site visit to  a high-rise residential building that showcased the local construction practices. The delegation also took part in the Hong Kong-Australia Business Association (HKABA) National Business Roundtable, co-hosted by the HKABA and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which brought together prominent regional developers and industry stakeholders. 

The dialogue was extended to RMIT University, where the landscape, construction constraints, and buyer perspectives of modular construction were discussed. Both parties also exchanged insights on the construction sentiment within the MiC context in Hong Kong and Australia.  

The delegation also engaged with the Prefab Council Australia, where the delegation shared Hong Kong’s MiC Journey, contributing its proven experience on the regulatory, approval and market pathways to mainstream adoption in Australia. 

BTRi remains committed to bridging industry expertise and advancing construction innovation through sustained international engagement.

Delegation including: Hong Kong Institute of Architects; Construction Industry Council; Development Bureau; AECOM Asia Company Limited; Aluhouse; Asia Infrastructure Solutions; Buildwave Innovation Limited; Chevalier Construction Technology Ltd.; China Construction Science and Industry Group Green Technology Co., Ltd (CCSIC); Guangdong CIMC Building Construction Co., Ltd.; Orientfunds Precast Ltd.; Shunde Lunjiao Quon Hing Construction Material Co., Ltd; Wilson & Associates Limited; and Yau Lee Wah Concrete Precast Products Company Limited. 

Meeting with Knight Frank 

Visiting Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre at Monash University 

Collaborating with the University of Melbourne

Exchanging insights at the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) 

Conducting a residential site visit with DCF Property Group 

Meeting with Prefab Australia at the AECOM office 

Attending the HKABA National Business Roundtable 

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