Project Cost Management Forum 2025 Focuses on Cost-effectiveness in Construction Through Innovation and Collaboration

Project Cost Management Forum promotes cost-effectiveness of construction projects

The Development Bureau (DEVB) held the Project Cost Management Forum 2025 today (November 7). With the theme "Construction New Normal: Co-defining Cost-effectiveness", the forum explored how to enhance the cost management and cost-effectiveness of construction projects through optimised procurement strategies and the application of innovative technologies.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, said that the Government is pressing ahead with infrastructure investment, which drives economic growth, job creation, talent attraction, and enhances long-term competitiveness. He noted that in the coming few years, the annual capital works expenditure will be about $120 billion, with an additional $30 billion set aside for small and medium-sized projects. Mr Wong also expressed gratitude to the Project Strategy and Governance Office of the DEVB for promoting a culture of "Fitness-for-Purpose, No Frills" and helped save about $190 billion across more than 540 projects over the past nine years.

Speaking at the forum, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the DEVB has been actively fostering a culture of cost-consciousness within the construction industry and has implementedwhole-process project cost governanceat various stages of public works projects to ensure the careful use of public funds. With the rollout of major developments like the Northern Metropolis and an increased capital works investment by the Government, this cost-consciousness mindset is more critical than ever. The Government is planning ahead with an "ownership" mindset to comprehensively evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different implementation proposals and review site selection, usage mix, the scale of the project, design, implementation programme etc, in the very upfront stages, to formulate practical and cost-effective proposals. The Government also fully embraces the integration of technological and industrial innovation to enhance productivity, and is keen to uplift the capabilities of a diverse construction talent pool, promote knowledge exchange and strengthen collaboration with Mainland and international partners, thereby reinforcing our role as international infrastructure centre.

Afterwards, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, delivered a keynote speech. He said that to reduce construction costs for public works and expedite project delivery, the DEVB is advancing reforms in four areas: optimising the project procurement model, applying advanced technologies, streamlining the approval process, and reviewing the design standards and requirements. These cost-control measures are being rolled out progressively to ensure that policies are targeted, practicable and capable of delivering sustained results.

At the forum, Mr Wong and Ms Linn witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DEVB of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Ministry of Finance of Singapore. The MOU aims to enhance exchanges of professional knowledge and experience in managing and delivering infrastructure projects. It facilitates collaboration between the two places, improves project delivery models through the promotion of digitalisation and the adoption of innovative construction methods. It also strengthens the leadership and delivery capabilities of project leaders, thereby boosting productivity and performance in the construction industries of both places.

The forum brought together expert speakers from different places to share practical experiences in reform and innovation. Among them, the Executive Director of the Centre for Public Project Management under the Ministry of Finance of Singapore, Mr Low Chian Siong, elaborated on institutionalising cost control and implementing outcome-based procurement; the Head of Planning and Cost Control at Public Works Authority "Ashghal" of the State of Qatar, Mr Mohammed Bader Alnama, introduced centralised procurement and digital monitoring mechanisms adopted for large-scale infrastructure projects; and the Secretary-General of the GuangDong Engineering Cost Association, Mr Xu Xiyan, shared how cost management can be better aligned with regional policies. Over 400 representatives from government departments, engineering consultancies, contractors and professional bodies from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Singapore, Qatar, the United Kingdom and more participated in the forum both online and offline.

Project Cost Management Forum promotes cost-effectiveness of construction projects Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Project Cost Management Forum promotes cost-effectiveness of construction projects Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Project Cost Management Forum promotes cost-effectiveness of construction projects Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Project Cost Management Forum promotes cost-effectiveness of construction projects Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Project Cost Management Forum promotes cost-effectiveness of construction projects Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Project Cost Management Forum promotes cost-effectiveness of construction projects Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 4) reminded members of the public to take appropriate precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during very hot weather.

In a high-temperature environment, excessive sweating and difficulty in heat dissipation can cause stress to the body. Members of the public should take the following precautions:

Hydrate in a timely manner to prevent dehydration;

Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation;

Keep indoor areas well ventilated and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, e.g. by opening windows or using a fan or air-conditioning;

Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged activities such as hiking or trekking;

Arrange outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring enough water; and

Avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, which may speed up water loss through the urinary system.

In addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, overweight people and outdoor/manual workers are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:

Infants and young children: Avoid going outside when the temperature is high. If they must go outside, adults should ensure they stay in places with moderate temperatures and good ventilation or air-conditioning. Infants and young children should never be left unattended in a confined space such as a vehicle;

The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses and overweight people: Pay close attention to health conditions and seek help as soon as possible if experiencing any abnormalities in health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc or if there are fluctuations in health conditions. Avoid going out when the temperature is high. Make sure there is good ventilation, or turn on a fan or air-conditioner to keep an appropriate temperature indoors. High temperatures can also worsen the condition of people with chronic illnesses (such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). Therefore, they should have an ample supply of their usual medication and keep in contact with family members, neighbours and the community. People should seek immediate help if they feel unwell.

Outdoor/manual workers: Reschedule work to cooler hours as far as feasible. If working in a hot environment is unavoidable, provide shade where practicable and use ventilation and heat dissipation equipment. Once work has begun, gradually adjust the pace of work and take breaks in the shade to regain strength.

The DH reminded the public that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner.

Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above), the public should note the following:

Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the skin and the eyes;

Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen liberally, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher, when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply every two hours if staying outdoors for long periods, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off;

While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen before insect repellent;

Seek shade;

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;

Wear loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeves; and

Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.

If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

For more health information, the public may visit theCHP's heat strokepage andUV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.

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