Build4Asia Launches in Hong Kong: Spotlight on Smart Property Management and Emergency Preparedness with 600 Brands

Build4Asia launched today (May 6) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, marking the start of a three-day exhibition displaying architecture and building development. The event brings together over 600 brands across a wide range of sectors, including building materials, smart building technologies, ESG and sustainability, and fire safety, etc., forming a highly integrated building ecosystem platform.

Build4Asia launched today (May 6) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, marking the start of a three-day exhibition displaying architecture and building development. Photo by Bastille Post

This year's exhibition puts the spotlight on property management and emergency response solutions, addressing growing concerns over fire safety and rising operational costs. For the first time, the exhibition features two dedicated zones: Asian PropTech (Asian Property Management Technology) and Asian OfficeTech (Asian Office Technology), showcasing how innovative technologies are driving smart management across Hong Kong's commercial and residential buildings.

Photo by Bastille Post

The opening ceremony, held in the morning, officially launched the three-day exhibition, kicking off a journey of industry exchange and exploration. The ceremony was honoured to have Ir Raymond Poon Kwok-ying, JP, Director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, as Guest of Honour. Other joining industry figures include Mr. Johnny Ho, Chairman of Chamber of Security Industry Limited and Hong Kong Institute of Security; Mr. Kan Man Choi, President of Hong Kong Electrical Contractors' Association; Mr. Don Tse, President of IFMA (Hong Kong Chapter); and Dr. James Wong Kong-tin, BBS, JP, Chairperson of Property Management Services Authority.

Ms. Janice Lee, Vice President of Informa Markets in Asia - organiser of Build4Asia, Photo by Bastille Post

"2026 marks an exciting new chapter. We are introducing Asian PropTech and Asian OfficeTech," said Ms. Janice Lee, Vice President of Informa Markets in Asia - organiser of Build4Asia. "These new sectors highlight how facility management, sustainability, and user experience are converging into one integrated ecosystem."

A key highlight of the exhibition is the Build4Asia Conference, themed "Engineering Innovation for Responsive Cities: Smart Cities and Sustainability." The conference focuses on four core areas: urban development planning and policy; MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building); IoT, AI, and sustainable development; and smart building management. Industry leaders gathered to explore how to build smarter, more resilient, and more responsive cities of the future.

Ir Raymond Poon Kwok-ying, JP, Director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Photo by Bastille Post

Featured speakers include CLP Power, Towngas, the Construction Industry Council, Arup, Colliers, Veolia, NTT Com Asia, the Hong Kong Housing Society, alongside other leading industry associations. Ir Raymond Poon Kwok-ying, JP, Director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, delivered the keynote address, offering a comprehensive outlook on Hong Kong's future development and how the government supports the industry every step of the way.

Another exciting highlight of the exhibition is World Workplace Asia-Pacific 2026, held in collaboration with the International Facility Management Association (Hong Kong Chapter). Themed "Bridging the Gaps: Advancing Digital, Sustainable, and Resilient FM Across Asia Pacific", the conference explores topics ranging from smart infrastructure and resilient design to workforce development and data-driven operations, diving into all things Facility Management. Ms. Winnie Ho, JP, Secretary for Housing, Housing Bureau, will serve as the Guest of Honour and keynote speaker, sharing insights on Hong Kong's strategic role within the broader APAC FM landscape.

Build4Asia launched today (May 6) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, marking the start of a three-day exhibition displaying architecture and building development. Photo by Bastille Post

In the afternoon, the World Green Organisation ESG Seminar has stolen the spotlight at the Build4Asia Forum, exploring how smart city innovation is accelerating ESG adoption and transformation.

On Day 2, the Asian Securitex Conference will dive deep into urban emergency response in vertical cities, highlighting the critical synergy between security, property management and emerging technologies. The keynote will be delivered by Mr. Alan Siu, Chief Executive Officer of the Property Management Services Authority, joined by speakers from Kai Tak Sports Park, Aviation Security Company Limited (AVESCO), the Information Technology, Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP), and leading security industry associations, which form the Advisory Panel.

Beyond the professional conferences, the exhibition also features several interactive thematic programs. The Build4Asia Awards will be presented on the second afternoon, recognizing outstanding achievements of industry professionals. The final day will host an architectural design forum, where architects will gather to discuss how architecture transcends mere structure to become a vital medium for shaping human emotions and authentic experiences.

CHP investigates case of mad honey poisoning

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 6) investigating a case of mad honey poisoning, and reminded the public to buy honey from a reliable source or apiary.

A 59-year-old female developed chest discomfort, dizziness, transient blurred vision over bilateral eyes and near syncope around 30 minutes after consuming honey on April 30. She was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Pok Oi Hospital and was hospitalised for treatment. The patient was in stable condition. Her clinical diagnosis was mad honey poisoning. She was discharged on May 1.

Grayanotoxin was detected in the honey remnant and the patient's urine sample upon testing. A preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had consumed honey brought by her from Türkiye recently. The CHP's investigation is ongoing, and the Turkish health authority will be informed.

Mad honey poisoning is caused by ingestion of honey containing grayanotoxins derived from plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, including rhododendrons. Grayanotoxins are neurotoxins that can affect nerves and muscles. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, hypersalivation and paraesthesia shortly after ingestion. In severe cases, hypotension, bradycardia or shock may occur.

Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice:

Buy honey from a reliable source or apiary;

Discard honey with a bitter or astringent taste -grayanotoxin-containing honey may cause a burning sensation in the throat; and

Pay special attention to honey from India, Nepal and the Black Sea region of Türkiye, as honey from these areas has led to grayanotoxin poisoning cases.

Source: AI-found images