E&M I&T Day 2026 Successfully Held, Promoting AI Innovation in Construction Industry

E&M I&T Day 2026 held

The E&M I&T Day 2026, organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, was held at the Hong Kong Science Park today (June 9). Themed "AI+ Construction", the event provided an interactive exchange platform for the trade to share the application, latest developments and innovative achievements of AI in the construction industry.

Delivering the opening speech, the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam, said that the Government is proactively aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and sparing no effort to promote the "AI+" strategy. The Development Bureau (DEVB) issued a circular in March this year mandating the adoption of selected high-impact AI applications in all suitable public works projects during the design, tendering, and construction phases. In addition, site records have been fully digitalised, and construction robots have been widely adopted in public works projects. The DEVB has also developed the "SmartEye", a smart site management system, which enables remote real-time monitoring of project sites. The DEVB will continue to promote digitalisation and adopt AI for big data analytics to predict and reduce the risk of project delays and cost overruns.

The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, said in his welcome remarks that, as the innovation facilitator of the Government, the EMSD provides support to works departments for wider adoption of AI. The EMSD strives to promote the implementation and wider adoption of innovation and technologies, connecting start-ups, universities, research institutions and government departments through the E&M InnoPortal to trial innovative solutions in real-world settings and apply successful solutions to works projects.

The E&M I&T Day 2026 brought together 26 exhibitors from Hong Kong and the Mainland, attracting over 400 participants from sectors including innovation and technology, the electrical and mechanical trade, universities and public organisations across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to attend seminars and visit the exhibition. Moreover, online live streaming recorded over 100 000 views.

The E&M I&T Day 2026, organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and co-organised by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, was held today (June 9). Photo shows (from left) the Deputy Director (Trading Services) of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Vincent Chow; the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Ye Shuiqiu; the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam; Deputy Secretary for Development (Works) Mr Tony Ho; and the Deputy Director (Regulatory Services) of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Arthur Lee, officiating at the launching ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The E&M I&T Day 2026, organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and co-organised by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, was held today (June 9). Photo shows the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam, delivering the opening speech at the launching ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Offers of 2026-27 civil service pay adjustment

The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) made pay offers to the staff side of the four civil service central consultative councils today (June 9), under which the pay for civil servants in the upper, middle and lower salary bands and the directorate will be increased at the same rate of 2 per cent for 2026-27, effective retrospectively from April 1, 2026.

"The Hong Kong economy has recorded substantial growth over the past year alongside a mild rise in living expenses and an overall upward pay trend in the market. The fiscal position of the Government has improved in 2025-26. That said, the Government needs to be prudent in managing public finances to cater for future developments as well as unexpected needs arising from changes in the geopolitical situation. After holistically considering and balancing all relevant factors, including the economic outlook, the increase in the cost of living in the past year, the Government's overall fiscal position and the principle of prudent financial management, the positive net pay trend indicators in every salary band, the claims from the staff side and civil service morale, the Chief Executive in Council (CE in Council) made the offers to increase the pay at the same rate of 2 per cent across the board,"a CSB spokesman said.

"After the CE in Council considers the response from the staff side on the pay offers and makes a decision on the 2026-27 civil service pay adjustment, the Government will submit the pay adjustment proposal to the Legislative Council Finance Committee for consideration as soon as possible,"the spokesman added.

Photo source: reference image