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EMSD promotes AI application in building E&M industry (with photos)
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     The Global AI Challenge for Building E&M Facilities 2025 - Building and Construction AI Conference and Awards Ceremony, jointly organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, was held today (August 8) at the Hong Kong Science Park to promote the application of artificial intelligence technologies in the building electrical and mechanical (E&M) industry.

     The Global AI Challenge, held from June to August, introduced two sub-themed competitions, namely "Build Your AI Model" and "Innovative Proposal for Construction and Engineering", attracting participation of over 200 teams from 26 countries and regions. The competitions provided a platform for researchers, students, AI specialists, start-ups and industry professionals to exchange ideas and demonstrate how to leverage innovative AI technologies to drive the development of the building E&M industry.

     Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that with world-class infrastructure, robust intellectual property protections, and unparalleled connections with other cities in the Greater Bay Area and the rest of the world, Hong Kong is well placed as a testing ground for cutting-edge innovative solutions. For the construction sector, the Development Bureau (DEVB) has been driving digitalisation and the application of AI technologies in public works projects. By leveraging AI technologies and its self-developed Integrated Capital Works Platform, the bureau has established a centralised hub that consolidates all key data of public works projects. This platform enables AI-driven cross-dimensional analyses to forecast project performance in areas such as cost control and work progress, optimising efficiency and the decision-making process for overall public works management. Riding on the success of pilot trials, the bureau aims to roll out later this year a policy to mandate the use of high-impact AI applications in public works projects.

     The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, commended the participants for driving AI transformation. In his speech, he said that remarkable advancements of AI in areas such as energy, construction, and innovation and technology in recent years have created numerous opportunities for synergy. The Global AI Challenge has not only accelerated AI transformation in Hong Kong but also laid a strong foundation for the younger generation to master the application of artificial intelligence.

     In her speech, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Standing Vice-Chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, Ms Zhou Youying, said that the construction industry is at a key stage of transformation to become more intelligent, green and sustainable. Hosting the Global AI Challenge aligns with national innovation strategies and the changing trend in the industry, and reflects proactive commitment to technological revolution and upgrade of the industry. The competitions not only provided a global platform for knowledge exchange and talent development, but also fostered cross-disciplinary collaboration, offering practical models to drive the smart transformation of the building E&M industry and injecting new momentum into high-quality growth of the industry.

     An international conference themed "Transforming Construction with AI - Paving the Way for Smart Cities" was also held today, bringing together industry leaders and experts to explore how AI technologies enhance efficiency, sustainability and safety in the construction industry. The conference attracted over 360 university students, professional engineers and IT specialists, as well as about 32 500 viewers via online live streaming.

     For event details, please visit: globalaichallenge.com/en/home/.
 
Ends/Friday, August 8, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:30
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Today's Press Releases  

Photo

The Global AI Challenge for Building E&M Facilities 2025 - Building and Construction AI Conference and Awards Ceremony, jointly organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, was held today (August 8) at the Hong Kong Science Park. Photo shows the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn (centre); the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong (second left); the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong (second right); the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying (first right); and Member of the Party Leadership Group and Standing Vice-Chairman of Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, Ms Zhou Youying (first left), at the awards ceremony.
The Global AI Challenge for Building E&M Facilities 2025 - Building and Construction AI Conference and Awards Ceremony, jointly organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, was held today (August 8) at the Hong Kong Science Park. Photo shows the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, giving a speech at the awards ceremony.
The Global AI Challenge for Building E&M Facilities 2025  - Building and Construction AI Conference and Awards Ceremony, jointly organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, was held today (August 8) at the Hong Kong Science Park. Photo shows the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, giving a speech at the awards ceremony.
The Global AI Challenge for Building E&M Facilities 2025 - Building and Construction AI Conference and Awards Ceremony, jointly organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, was held today (August 8) at the Hong Kong Science Park. Photo shows Member of the Party Leadership Group and Standing Vice-Chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, Ms Zhou Youying, giving a speech at the awards ceremony.
The Global AI Challenge for Building E&M Facilities 2025 - Building and Construction AI Conference and Awards Ceremony, jointly organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, was held today (August 8) at the Hong Kong Science Park. Photo shows the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn (fifth left), presenting the Champion Award for Best AI Innovations in Construction and Engineering 2025 at the awards ceremony.