More glamorous image for Hong Kong’s construction industry in the pipeline with STEM effort
New group sounds call for more young talent in sector and the need to embrace technology
Members of Hong Kong’s construction industry, a sector known to be traditionally averse to the adoption of new technology, are calling for young blood to join its ranks to keep pace with the fast-changing times.
The newly formed Institute of Construction said it hoped to convince new talent that their sector offered many opportunities and welcomed technological applications.
It predicted that Hong Kong would need about 5,000 to 10,000 more skilled construction workers in the next five to six years.
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The group operates under the statutory Construction Industry Council, a representative body for the sector, and has launched a STEM Alliance with 68 local secondary schools.
The alliance is aimed at helping teachers in secondary schools by providing support and teaching resources that would aid pupils in the understanding of STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – concepts, especially those related to construction and engineering.
This would be done through thematic seminars, workshops and competitions.
On Tuesday, Professor Lee Chack-fan, chairman of the institute’s management board, said there was high demand for STEM talent in the industry and that the alliance would help Hong Kong prepare the next generation of workers to ensure long-term competitiveness.
Lee said the government’s push in this area would become “more effective with our progressional knowledge, enthusiasm and closer communication”, adding that the school subjects were closely entwined with the construction industry.
