PolyU’s Doctor of International Real Estate and Construction (DIREC) programme nurtures future property and construction sector leaders by elevating their theoretical knowledge and research skills

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Hong Kong’s construction sector is on the brink of a ‘golden decade’, with an annual turnover expected to exceed HK$300 billion. This includes new infrastructure, railway, commercial, and housing development projects undertaken by both public and private sectors.
 
As per the Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address, the Government plans to proceed with the Northern Metropolis mega-project. This includes the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. Concurrently, the Government is preparing to propose financing arrangements for the reclamation of the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, along with its related infrastructure and strategic transport infrastructure development.
 
In terms of emerging technology adoption, the construction sector has significantly transitioned to “Construction 2.0”, which promotes “innovation”, “professionalisation”, and “revitalisation”.

A new generation of innovative and visionary leaders is crucial for efficiently and sustainably driving these mega-projects as well as leading the shift to tech-empowered construction industry in the coming decades.
 
In response to the anticipated surge in demand for top talents, the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE) at PolyU has developed the DIREC programme, leveraging the expertise of the department and the university.

Established in 1937 as a government trade school, PolyU and BRE have decades of experience in delivering high-quality taught Master of Science (MSc) and research-based PhD/MPhil programmes. It boasts a robust network of alumni who actively share their expertise and experience with current students. Many of them are senior executives or at Director and CEO levels in leading private sectors or senior officials in government’s relevant departments.

BRE has invested in numerous state-of-the-art facilities to integrate innovation and technology as one of the strategic components supporting its research and teaching. Professor Michael Yam Chi Ho, Head of the Department, has concentrated on enhancing high-tech innovations used at BRE, which has been actively adapting to the latest changes and reforms in the construction industry. 
 
BRE utilises cutting-edge innovation and technological approaches. The advanced technologies adopted by the department include the Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) system (MR, VR and AR), exoskeleton robotics, visualisation and interactive technologies, 3D concrete printing in construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM) models, Tele Radio Remote Monitoring and Control System for Tower Cranes, construction robots, and VR simulators, among others. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, PolyU was ranked 65th indicating its global recognition of commitment to academic excellence. In the latest QS World University Rankings by subject 2024, BRE contributes to two subject areas, including “Architecture and Built Environment” and “Engineering – Civil and Structural” (both ranked 14th in the world).
 
DIREC

The new development in Hong Kong’s construction sector is set to significantly increase the demand for senior industry practitioners equipped with strong technical expertise, advanced theoretical knowledge and sound understanding of cutting-edge technologies, a global perspective, and top-tier research and analytical skills.
 
Dr Daniel Chan Wai Ming, Associate Professor in Construction Project Management and DIREC’s Programme Leader, says that a primary goal of DIREC is to cultivate future leaders who will excel in the modern real estate and construction sector. These leaders will spearhead the development of “Construction 2.0”, which emphasises the integration of technological innovations in Hong Kong’s future real estate development throughout the planning, design, construction, and maintenance and incorporating stages. They include digitalisation, modularisation, automation, robotisation, IoT, AI, machine learning, data mining, and 3D concrete printing.
 
“The programme also equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to stay abreast of the constantly evolving global landscape of real estate financing modes and systems,” adds Dr Chan.
 
DIREC not only strengthens their skills and knowledge but also offers them a pathway to achieve a globally recognised advanced individual academic qualification.
 
Upon the successful completion of the programme, graduates can address themselves with the pre-nominal title  of “Doctor (Dr)”. 
 
Seamless knowledge integration
DIREC, a part-time professional doctorate programme spanning three years, offers an advanced research methods course and a diverse range of subjects specialised in construction and real estate. These subjects, which include strategic project management, digital technologies for construction projects, real estate finance and appraisal, and urban and regional planning, are designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge to seize the opportunities that arise in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
 
Apart from state-of-the-art knowledge in real estate and construction, the programme is research focused. The research proposal and thesis report development process benefits senior industry practitioners in numerous ways. It enhances their critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling them to make data-supported decisions and evidence-based solutions for execution. “The ability to conduct independent research is crucial for personal career advancement,” adds Dr Chan.
 
Two thesis-related courses provide students with an immersive academic research experience. “We encourage students to identify work-related issues and develop detailed thesis proposals with full technical support from their assigned thesis supervisors,” says Dr Chan. 
 
Under the guidance of their professors, students select appropriate research methods, gather data, and analyse and interpret findings. Throughout this process, students are expected to apply and integrate their theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in identifying and solving niche issues relevant to their professions so as to address the needs of and combat the identified prevailing problems besetting the current construction or real estate industry.