Chinachem Group and GMC Grand-Bay Intelligent Manufacturing and Technology Co Ltd (GBIMT) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form a strategic partnership for the development and application of modular integrated construction (MiC) system in Hong Kong.

The MOU aims to create mutual benefits for the two partners as they can complement each other in gaining competitive edge through joint technological innovation, materials procurement and supply, information exchange, technical consultation and more. This collaboration is expected to further enhance Hong Kong’s construction efficiency and quality, as well as the efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Chinachem is the first private developer in Hong Kong to apply the concrete MiC system in a private residential project. The Tonkin Street project in the heart of West Kowloon, in collaboration with the Urban Renewal Authority, is also the first MiC project of the group. The technology will soon be adopted on another of the group’s property development projects at Tung Chung Traction Substation, which is of a much larger scale and will further promote sustainability.

“Adoption of the new MiC system not only enhances construction efficiency and ensures building quality, but also streamlines the on-site construction process. This helps reduce waste and noise generated during the construction, as well as lowering carbon emissions to bring a positive impact to the community and the environment,” explained Donald Choi, executive director and CEO of Chinachem.

Mr Choi added that Chinachem and GBIMT – a subsidiary of Guangzhou Municipal Construction Group Co Ltd (GMCG) – would create synergies through the joint innovation, development and adoption of new proptech applications.

Liang Huqing, chairman of GMCG, said, “To echo the policy of the central government in promoting the development of the GBA [Greater Bay Area], GMCG has collaborated with many Hong Kong construction enterprises in technology research and development, engineering construction, market development, brand promotion, training and information exchange, with the aim of achieving mutual benefits and complementing each other to strive for excellence in a win-win situation.

“In this close collaboration with Chinachem Group, GBIMT is providing MiC products and services for the Tonkin Street project, the first high-rise residential project using a concrete MiC system in Hong Kong, and has made innovative accomplishments in the adoption of DfMA, MiC, BIM, digital construction and other technologies. Building on this foundation, the two companies have now signed the MOU of strategic partnership. I firmly believe this will be a long-term and solid collaboration with great prospects.”