Dear Guests and Friends,

As President of The Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers (HKICM), I am very delighted and proud that our organisation is hosting the HKICM Symposium 2010. Hong Kong has a large construction industry and which is a major pillar of our economy. Our construction professionals are well-educated and experienced and capable to take on new projects and opportunities. We see many prospects especially in the Middle East where mega-scale developments are underway or soon to be. If indeed Hong Kong construction professionals are to seize the opportunities in the booming Middle East construction industry, we must thoroughly understand the fundamental background and knowledge involved.

The HKICM Symposium 2010 offers industry professionals and those interested in Middle East projects the invaluable opportunity to learn and hear from first-hand professionals who have years of experience working on Middle East projects. Through this symposium, we may better equip our local professionals to meet the challenges faced in Middle East projects. I encourage you and invite you to attend this symposium and look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,

Mr. Christopher C. L. Wong
President, The Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers (HKICM)

Despite the recent downturn of the construction activities in Dubai, construction remains a very strong sector in the Middle East as the industry is estimated at USD1.6 trillion worth. In 2010, construction projects in the entire Middle East region amount to USD726 billion, which is almost 60 times the construction volume in Hong Kong. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, in particular, remain strong with each country contributing to around 30 percent of the total construction volume in the entire region this year.

Construction stakeholders in Hong Kong and indeed around the world should not be overshadowed by the recent credit crisis and the slowdown of construction activities in Dubai, but to explore future opportunities in the region if they wish to get a share in this vast market for the years to come. This is particularly the case for construction professionals in Hong Kong as their experience and know-how in mega infrastructure projects, high-rise building, sustainable construction, urban planning, etc. are readily exportable and should be an extremely sought after asset in the Middle East.

To better equip construction professionals to capitalize on the opportunities in the Middle East, the Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers (HKICM) is organising a one-day Symposium which aims to provide professionals with the first hand information and knowledge about the opportunities, challenges, legislation, practice, technologies, culture, etc. in the Middle East. Gaining a full understanding of the different requirements and regulations is necessary to succeed in the Middle East. The Symposium has put together a strong list of speakers from government officials, senior construction practitioners to eminent academics from the Middle East, United Kingdom and Hong Kong. This will be a great opportunity to explore this highly vibrant region through the sharing and presentations of industry experts. Register now for the upcoming HKICM Symposium 2010 to be held on 28 May 2010.

The objective of this symposium is to discuss and explore the opportunities and challenges of Hong Kong’s construction professionals in major projects in the Middle East. Ultimately, we would like to enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s construction professionals through the sharing of knowledge and experience by the Middle East and local experts.

Distinguished speakers from government departments, developers, consultants, law firms & construction firms and academia in both Hong Kong and Middle East will share their experience and address the following four themes at the symposium:

- Opportunities and Challenges
- Novel Design and Project Management Skills
- Funding Models and Contracting Approaches
- Regulations, Culture and Practices

The symposium aims to bring together industry practitioners in construction who represent various government departments, client bodies, architectural, engineering and surveying consulting practices, construction firms, law firms, financial institutions, educational institutions, and other construction-related organisations for sharing and discussing on the contemporary issues as well as the opportunities and challenges of the Middle East construction market.