When people think of Hong Kong, they often picture its iconic skyline. But what’s even more impressive is the technology powering the city’s famed buildings. In recent years, the construction industry has been leaning into advanced technologies, including digital twins (real-time virtual versions of physical systems), artificial intelligence models, IoT (Internet of Things)-based sensors, and clean energy solutions. These innovations have positioned Hong Kong as a global pioneer in creating smarter buildings that enhance sustainability, comfort, and safety.
Among those shaping this evolution is Brian Cheng Wai Lung, Executive and Managing Director of Analogue Holdings. He leads the company’s Building Services Business segment while mentoring the next generation of engineers. But long before that, his journey began at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, with its Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Sciences and Engineering (formerly named the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Services Engineering).
“My education laid a solid foundation, enabling me to take on increasing responsibilities and eventually lead the Building Services Business segment,” he says. “Throughout my career, I’ve stayed committed to advancing sustainable, smart solutions that improve the quality of life for our city’s residents.”
Students frequently collaborate on major projects, building on their shared foundation to work effectively as a team. Source: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Engineering tomorrow’s built environment
Offered by the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE), the programme starts with the basics, such as building energy systems and indoor environmental quality, before moving into the technologies shaping tomorrow’s built environment.
“Our courses include building informatics and programming to help our students appreciate the growing importance of AI, Internet of Things, data sciences, BIM, and digital twin systems in the profession,” shares Professor Asif Sohail Usmani, the Chair Professor of Building Sciences and Fire Safety Engineering.
And because modern building projects are more complex than ever, “interdisciplinary training is essential for students to understand the interplay between disparate systems and take advantage of modern tools to produce more optimised solutions,” Professor Usmani adds.
That’s why the curriculum links building sciences with energy engineering, smart technologies, and green building design. The goal is to prepare students to respond to some of the world’s greatest challenges related to urbanisation and climate change.
Hands-on experiences ensure students achieve this. “Students participate in live projects, learn industry standards firsthand, and gain insight into daily operations at engineering and architectural firms,” says Cheng. “This exposure is invaluable for understanding the nuances of technical work, interpersonal collaboration, and workplace culture.”
Back on campus, you will continue applying what you have learned through an intensive capstone project. “It enables students to undertake more challenging projects and effectively synthesise their learning and solve realistic problems related to the most important challenges of our age,” says Professor Usmani. For those interested in research, there are opportunities to join summer internships with academics specialising in fire safety engineering as well.
Students often collaborate on major projects, drawing upon their shared educational foundation to foster smooth teamwork and understanding. Source: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Expand your horizons
Partnerships with industry further enrich your learning experience. “These collaborations — whether through research activities, technical seminars, or mentorship programmes — enable students to engage with frontier developments in the field, and gain insights from experienced professionals,” Cheng explains.
These opportunities are possible because Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city with links to many global clients and engineering and architectural firms. “For international students, in particular, this means exposure to advanced engineering practices, a multicultural academic community, and strong connections that extend from Hong Kong to Mainland China and beyond, generating global opportunities,” says Cheng.
The university provides support every step of the way. There are scholarships designed specifically for international undergraduates, mentorship programmes, and personalised career guidance. Placements, locally and abroad, are plenty. The Student Exchange Programme lets you spend a semester in the US, Europe, Australia, Russia, Southeast Asia, or Mainland China. Many students also take part in international competitions to challenge themselves.
“Looking back, I’m grateful for the opportunities and support I received at PolyU, which prepared me to tackle real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to Hong Kong’s infrastructure,” says Cheng. “As I continue to mentor young engineers and drive innovation within Analogue Holdings as an Executive and Managing Director, I am proud to help shape the next generation of leaders in the building services industry.”
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