Building Prosperity for 75 Years: Hsin Chong Construction

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HSIN CHONG CONSTRUCTION GROUP

celebrates the unique cultural identity of Asia.

BUILDING PROSPERITY FOR 75 YEARS

KSA Asia is a dynamic custom publishing house that

BUILDING PROSPERITY FOR 75 YEARS Over the last seven decades, Hsin Chong has made a substantial contribution in building the dynamic city that Hong Kong has now become.

HSIN CHONG CONSTRUCTION GROUP BUILDING PROSPERITY FOR 75 YEARS

The company has continually aligned its compass on advancement, innovation, maintaining a competitive edge and achieving new levels of excellence. Quality and client-focused solutions have gone hand-in-hand throughout Hsin Chong’s seventy-five-year history.

Hsin Chong has left its mark at every level of development to the point that its logo is instantly recognized as an assurance of quality.

17/7/14 12:29 pm

HSIN CHONG CONSTRUCTION GROUP BUILDING PROSPERITY FOR 75 YEARS

Researchers and writers Chris Davis Prudence Lui Lai Kuen Rachel Forrest Editors Rachel Forrest Kit Sinclair Design Derek Hannah Richard Hamber www.thymedesign.hk Photography Oliver Tsang Additional Photography Information Services Department Hong Kong Housing Authority Museum of History South China Morning Post Hang Seng Bank Project Manager Kit Sinclair Published by Kevin Sinclair & Associates www.ksa-asia.com First Published 2014 Copyright Š 2014 Hsin Chong Construction Group Ltd. ISBN 978-962-85130-1-7 All Rights Reserved No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of Hsin Chong Construction Group Ltd.

CONTENTS 006

FOREWORD BY DR WILFRED WONG YING-WAI

008 OVERVIEW

NARRATIVE BY JOSEPH CHOI KIN HUNG

046

NEW PROSPERITY

054

MADE IN HONG KONG

062

REHOUSING THE MASSES

NARRATIVE BY THOMAS YEUNG HEE MING

076

EVER-WIDENING SCOPE OF EXPERTISE

NARRATIVE BY CHEUNG CHU WAH

090

IN THE RUN-UP TO REUNIFICATION

098

SOMETHING OF A TRIUMPH

NARRATIVE BY AUGUSTINE TANG MAN YEE

108

THE RISE OF THE ORIENTAL LAS VEGAS

NARRATIVE BY CHARLIE LEE MAN KIT

124

GOING FORWARD INTO THE NEW MILLENNIUM

NARRATIVE BY SIMON YIU CHI KIN

138

EXTENDING THE LINKS

160

ONWARD AND UPWARD

NARRATIVE BY KWAN CHI KEUNG

190

LEADING THE WAY

THE COMPANY SHARES A SIMILARITY WITH THE AWARD-WINNING BENJAMIN BUTTON FILM ... ABOUT A MAN WHO INSTEAD OF GETTING OLDER, BECOMES YOUNGER, STRONGER AND REVITALISED.

公司在獲獎影片《本杰明·巴頓奇事》中看到了自己的影子 ... 主角伴隨 歲月的洗禮越來越年輕、強壯並煥發出新的活力。

FOREWORD 序言 DR WILFRED WONG YING-WAI, SBS, JP, HSIN CHONG CONSTRUCTION GROUP CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

王英偉博士 SBS,JP,新昌營造集團主席兼行政總裁

過往的業績自然讓人欣喜不已，然而展望未來才是更重要的工作。新昌始終不斷調整 以適應新的時代、靈活和及時地變革，並最終成就了如今的規模—— 方位的建造、 房地產開發及資產管理服務企業。 自1939年從上海遷至香港以來，新昌在香港成長為“國際都會”過程中發揮了不可 或缺的作用。從醫院、大學院校到商業及住宅樓宇，再到現代化高速鐵路、機場工程 和21世紀的數據中心，新昌功不可沒。通過建造眾多宏偉建筑和基礎設施，新昌為這 座茁壯成長的城市樹起了堅實而卓越的脊梁。新昌以企業最優質的業務為核心蓬勃發 展，實現了名符其實的“昌盛”。 從創立伊始，新昌始終秉承精益求精的優質承諾和理念，無論合同規模大小與工程復 雜程度，我們都力求卓越。在樂觀積極的實干精神指引下，新昌跨越重重挑戰，不斷 開疆拓土，毫不猶豫地在新的領域探索機遇並促進增長，最終攀登至今日的高峰。 一路走來，新昌歷經多次轉變和革新，尤其在最近的幾年中，我們在發展已有的建造 業務的同時，還積極拓展資產管理服務業子公司——新昌管理集團有限公司，加強兩 種業務互為補充、相輔相成的優勢。更為重要的是，我們同樣在房地產行業的舞台上 大展身手。 在過去的歲月中，新昌以那醒目的塔式起重機標識彰顯著引以為傲的企業價值。步入 2014年，新昌的輝煌歷史也翻開新的篇章。在這個充滿紀念意義的重要時刻，我們啟 用 新的企業形象，以煥然一新的標識寓意傳統和革新，象征著屬於新昌的新起點， 預示著精彩無限的未來。 無數充滿敬業精神、奉獻精神與才華的優秀員工組成了新昌大家庭。如今，煥然一新 的新昌已經准備好迎接革新和挑戰，堅持既協調整合又各有側重的理念和方法，攀越 下一個頂峰。 隨著新昌不斷壯大，我們熱情地展望未來數十年，並在獲獎影片《本杰明·巴頓奇事》 中看到了自己的影子。在這部影片中，布拉德·皮特飾演的主角伴隨歲月的洗禮越來 越年輕、強壯並煥發出新的活力。新昌在建造、地產開發與資產管理服務的三位一體 戰略引領下，以越來越強大的動力，力爭成為中國大陸房地產市場的領先品牌。我們 將繼續投資拓展不斷壯大的建造業務，並傳承75年來所積累的寶貴技能和價值觀，繼 往開來，再創輝煌。

As one of Asia’s longest-standing construction companies and, indeed, Hong Kong’s oldest, we are blessed with a rich heritage that we take great pride in celebrating.

Hsin Chong’s history is closely entwined with the building and development of Hong Kong and it is a history that we respect and draw on as our Company continues to evolve.

While it is intriguing to explore history, it is important to keep looking forward, and the Hsin Chong story is one of continuous adaptation, of flexibility and of the making of timely changes to enable the firm to become what it is today - a fully integrated construction, property development and asset management services company.

Since its move from Shanghai to Hong Kong in 1939, Hsin Chong has played a pivotal role in Hong Kong’s transformation into a ’world city’. From hospitals and universities to commercial and residential buildings to modern high-speed railways, airport projects and 21st century data centres; Hsin Chong has made a key contribution by creating many of the buildings and much of the infrastructure that now forms the backbone of the City’s prosperity. By focusing on what it does best, Hsin Chong has not failed to live up to its name, which itself means ‘prosperity’.

From the beginning, Hsin Chong has consistently maintained the same approach and stood by its commitment to quality, regardless of a project’s size or complexity. With its can-do spirit, Hsin Chong has stepped up to every challenge along the way and has not hesitated to explore new business areas to provide the growth that has allowed the Company to reach its present level.

Of course, Hsin Chong has undergone immense changes, especially over the last few years as we have strived to develop and enhance complementarity between our existing construction business and our enlarged asset management services subsidiary, Synergis Holdings Limited. Significantly, we have also become active in the realm of property development.

For many years, Hsin Chong proudly expressed its values in a logo inspired by the tower crane. Now, in 2014, we are pleased and excited to open a new chapter in the Hsin Chong story with a revamped corporate identity which is symbolised by a new logo that both acknowledges our heritage and pays homage to the evolutionary process that heralds a new beginning.

Driven by the commitment, dedication and ingenuity of its people, this ‘new’ Hsin Chong is ready to embrace change and march to the next level with a new integrated, yet focused approach. As Hsin Chong expands and looks forward enthusiastically to the decades ahead, in some ways the Company shares a similarity with the award-winning Benjamin Button film featuring superstar Brad Pitt, about a man who instead of getting older, becomes younger, stronger and revitalised. For our Company, thrice-invigorated and strengthened by our triple-fold strategy of fully integrated construction, property development and asset management services, we maintain our drive to become a leading brand in the Chinese Mainland real estate market. While, at the same time, we shall continue to invest in the Company’s growing construction business while embracing the skills and values we have cherished for the past 75 years.

75 YEARS

新昌是亞洲歷史最悠久的建造企業之一，也是香港歷史最久遠的建造企業，輝煌的歷 史讓我們無比自豪。新昌的成長史與香港的發展史始終密不可分，我們將永葆對歷史 的敬畏之心並以光榮的傳統為動力，不斷前進革新。

Anniversaries provide wonderful opportunities to reflect on past accomplishments, but they also provide a chance to outline plans for the future. On the occasion of our 75th Anniversary and through the pages of this book, Hsin Chong is both pleased and privileged to do just that.

7

HSIN CHONG

周年紀念不僅是回顧過往輝煌成就的好機會，更是企業運籌帷幄、放眼未來的良機。 新昌營造集團值此75周年紀念之際，有幸將我們的過往成就與對未來的展望書寫成 冊，與您共勉。

HSIN CHONG 8

OVERVIEW 概覽

75 YEARS

HSIN CHONG

9

75 YEARS

75 YEARS HSIN CHONG

10

從誕生地上海遷至香港，建立起新昌至今，75載的時光已然過去。70多年來，新昌在 香港的城市建設和發展中貢獻著不可或缺的力量，為這座城市源源不斷地輸送生機和 活力。新昌始終志存高遠——進步、創新、永葆競爭優勢和不斷追求卓越，是我們矢 志不渝的追求。在新昌75年的輝煌歷史中，對品質的注重和以客戶為核心的運營理念 代代傳承，成為我們寶貴的傳統和財富。古語言，沒有堅實地基的建筑，永遠無法經 受歲月的考驗，新昌的成長史正是這一哲理的現實寫照。自1939年由備受尊敬的葉庚 年先生創立的家族企業開始，優質服務和專業化精神就成為公司最為穩固的基石。直 至今日，這種理念仍牢牢扎根於新昌的企業文化之中，為公司的茁壯成長奠定了堅實 的基礎。

多年來，新昌勵精圖治，為香港的建設和發展做出了巨大的貢獻，取得了卓越的成 就。2007年，新昌在王英偉博士的領導下組成了新的管理團隊，為公司注入活力， 也成為企業歷史上不可磨滅的重要裡程碑。王英偉博士現任新昌主席兼行政總裁。在 多源動力的推動和促進下，新昌經歷了一個戰略強化的轉變過程。如今，新昌立足香 港，業務已成功擴展至澳門和中國大陸，並提供多元化的業務，涵蓋房地產開發、建 造和資產管理服務等。在已成功進入大陸房地產開發和資本投資市場的基礎上，新昌 樂觀而自信地期待在未來幾年內取得營業額和利潤收益的顯著增長，為股東帶來更多 的財富。進軍房地產開發和資本市場的戰略擴張，能夠為新昌的未來發展創造更多的 機遇和利潤，引領公司昂視前進，再創高峰。

伴隨著時代的變遷和城市的發展進步，新昌留下了無數不可磨滅的輝煌印跡，公司的 徽標已經成為了優質建造的象征和保障。多年來，新昌以那醒目的塔式起重機標識彰 顯著自己卓越的企業價值。步入2014年，在 新經營理念的指引下，新昌的業務模式 趨於多樣化。為適應這種變化和進步，新昌啟用嶄新的企業形象，既凝結著寶貴的傳 統和歷史財富，又象征著企業的價值、理想和追求。 新的企業標識保留了原有標志 中的C，正中央巧妙地形成了一個H。兩個C字搭建起一扇大門，象征著開啟了通往充 滿機遇的新世界的大門，也代表著欣然迎接變化和創新思維的開放心態。此外，標識 的顏色也做出相應改變，使其更加充滿活力。

2009年以來，新昌的員工人數增長超過一倍，已達到2,500余人，其營業額、利潤、新 訂單及未完成合同工程價值都創下新的記錄。在過去的五年間，新昌股東利潤也翻了 一番。更難能可貴的是，我們同眾多老客戶及著名的企業于2012及2013年各簽下了超 過100億港幣的新合同（不包括指定分包商工程），創下了又一輝煌的記錄。未完成工 程合同涵蓋多元化的業務領域，包括樓宇建造、土木工程項目、機電項目、內飾裝修 及其他特殊的項目。新昌所簽署的新訂單及未完成合同價值是2009年的三倍。

75 YEARS HSIN CHONG

11

Seventy-five years have passed since Hsin Chong relocated from its Shanghai origins to establish its business in Hong Kong. Over seven decades, the company has made a substantial contribution in building the dynamic city that Hong Kong has now become. Hsin Chong has continually aligned its compass on advancement, innovation, maintaining a competitive edge and achieving new levels of excellence. Quality and client-focused solutions have gone hand-in-hand throughout Hsin Chong’s 75-year history. The old saying that a building will never stand the test of time without a sturdy foundation can easily be applied to Hsin Chong. Dating back to 1939 as a familyoperated business founded by the highly respected Mr Kan-Nee Godfrey Yeh, the priority was to ensure that quality service and professionalism became entrenched in the bedrock of the company. This is a concept that to this day remains firmly ingrained in Hsin Chong’s philosophy.

The company has left its mark at every level of development to the point where its emblem is instantly recognised as an assurance of quality construction. For many years Hsin Chong proudly expressed its values in a logo inspired by the tower crane. In 2014, denoting the more diversified business model under the guidance of new management, Hsin Chong has unveiled its new corporate identity which celebrates Hsin Chong’s rich heritage, represents the company and expresses the values and ambitions of Hsin Chong.

The C has been retained from the previous logo and the H is formed from the neutral space. The two Cs have been constructed to form a portal that opens into a world of opportunities as well as reflecting the openness to change and new ideas. The colours are also more vibrant.

In its many years of operation, Hsin Chong has accomplished significant achievements and contributions to the development of Hong Kong. An important milestone took place in 2007 when it came under the direction of a new management team led by Dr Wilfred Wong who was redesignated as Hsin Chong Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 2012. Hsin Chong has undergone a strategic strengthening transformation, driven by a number of dynamic forces. The company now looks beyond Hong Kong to Macau and the Mainland, where Hsin Chong provides a wide range of services including property development, construction and asset management services.

Having made a substantial entry into the Mainland property development and investment business, Hsin Chong has positioned itself over the coming years to bring growth in both revenue and earnings to Hsin Chong shareholders. This strategic move of stepping forward into property development and investment business broadens Hsin Chong’s opportunities for the future and its base of profit-generating business.

Since 2009, Hsin Chong has more than doubled staff headcount to over 2,500 with record-breaking achievements in turnover, profit, new orders and outstanding workload. The company’s profit attributable to shareholders has doubled over the past five years. Moreover, new records were set in 2012 and 2013 with an intake of over HK$10 billion new contracts in both years (excluded nominated subcontractors’ works) awarded from a wide range of many regular and prestigious clients. The outstanding order book is very well diversified and includes building and civil engineering projects, together with electrical and mechanical and interiors fit-out and special projects. New orders and outstanding workload have tripled since 2009.

HSIN CHONG

12 75 YEARS

HSIN CHONG

13

75 YEARS

新昌提供眾多工作崗位和就業機會，是廣大年輕人在投身建造行業 時的最佳選擇。通過與各大高校的密切交流，新昌的優良口碑及各 类職業講座吸引著大批有志學生，成為老員工所描述的“成為新昌 大家庭的一員”。眾多新昌的高級管理人員正是這一職業發展理念的 真實寫照，他們從見習生和學徒身份進入公司，並在新昌大家庭中 不斷進步，見証著自己和企業的共同成長。 新昌員工子女教育基金為公司員工的子女成長和教育提供充分的支 持和鼓勵，幫助他們取得學術和人生成就。自1989年基金創立以 來，新昌就始終秉承這樣的理念：若公司為員工的利益著想，員工 也自然會與公司同甘共苦。如今，已有超過1,200名員工子女得到了 此教育基金的獎勵。新昌同樣高度重視關愛社會，因此也為建造領 域內取得卓越學術成就的學生們提供資助和獎學金 。

75 YEARS

創新和卓越 企業社會責任（CSR）始終是新昌各領域活動中不可或缺而又至 關重要的一部分，是我們長期堅持的事業。在強化管理體系和進軍 新領域的過程中，新昌堅持將企業社會責任作為未來發展的關鍵 基石。在收獲眾多社會服務獎項的同時，新昌榮獲香港品質保証局 （HKQAA）頒授的企業社會責任先導者標志，彰顯了新昌對履行企 業社會責任的堅定承諾和熱誠。

HSIN CHONG

14

在75年的成長過程中，新昌始終扮演著行業先鋒的角色，堅持關注 前沿科技，不斷調整和採用最新的建造技術手段。雖然塔式起重機如 今在香港、澳門和內地已隨處可見，但在20世紀60年代，這還是一 種新技術，而新昌正是最早大膽使用塔式起重機的香港公司之一。70 年代，新昌再次以創新精神引入了大型模板系統，大大加快了建筑進 程，從而為公司創造了顯著收益，並推動了整個建造行業的進步。 早在“設計與建造”概念成為業內的慣例之前，新昌就已成為最早 收獲設計與建造醫院合約的建造公司。新昌始終堅定地走在技術和信

息前沿，是建筑信息模擬（BIM）系統的領軍者。這一整合的操作系 統通過存儲在設計和建造階段生成的建筑信息，保証建筑師、工程 師和其他利益相關者能夠在正式施工之前利用3D工程模型充分優化 設計。在2012年的Autodesk香港建筑信息模擬（BIM）設計大獎頒 獎典禮中，新昌憑借軒尼詩道28號的甲級寫字樓項目，成為八間獲 獎機構之一。該項目樓高28層，由太古地產開發。這一獎項也是對 公司卓有成效地應用BIM技術和創新及進取精神的充分肯定。 把業務拓展至多個專業行業的眼光和布局令新昌始終昂首走在行業 的最前沿。1988年，通過與意大利公司Finaster,SpA的合資，新昌 亞仕達屋宇設備有限公司正式成立，這也是新昌發展史上意義最為 重大的一次擴張，極具裡程碑價值。新昌在當時獨具慧眼地看到了 機電工程領域內的機遇，並因此與意大利亞仕達建立起長期的合作 伙伴關系。 2012年，新昌室內裝飾及特殊項目業務並入已成功上市的新昌營造 集團子公司——新昌管理集團有限公司，也成為企業發展史上的重 要裡程碑。這項戰略調整致力於將室內裝飾及特殊項目業務與新昌 管理現有的翻新、改建和加建，以及維修和保養業務良好地整合， 對未來業務發展大有裨益。1978年創立的新昌管理於2008年被新昌 營造集團收購，並於2003年在香港交易所成功上市，成為行業內的 首家上市企業。 過去的幾十年間，香港歷經戰爭、金融危機、災難性的公共衛生危 機，建造業也不可避免地經歷了周期起伏與波動。回首來路，新昌 從未在艱難險阻中放棄自己的追求，始終堅定地提供最優質的產品 和服務，並為客戶和社會創造更多價值。通過參與不同領域和形式 的建筑項目，我們以眾多大規模建筑工程在教育、醫療、運輸、數 據中心，以及內地房地產市場等領域內交出了完美的答卷，源源不 斷地為社會進步提供著充沛動力。

The career opportunities that Hsin Chong provides ensure the firm remains ‘an employer of choice’ among young professionals entering the construction sector. Close ties with universities through career talks and word-of-mouth are the beginning of a career relationship that long-time Hsin Chong staff often describe as ‘being a member of the Hsin Chong family’. This is demonstrated by a number of Hsin Chong senior managers who joined the firm as graduate trainees and apprentices, and have remained with the firm throughout their careers.

The Hsin Chong Staff’s Children Education Fund supports and encourages the children of Hsin Chong employees to achieve personal development and academic success. Set up in 1989, it is proof of Hsin Chong’s philosophy that if the company is concerned about the interests of its staff, the staff will be concerned about the interests of the company.

More than 1,200 children of Hsin Chong personnel have benefitted from the Staff’s Children Education Fund. Care for the community is also highlighted by Hsin Chong which provides sponsorship in the construction sector to students with outstanding academic performance.

Hsin Chong was the first construction company to be awarded a design and build hospital contract, long before the concept of design and build became a regular practice. Hsin Chong was an industry leader in Building Information Modelling (BIM), an integrated process system that stores building information generated during the design and construction stages allowing architects, engineers and other stakeholders to optimise the design of a project in a 3-D environment before construction commences. As a committed user of technology, Hsin Chong was one of only eight winners at the Autodesk Hong Kong BIM 2012 Awards. The award was made based on the effective use of BIM on a 28-storey Grade A office constructed for Swire Properties at 28 Hennessy Road.

Over 75 years Hsin Chong has been at the forefront, pioneering the latest construction methods and adapting new technologies.

Hsin Chong was one of the first Hong Kong companies to use tower cranes, a rarity in the 1960s, but these days a familiar sight in Hong Kong, Macau and the Mainland. The company was a pioneer in introducing the large-scale panel formwork system in the 70s, a major step forward that produced immediate benefits by speeding up the construction process.

Previous: Interception Facilities at Jordan Valley Box Culvert

前一頁：佐敦谷箱形雨水渠污水截流設施 Left: Redevelopment of Hong Kong Sports Institute (Contract 3)

左圖：香港體育學院重建（第三期）

The injection in 2012 of Hsin Chong’s Interiors and Special Projects (ISP) division into listed company Synergis Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Hsin Chong, was a milestone. The strategic move was designed to incorporate the ISP activities with Synergis’ existing renovation, alteration and additions, and repair and maintenance business. Founded in 1978 and acquired by Hsin Chong in 2008, Synergis was the first company of its kind listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2003.

Through the different eras which have seen war, financial crisis, devastating community health emergencies, and the inevitable ebbs and flows of construction cycles, the company has never veered from the focus on the delivery of quality products and value-added services to clients and the community. Through Hsin Chong’s involvement in construction in its many forms, the company has helped to provide what may be termed the oil that helps lubricate the advancement of society through large-scale projects in education, hospitals, transport, data centres and expansion into the property market in China.

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INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), long held as a crucial and integrated component of all Hsin Chong activities, continues to be an area where Hsin Chong pays close attention. With management focus and steering on new initiatives, Hsin Chong has made it absolutely clear that CSR is a vital cornerstone of the company’s future. In addition to receiving many CSR awards, Hsin Chong has been recognised for its CSR efforts with the Advocate Mark, granted by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA).

Diversification into specialist industries ensured that Hsin Chong remained at the forefront of the industry. The most significant expansion was in 1988 with the establishment of Hsin Chong Aster Building Services Limited, a joint venture with an Italian Company, Finaster SpA, Hsin Chong saw an opportunity in the Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) field and entered into a long-term business partnership with the Italian Aster group.

75 YEARS

HSIN CHONG WAS THE FIRST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY TO BE AWARDED A DESIGN AND BUILD HOSPITAL CONTRACT, LONG BEFORE THE CONCEPT OF DESIGN AND BUILD BECAME A REGULAR PRACTICE

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Previous: Public Housing Development at Hung Shui Kiu Area 13 Phase 1 and 2

前一頁：洪水橋第13區第一及第二期公屋發展項目 Left: Hong Kong Science Park (Phase 2A)

左圖：香港科學園（第2A期）

Large-scale academic projects kept the company busy in the new millennium and included, almost every major university in Hong Kong, particularly the state-of-the-art Hong Kong Science Park (as main contractor in phase 2A and as major MEP contractor in most phases of the development), international art and design complex, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and world-class teaching facilities at the Hong Kong Sports Institute. Awards received in recognition for outstanding quality and excellence enhanced Hsin Chong’s reputation in the education sector. With such a significant number of prestigious educational facilities already behind them, Hsin Chong’s specialist skills in this area will continue with the campus development at the University of Saint Joseph in Macau.

75 YEARS

邁進新千禧年，新昌並未放緩在教育工程領域內的腳步，工程不僅 涵蓋香港幾乎 部重點大學，還包括最先進的科學園（新昌擔任2A 期的總承建商，及其他多期發展項目的主要機電安裝工程承包商） 、國際藝術和設計綜合大樓—薩凡納藝術及設計學院，以及提供世界 級教學設施的香港體育學院。我們收獲的眾多獎項不僅是對新昌卓 越的工程質量和服務品質的充分肯定和嘉獎，也大大提升了我們在 教育領域內的名譽及聲望。在完成了如此眾多蜚聲海外的教育和教 學設施之后，新昌將繼續發揮自身在教育工程領域內的專長， 力 打造位於澳門的聖若瑟大學校園發展項目。

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Since the 1950s, Hsin Chong has been a valued player in the growth and development of Hong Kong’s academic institutions. From early beginnings with Shau Kei Wan Government School in the 50s and colleges including the New Method College and Holy Trinity College in the 60s, to the Hong Kong International School and English Schools Foundation Island School Complex in the 70s, Hsin Chong has continued to build on its successes in this field. Bigger projects followed in the 80s like the tailor-made training centre complex for the Vocational Training Council (VTC) and the 1984 HKIA Annual Awards Silver Medal winner, Canossa College. The Hong Kong Government’s push for increasingly competitive educational campuses in the 1990s benefitted the company. The 1992 Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) campus was well recognised for its impressive design and location, and the client-contractor partnership has continued with the new open-plan HKUST academic building.

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建設未來 自20世紀50年代開始，新昌就在香港學術機構的成長和發展過程中 發揮著不可或缺的作用。從最初50年代的筲箕灣公立學校和60年代 的新法書院與寶血會上智英文書院，到70年代的香港國際學校與英 基學校協會英童學校綜合大樓，新昌持續不斷地為教育事業貢獻力 量。隨后的80年代見証了更多引人矚目的大型工程，如為職業訓練 局量身打造的培訓中心綜合大樓，以及於1984年榮獲建筑師學會 銀牌獎的嘉諾撒書院等。步入90年代，香港政府打造有競爭力的校 園，新昌也得以從中獲益。1992年完成的香港科技大學憑精心的設 計和選址大獲好評。新昌之后也再獲客戶委聘為承建商，負責香港 科技大學最新的開放式教學大樓項目。

打造更健康的香港 香港擁有世界頂尖的衛生保健服務水平，這不僅包括最優質的醫療 衛生服務，還包括符合最高國際標准的醫院樓宇和設施。通過專業 的知識、嫻熟的技術和可靠的完工質量，新昌始終站在醫療設施領域 的最前沿，為香港的醫院建造和機電設備交付了最完美的作品。自 1958年葛量洪醫院完工之后，新昌又相繼於1962年成功完成了廣華 醫院重建項目，之后又於1993年完成了觀塘的前基督教聯合醫院主 樓項目及1994年的擴建工程。

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1994年，新昌與香港醫院管理局達成協議，負責設計與建造擁有618 個床位的新界上水北區醫院。新昌在施工中大力推崇與運用最先進 的建造技術，由此備受贊譽和褒獎。新昌的設計和建造團隊高度重視 與香港醫院管理局直接交流對話，聽取客戶在建造過程中所提出的 多種的改動，並做出相應調整，盡力滿足要求。醫療設施的多樣化 需求也要求建筑設計充分具備靈活性，從而良好地適應隨時做出的 調整。這一項目僅用了32個月即順利完工，考慮到建筑期間的各種 改動，這樣的速度實屬不易。北區醫院由開始規劃到投入服務僅歷 時五年，而在客戶看來，若使用傳統建造方法，相同規模的醫院從 設計到完工卻一般需要花費七到八年的時間。

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2003年，香港醫院管理局將重大的博愛醫院重建及擴建項目交付 新昌。這是一座擁有622個床位的13層醫院大樓，為保証醫院的日 常運作不受影響，拆除重建工作分階段進行。與此同時，由於醫院 毗鄰一所敬老院，新昌組建了一支志願者隊伍，定期探訪患者和老 人，尤其在節日期間為他們送上溫暖，充分增進了社區內的人際關 系和感情，彰顯了公司關愛和回饋大眾的社會責任感。通過與有利 集團有限公司的合資，新昌成功獲得威爾斯親王醫院住院主樓暨創 傷中心的建造合約，並於2010年順利完工，這再次加強和鞏固了 新昌在醫院建造市場中的領軍地位。新昌在醫療設施建筑領域內的 專長為集團贏得了荃灣港安醫院擴建項目。此項目預計將在2015 年圓滿竣工。

From left: Prince of Wales Hospital Main Clinical Block and Trauma Centre, Sha Tin

左圖： 沙田威爾斯親王醫院住院主樓暨創傷中心 Far right: North District Hospital, Sheung Shui

右圖：上水北區醫院

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CREATING A HEALTHIER HONG KONG Hong Kong health care services are among the best in the world.

This includes not only the best health care treatment, but the physical hospital buildings and facilities constructed to meet the highest international standards. Hsin Chong has been at the forefront of meeting Hong Kong’s hospital construction and E&M package needs as a result of their know-how, proven methods of delivery and reliable results. After the Grantham Hospital was completed in 1958, Hsin Chong successfully completed the Kwong Wah Hospital Redevelopment in 1962 and the United Christian Hospital (UCH) former main building in Kwun Tong in 1973 as well as its extension in 1994.

The agreement with the Hong Kong Hospital Authority in 1994 to design and build the 618-bed North District Hospital in Sheung Shui, New Territories, garnered praise and recognition due to Hsin Chong’s willingness and capability to use the most advanced construction methods available. Hsin Chong’s design and construction team provided the additional advantage of being able to communicate directly with the Hong Kong Hospital Authority to accommodate the wide range of changes requested during the construction process.

Flexibility to accommodate the design changes was necessary to meet the various requirements of hospital departments. The project

was completed in 32 months, a remarkable achievement in light of the large number of changes requested. The North District Hospital project was, from the client’s perspective, established in five years from inception to opening whereas a hospital project of a similar scale from inception to opening using conventional methods could be expected to take between seven and eight years to complete.

In 2003, the Hong Kong Hospital Authority awarded Hsin Chong a major redevelopment and expansion project for the Pok Oi Hospital.

With the hospital in constant use, the demolition and construction of the 13-storey, 622-bed hospital was conducted in phases. At the same time, to show care and respect because of the hospital’s close proximity to a home for the elderly, Hsin Chong formed a team of volunteers to enhance its relationship with the community by organising regular visits, especially during festive seasons. Hsin Chong was awarded the contract for the Main Clinical Block and Trauma Centre at Prince of Wales Hospital which was completed in 2010, a Hsin ChongYau Lee joint venture that reinforced Hsin Chong’s position as a leader in the hospital construction market. The specialist skills Hsin Chong has developed in the hospital field led the company to being given the task of carrying out the Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital extension project which is set for completion in 2015.

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Above: Tier IV Data Centre, Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate

上圖：將軍澳工業邨的Tier IV等級數據中心

卓越技術帶來高性能建筑 新昌於2008年成功建造了香港首個獲Tier,IV等級認証的數據中心，從而在數據中心建 造領域佔據了領導者位置。Tier IV等級認証代表著數據中心質量標准的最高國際等級， 要求自動防故障裝置設計和最高等級的服務可靠性（99.995%）。通過建造香港境內 絕大多數的數據中心項目，新昌同樣充分彰顯了自身在機電工程領域的卓越能力。 得益於臨近大陸的地理優勢、良好的營商環境、可靠的能源和水源供應、完善的電信基 礎設施，以及較低的自然災害風險，香港一直被數據中心運營商視為完美的選址地點。 為確保數據中心系統性能和操作的完整性和穩健性，室內環境必須達到絕對的溫度和濕 度可控。同時為保証可靠性，數據中心需配備雙倍和三倍的電力能源供應及后備設施供 給。建筑物也必須滿足防水、防塵要求，甚至在某些情況下，達到防爆標准。 新昌的創新之舉在於系統化展開數據中心的建造過程，從而確保各種復雜的細節都 得以充分關注和實現。數據中心的流暢建造過程中，樓宇設備組裝及施工步驟至關重 要，機電設施的檢驗和測試也是不可或缺的部分。新昌擁有安裝及測試不間斷電源及 控制系統的專業技術，這包括數據大廳空調、供暖、通風、空氣調節和排氣系統等。 在項目竣工並交付客戶之前，新昌往往要對數以千計的配件和系統進行測試，力求確 保萬無一失。正是這些創新，加上專業培訓的員工對精益求精的執著，保証了新昌將 始終屹立於數據中心建造行業的前沿。

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TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS Hsin Chong firmly established itself as the leader in the field of Hong Kong data centre construction having built the territory’s first Tier IV data centre in 2008. Tier IV certification guarantees fail-safe design and the highest level of service availability (99.995%), the highest international level of data centre quality standards. Hsin Chong has also built up E&M package capabilities highlighted by the fact that Hsin Chong has constructed most of the data centre projects in the city.

Hong Kong has been identified by data centre operators as the perfect location, benefitting from its closeness to the Mainland plus its business-friendly environment, reliable power and water supplies, comprehensive telecommunications infrastructure and low risk of natural disasters. To ensure the performance and the operational integrity of data centre systems, the environment needs to be fully temperature and humidity controlled. To ensure reliability, data centres are fitted with double and triple electrical and back-up utility supplies. The structures must also be waterproof, dustproof and in some cases, even bombproof.

Hsin Chong’s innovation is systematising the data centre construction process to make sure each of the complex details is given proper attention. Testing and commissioning the E&M equipment is an important aspect. Hsin Chong has developed expertise in installing and testing uninterruptible power sources plus controls such as data hall air conditioners, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and exhaust systems.

Before client handover, Hsin Chong tests thousands of components and systems to leave no room for errors. These innovations and the professional training of their staff who manage projects to exacting standards mean Hsin Chong will continue to be an industry leader in data centre construction.

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加強長期合作 自20世紀70年代開始，新昌就與香港房屋委員會之間建立起了深厚 而長遠的關系，時至今日仍堅不可摧。得益於積極進取的創新精神 和合資拓展，新昌在當時成為少數幾家能夠提供整套建造服務的香 港公司之一，具有極大的競爭優勢，帶來了累累碩果，讓新昌贏得 了香港房屋委員會的多份合同，包括1980年的穗禾苑項目（1981年 獲得了香港建筑師學會銀牌獎），1981年的新田圍邨項目，1982年 的美林邨項目（1982年榮獲香港建筑師學會優異獎），1989年位於 馬鞍山的耀安邨項目。在之后的歲月，這種緊密的合作關系不斷得 以鞏固強化，新昌圓滿完成了眾多香港房屋委員會交付的項目，比 如於20世紀90年代先后竣工的四幢26層公屋，橫頭磡邨重建項目第 七期（14期公寓於2001年完工），藍田邨擴建項目第四期及馬坑邨 項目第一期。

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歸功於客戶與承建商之間的新型合作形式，石籬公共屋邨項目的12 期於2003年圓滿竣工。新昌曾於20世紀80年代完成了一期和二期的 建造工程。新昌的管理層指出，公司不單與客戶、建筑師和其他專 業顧問緊密合作，與分包商和供應商也維持良好的伙伴關系，從而 建立起卓有成效的交流系統，確保了信息的高效流通，根除了重新 施工的可能性。新昌對工程質量、建造技術水平和按期完工的追求和 保障受到了香港房屋委員會的由衷贊賞。房委會不僅贈予新昌一封 表揚信，更於2003年度的“優質公共房屋建造及保養維修大獎”評 選中授予新昌工程團隊“杰出項目團隊”這一重要獎項。 2012年，香港房屋委員會的彩雲道公共房屋發展項目榮獲2012年度 FuturArc,環保設計先鋒大獎（住宅建筑－復合房屋組別獎項）。該 獎項旨在贊譽於建造過程中追求創新和注重環境保護的項目。新昌 是彩雲道公屋發展項目的總承建商之一，負責為香港房屋委員會興 建三幢公屋及其周邊的配套設施和公共空間。項目以綠色發展為主 題，致力於減低城市熱島效應，並為住戶提供親近自然的良好居住 環境。新昌還為香港房屋委員會完成了許多其他住宅項目，諸如於 2013年先后竣工的德朗邨（合資）、美田邨第四期和豐和邨項目。 現階段，新昌負責建造四項香港房屋委員會的重點工程，分別為： 位於東九龍的安達臣道地盤D公屋發展項目，位於新界西部的洪水橋 公屋發展項目，元朗前凹頭政府宿舍和東涌第56區公屋發展項目。

Above: Fung Wo Estate, Sha Tin

上圖： 沙田豐和邨

In 2012, the Choi Wan Road Public Housing Development under the HKHA won the FuturArc Green Leadership Award 2012 (Residential Architecture – Multiple Houses). The award honours those who have demonstrated innovation and environmental protection in architecture. Hsin Chong was one of the main contractors for the development and was responsible for the construction of three residential blocks and related open spaces for HKHA. The area was developed with a green theme in order to reduce the urban heat island effect, as well as provide a natural environment for residents.

Hsin Chong also completed other housing projects for the HKHA. Tak Long Estate (in joint venture), Mei Tin Estate Phase 4 and Fung Wo Estate were all completed in 2013.

Hsin Chong is currently involved in four major projects for the HKHA. The construction of a public housing development on Anderson Road site D, in east Kowloon, construction of the public rental housing developments in Hung Shui Kiu in the western New Territories, at the Ex – Au Tau Departmental Quarter in Yuen Long and Tung Chung Area 56.

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The year 2003 also saw the completion of Phase 12 of Shek Lei Public Housing Estate, which benefitted from a novel form of partnership between client and contractors. Hsin Chong had previously worked on Phase 1 and 2 in the early 1980s. Hsin Chong directors explained the partnering approach not only with the client, architect and other professional consultants, but also with the subcontractors and suppliers.

This resulted in an effective communication system ensuring efficient information flow and elimination of re-work. The quality, workmanship and timely completion of the project were recognised by the HKHA, which presented Hsin Chong with a letter of appreciation and rewarded the project team with the Outstanding Project Teams Award in the Quality Public Housing Construction and Maintenance Awards for 2003.

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STRENGTHENING LONG-STANDING RELATIONSHIPS The long-standing relationship between Hsin Chong and the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) that was firmly established in the 1970s continues to flourish. Hsin Chong’s ability to evolve through innovation and to expand through joint ventures meant that Hsin Chong was one of the few companies in Hong Kong able to offer a complete package of construction services at that time. This gave Hsin Chong the edge over its competitors as it was granted contracts by the HKHA for Sui Wo Court in 1980 winning a Silver Medal Award from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects in 1981, Sun Tin Wai Estate also in 1981, Mei Lam Estate in 1982 which won the 1982 Certificate of Merit by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects and Yiu On Estate in Ma On Shan in 1989. This relationship continued to strengthen with Hsin Chong completing a number of HKHA projects such as the construction of four 26-storey residential blocks, part of the redevelopment of Wang Tau Hom Estate known as Phase 7 (Phase 14 was completed in 2001), Lam Tin Extension Phase 4 and Ma Hang Village Phase 1 throughout the 1990s.

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在機場這一大型工程項目之外，新昌同樣圓滿完成了很多其他的重 要工程，包括2008年竣工的沙田T3號主干道工程和2009年竣工的 昂船洲大橋工程。昂船洲大橋由新昌與合資伙伴共同建造，是 球 跨度最長的斜拉橋之一。大橋 長1,596米，兩座支承塔之間的主跨 總長1,018米，提供六車道高速公路，而每座圓錐形的支承塔都高達 300米，足見工程的浩大。

The contract for all the E&M installations associated with the airport terminal was definitely something of a triumph. These installations included everything from air conditioning to electrical, fire protection systems and hydraulic services. Hsin Chong Aster’s involvement with Chek Lap Kok also included the ACMV installation for the new Freight Forwarding Centre which, like the passenger terminal and runways, is also located on the largely artificial island off the north shore of Lantau. One of the largest buildings of its kind in the world, the Freight Forwarding Centre covers almost 1.5 million square feet of floor area to accommodate its cargo handling, commercial and office use. Hsin Chong was also involved in the design and construction of the new Government Flying Services Headquarters, located at the south-western edge of the airport platform.

Aside from the major works carried out by Hsin Chong at the airport, other important projects included the Sha Tin Road T3 (2008) and Stonecutters Bridge (2009). Stonecutters Bridge, a joint-venture project, is one of the world’s longest single span, cable-stayed bridges.

The project was to build a 1,596 metre long, six-lane suspended highway with a main span of 1,018 metres between the two supporting towers. These two circular-tapered mono towers reach a height of some 300 metres.

Previous: Tak Long Estate, Kai Tak

前一頁：啟德德朗邨 Left: Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok

左圖： 赤鱲角香港國際機場

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負責所有的機電裝配無疑是這一機場客運大樓建設項目中一個重要 的組成部分，而成功贏得這一合同也成為了公司歷史上富有裡程碑 意義的巨大成就。工程項目內容包含各種機電裝置，從空調到強電 系統，以及消防系統和液壓服務等。新昌亞仕達也為空運中心安裝 空調和通風設備。 新的機場空運中心與客運大樓和機場跑道同樣 位於大嶼山北海岸的巨大人工島之上，是 世界最大的同类建筑之 一，坐擁約150萬平方英尺的面積，提供完善的貨物裝卸、商業和辦 公用途。此外，新昌還參與設計與建造了位於機場停機坪西南側的 新香港飛行服務隊總部。

AN AMBITIOUS UNDERTAKING In the 1990s, Hsin Chong viewed participation in the Hong Kong Airport Core Programme as an opportunity to further elevate its profile and apply to good use the MEP skills of its new subsidiary, Hsin Chong Aster. After carefully evaluating various factors including requisite experience, human resources and project risks, it entered into partnership with its British associates, Ellis Mechanical Services Ltd, to form the Aster Ellis Hsin Chong Aster Joint Venture (AEH JV).

Despite competition from 36 rivals for the Hong Kong Airport Core Programme, AEH JV emerged as the winner, obtaining a HK$2.8 billion contract which represented the biggest single E&M contract in the industry.

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志存高遠 20世紀90年代，新昌極富戰略眼光地看到了香港機場核心計劃中蘊 藏的機遇，參與該計劃不僅能夠大幅度提升公司地位，還能為新的 子公司新昌亞仕達獲得施展機電安裝技能機會。然而在當時，經過 對各種因素的詳細衡量之后，考慮到必需的經驗技術、人力資源和工 程風險，新昌亞仕達與業內的英國公司—— Ellis Mechanical Services Ltd 達成了合作伙伴關系，建立起Aster Ellis Hsin Chong Aster合資 公司(AEH,JV)。經過與36個對手的激烈競爭，AEH,JV最終脫穎而 出，贏得了一份價值28億港幣的合同，創下了建造行業機電合同單 筆金額的最高紀錄。

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軌道連接 近期，新昌成功贏得了多份大規模鐵路隧道工程合約，是溝通香港 和大陸的高速鐵路線的一部分，也是香港政府基礎設施項目的重要 組成部分。在過去的五年中，新昌的土木工程部已由最初的少數精 英發展壯大至如今的380名專業人員，負責包括鐵路地基工程、基礎 設施、隧道及車站等主要工程項目。 新昌廣泛參與了港鐵的擴建和基礎設施建設與發展，不僅令市內交 通更為便捷，還將進一步幫助香港與中國其他城市的鐵路網絡建立 區域性的聯接。目前，新昌正投入港鐵工程項目的建造之中，包括 南港島線（東段）、沙田至中環線和廣深港高速鐵路的香港段。 港鐵沙田至中環線由新昌和三星的合資公司建造，項目內容包括修 建兩座鐵路車站和總長1,600米的鐵路隧道。面對如此艱巨的工程， 建造施工過程無疑需要完善的設計和高超的技術，同時也要顧及社區 的需要。項目的成功也使這兩個合資伙伴贏得了由港鐵頒發的極富 盛譽的關顧社區金獎，以表彰他們的卓越表現。 管理計劃、環境保護措施、迎接挑戰的創新進取精神和對價值與品 質矢志不渝的追求，這些都是屬於新昌的寶貴財富，也保証了新昌 將繼續參與更多的鐵路項目之中。

CONNECTING THE TRACKS Recently Hsin Chong has been awarded large-scale railway tunnelling contracts forming part of a high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and the Mainland, part of the Hong Kong Government’s series of major infrastructure projects. The work comes under Hsin Chong’s civil engineering division, which has grown from a handful to more than 380 professionals over the last five years, and is responsible for major projects including railway foundation works, infrastructure, tunnels and depot.

Hsin Chong is involved in the expansion and infrastructure development of the MTR Corporation to improve transport links in the city and to help it further establish regional connections to other rail networks in China. Major MTR railway projects that Hsin Chong is involved with include the construction of the South Island Line (East), the Sha Tin to Central Link and the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL).

The Sha Tin to Central Link is a Samsung – Hsin Chong joint venture and involves constructing two railway stations and 1,600 metres of railway tunnels. Addressing related difficulties required planning and proficiency while demonstrating a caring approach.

Their success meant the joint venture partners were awarded the MTR’s prestigious Gold Stakeholder Engagement Award for their outstanding project performance.

Management initiatives, environmental preservation measures, innovation to meet challenges and a commitment to value and quality ensure that Hsin Chong will play a role in future rail projects.

Previous: Stonecutters Bridge

前一頁： 昂船洲大橋 Right: TBM for Sha Tin to Central Link Kowloon City Section Stations and Tunnels

右圖： 用於沙田至中環線九龍城段車站 及隧道的隧道鑽挖機

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創造夢想 通過在澳門成功建造令人嘆為觀止的威尼斯人度假村酒店和賭場， 新昌已用傲人的業績証明了自身在建造管理領域的實力。同時，基 於與兩大博彩業特許經營公司——威尼斯人和銀河娛樂集團的戰略 合作伙伴關系，新昌已將自己的枝干穩固扎根於澳門。 當拉斯維加斯金沙集團決定修建澳門首間拉斯維加斯風格的賭場之際， 新昌有幸承擔了澳門金沙賭場工程項目的建造管理任務，這對新昌而言 無疑是一個飛躍和突破。這項工程充分展示了新昌臻於完美的專業性和 管理技能，從而獲得了客戶的信任，代表他們管理其他承建商。 得益於與客戶之間牢固的工作關系、管理運營工程時間緊迫的大規 模項目的能力，以及對精誠合作的承諾，這項巨大的工程最終圓滿 而成功地按時完工。新昌的建造管理團隊由不同的部門組成，其中 規劃團隊負責監察和管控工程計劃，后勤團隊則負責規劃和組織工 地設備的運輸。 在澳門金沙賭場項目的巨大成功之后，新昌繼而又獲得了一系列由 拉斯維加斯金沙集團所交付的重要工程，擔任金沙賭場裙樓及酒店 擴建、澳門威尼斯人度假村酒店、澳門四季酒店和金沙城中心等項 目的建造管理人。新昌如今正積極投身於金光大道最新項目——地 塊三的建設之中，該工程毗鄰澳門四季酒店。 Previous: Express Rail Link (Hong Kong Section) – West Kowloon Terminus Station South

前一頁： 高鐵香港段 - 西九龍總站（南） Above: The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel

上圖： 澳門威尼斯人度假村酒店 Next: Galaxy Macau™ Phase 2

下一頁： 澳門銀河™第二期

2012年，新昌獲得了 球發展最快的娛樂集團之一——銀河娛樂集 團委托建設路氹澳門銀河™二期的總承包合同。二期發展項目佔地45 萬平方米，建成后將使澳門銀河 ™ 的規模擴大近一倍，總面積達到 100萬平方米。這一建造合同涵蓋包括兩間奢華酒店的酒店大樓，分 別是麗思卡爾頓的首家 套房式酒店及 球最大的萬豪酒店，還涵 蓋零售空間及賭場。該項目預計將於2015年完工。

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CREATING THE DREAM In Macau, Hsin Chong’s proven track record as a construction manager having successfully completed the mega-scale Venetian Resort and Casinos and the company’s strategic relationships with two gaming concessionaires, Venetian and Galaxy, has firmly established Hsin Chong’s presence in the city.

When Las Vegas Sands Corporation made the decision to build the first Las Vegas-style casino in Macau, it was a breakthrough for Hsin Chong. It took on the construction management role for the Sands Macao Casino project, thus enabling Hsin Chong to show its expertise and management skills to manage other contractors on behalf of the client.

The success of the on-time completion of the project can be attributed to the strong working relationship with the client, the ability to manage a fast-track, large-scale work programme and commitment to working together. The Hsin Chong construction management team was made up of different departments while the planning team oversaw work programmes and monitoring. The Logistics Department planned and organised on-site movement of equipment.

Following the success of the Sands Macao Casino project, Hsin Chong was appointed construction manager by Las Vegas Sands Corporation for prestigious projects like the Sands Macao Casino Podium Extension and Hotel, the Venetian Macao-ResortHotel, the Four Seasons Hotel Macao and the Sands Cotai Central.

Hsin Chong has now begun construction of the latest Cotai Strip project – Parcel 3, adjacent to the Four Seasons Hotel.

In 2012, the Galaxy Entertainment Group, one of the world’s fastest growing entertainment companies, awarded Hsin Chong a main contract for Phase 2 construction of the Galaxy Macau™ in Cotai.

This covers 450,000 square metres and will virtually double the size of the Galaxy Macau™ Phase 1 to one million square metres. This contract comprises the construction of a hotel tower with two luxury hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton’s first ever all-suite hotel and the world’s largest JW Marriott; retail and gaming facilities. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

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與國內緊密聯繫 在75年的輝煌發展史中，新昌始終維系著與中國大陸的緊密聯系。公司的創始人葉庚 年先生保留著他的上海情結，在公司誕生伊始和隨后的數十年中，新昌在內地完成了 多項工程項目。這些項目包括1948年修建的廣州中國銀行員工宿舍、1990年完工的上 海錦江酒店擴建工程、位於黃浦的新香精香料生產設備，以及1996年修建的麥德隆廣 州三元裡店等。 其他重要的客戶和項目還包括：2006年發展的廣州文昌雅居、2008年的北京新城國際 一期和二期項目。2009年，新昌通過與中國內地公司的合資，成功擴展海外業務，為 中國鐵道建設（香港）有限公司在沙特阿拉伯麥加市的麥加薩法至穆戈達莎輕軌項目 提供建造管理服務，合約主要為鐵路的系統提供設計及管理服務。 2012年，令人矚目的大規模綜合房地產開發項目——星悅南岸項目投入施工，該項目 是位於大沈陽經濟區核心地帶的新型城鎮；2013年，華為杭州生產廠房（第2期）工程 圓滿竣工。面對蘊藏豐富機遇和財富的亞洲市場，新昌滿懷擴張的動力，在北京、杭 州、鐵嶺和廣州等地設立辦事處，並將在此堅實的基礎上繼續開拓進取，再創輝煌。 備受關注的星悅南岸發展項目總佔地853公頃。項目完工后將提供200萬平方米的住宅 空間和100萬平方米的零售空間，以及豐富的娛樂休閑、旅游觀光、住宅公寓、辦公會 議、聚會、展覽等配套設施。新昌的工作團隊滿懷激情地 情投入到該項目的運行過 程之中，致力於打造一個 新的理想家園和精彩社區，為當地居民提供一種前所未有 的美妙生活體驗。

迎來嶄新契機 在進軍房地產開發市場的長遠業務擴張計劃下，新昌管理層會定期研討和評估其他大 規模房地產綜合開發項目。如今，香港的建造業正處於黃金時期，澳門已計劃在未來 展開多個主要發展項目，而在大陸的發展則充滿無限機遇。面對如此令人期待的前 景，新昌蓄勢待發，准備迎接又一次的歷史飛躍。我們堅信，縱使面對挑戰，我們也 將永葆激昂斗志，不斷勇攀高峰，為新昌和公司股東創造更多價值。正如新昌主席兼 行政總裁王博士所言：「在漫長的發展史中，新昌始終保持著公司的本色和傳統，而 這也蘊含在我們對未來的展望與願景之中。如今，我們已充分做好准備，無論前路迎 接我們的是何種挑戰，我們都將勇往直前，在香港和中國大陸再創輝煌。」

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MAINLAND TIES RETAINED Hsin Chong has maintained strong ties with China throughout its 75 years of operation.

Its founder, Godfrey Yeh, retained his Shanghai ties from the outset and during the decades which followed, Hsin Chong completed a number of projects on the Mainland.

These include the 1948 Bank of China’s staff quarters in Guangzhou, the Jin Jiang Hotel Extension in Shanghai in 1990, the New Flavour and Fragrance Manufacturing Facility at Huangpu and the Makro Sanyuanli Store in Guangzhou in 1996.

Other important clients and projects included the Wen Chang Pavilion in Guangzhou in 2006 and Central Park Phases 2 and 3 in Beijing in 2008. Through the expansion in joint-venture partnerships with companies in China, Hsin Chong also provided management services to China Railway Construction Corporation (HK) Limited to support their Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Project (MMMP) in Makka, Saudi Arabia, in 2009. The contract involved the provision of design and construction management services for the system aspects of the metro system.

FRESH SURGE OF GROWTH Under Hsin Chong’s long-range business expansion plans in entering the property development business, management has been regularly evaluating various other large-scale integrated property development projects. With construction in Hong Kong enjoying a ‘golden era’, major Macau development projects planned for the future and the Mainland prime for new opportunities, Hsin Chong is on the cusp of another defining period of growth. The company believes the challenges ahead come handin-hand with worthy aspirations for Hsin Chong and the company’s stakeholders.

“These goals are consistent with the kind of company Hsin Chong has been through its long history and embody the vision the company has for the future,” says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr Wong. “Now we are all set to take on the challenge of whatever comes next, whether in Hong Kong or on the Chinese Mainland.”

In 2012, the large-scale integrated property development project La Viva, a New Town in the heart of the Greater Shenyang Economic Region, was underway as well as the completion of Phase 2 of the Huawei Hangzhou Production Plant in 2013. Hsin Chong’s drive to expand further saw offices established in Beijing, Hangzhou, Tieling and Guangzhou giving Hsin Chong a solid base from where they can steadily grow and thrive.

The whole development of La Viva covers a land area of 853 hectares. When completed, La Viva will comprise two million square metres of residential space and one million square metres of retail space. In addition there will be facilities for entertainment, tourist attractions, residential, office and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Hsin Chong executives working on the project enthuse that one of the most exciting aspects is a new community in which local people can experience an unprecedented way of living.

Above: Huawei Hangzhou Production Plant (Phase 2)

上圖： 華為杭州生產廠房（第二期） Next: La Viva, Tieling

下一頁： 鐵嶺星悅南岸

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JOSEPH CHOI KIN HUNG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HSIN CHONG CONSTRUCTION GROUP

MANAGING DIRECTOR 75 YEARS

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Joseph Choi first joined Hsin Chong as Assistant Managing Director in 2009. He became Managing Director in 2012 and was appointed Executive Director in 2013.

During this time, the company has continued to transform and expand its business capabilities. “We have grown and diversified into a multi-faceted company, providing a wide range of professional services,” says Choi who adds a steady stream of successful hotel and entertainment venue projects in Macau has firmly established Hsin Chong’s reputation as a highly efficient construction manager. The company has also successfully applied its proven multi-discipline expertise to the Mainland where a series of landmark projects has been actively expanding Hsin Chong’s construction and property development business.

I BELIEVE WE ACHIEVE A LOT MORE AND PRODUCE FAR BETTER RESULTS WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER WITH ONE HEART AND ONE MIND

He describes his management philosophy as being geared towards avoiding bureaucracy and department silos in favour of inter-department support and cooperation. Choi says, “I believe we achieve a lot more and produce far better results when we work together with one heart and one mind. As a large company it is important that we modernise the way we operate, but at the same time it is important we ensure we maintain the special and unique Hsin Chong culture.”

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Choi has more than 40 years of multi-dimensional and multi-functional leadership experience across various organisations in Hong Kong and the Asian region. He says that one of the reasons Hsin Chong has been able to successfully tender for and win larger and more complex railway and tunnelling projects is because of their recruitment strategies and the joint-venture partnerships the company forms with renowned local and overseas construction groups. “Through leveraging on Hsin Chong’s ‘can-do’ spirit and bringing together the strengths and capacities of our workforce, we are expanding our competencies to support our sustainable growth strategies. The result is the ability to win prestigious rail and tunnelling projects including the large-scale railway tunnelling contracts forming part of the high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and the Mainland,” he says.

“We have built up teams comprising the best people and in the joint-venture partnerships we form, our abilities complement one another,” says Choi. He cites the Stonecutters Bridge project, one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world, with MaedaHitachi-Yokogawa and the Sha Tin to Central link with Samsung as examples of Hsin Chong’s competence in this area. “I believe the contracts we are involved in offer professionals the opportunity to work on projects where they are challenged and are also given the prospect of putting their skills to effective use,” Choi says.

With Hong Kong in the midst of what is often described as a construction ‘golden era’, Choi says that the opportunities for the construction industry are positive. The Government’s commitment to annual capital works expenditure of more than HK$70

billion over the next few years is good news for the industry. “In addition to new bridges, roads, tunnels and rail systems, other infrastructure projects including large-scale public housing schemes will keep Hong Kong’s construction sector extremely busy.”

To embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, Choi says that Hsin Chong has put concerted efforts into strengthening its capabilities by developing a comprehensive long-term strategy. This includes investment in technologies like BIM, cost management system and recruiting, and nurturing and retaining a resourceful and talented workforce.

However, Choi is quick to point out that while Hsin Chong is prepared and capable of undertaking the full range of large projects, the industry depends on the assistance of government policy to drive large scale projects that stimulate the industry. Despite the rosy business potential with major infrastructure projects such as railways and housing now in main construction mode, he notes how hiring pressure has been placed on the construction sector.

Choi says that demand for skilled construction professionals in Macau and projects on the Mainland is also putting pressure on the market and driving up costs. Still, with more than 40 years in the business, Choi has seen his fair share of the cyclical nature of the construction industry and the ebbs and flows of labour shortages. “I am certain with Hsin Chong’s focus on creating maximum value for all of our stakeholders, we will continue to overcome challenges and contribute to the success of Hong Kong,” he concludes.

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Hsin Chong & Company has been intricately and intimately involved with Hong Kong since being established here in 1939. It has contributed so extensively to the city’s infrastructure and urban fabric that it can truly be said to have helped build Hong Kong.

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Since its inception in the former British colony 75 years ago, Hsin Chong’s history has paralleled Hong Kong’s own rise to ever greater prominence. Its founder, the late Kan-Nee Godfrey Yeh, arrived here in the aftermath of Japan’s invasion of China in 1937, and the ten years of experience already gained in the building construction industry of China were the foundation to his decision to launch Hsin Chong & Company in Hong Kong.

He started his new firm under the aptly chosen title of Hsin Chong, which meant ‘New Prosperity’, and indeed he soon found his company living up to its name as it embarked on the road to fame and fortune.

Due to the massive influx of immigrants seeking refuge from the Sino-Japanese conflict, Hong Kong in 1939 was strained to capacity by one of the frequent and sudden population swells it had witnessed time and again since its own new era beginning in 1841. Among the newcomers – as would again be the case following the retreat of China’s defeated Nationalist government to Taiwan in 1949 – were several of Mr Yeh’s fellow Shanghainese, arriving with their know-how and capital to inspire Hong Kong’s industrial beginnings.

Right: Dragon Seed Building, Central

右圖：中環龍子行大廈

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Those early pioneering efforts to establish embryonic manufacturing plants covered simple products ranging from matches to thermos flasks. The factories of that era were not large by today’s standards, most employing fewer than 30 workers and located in single-storey structures scattered in suburban areas or on outlying islands. It was these that called upon the expertise Hsin Chong had gained through building similar industrial enterprises in China. One of the newly established company’s first assignments was to build the Great China Match Factory on Peng Chau Island in 1939. Owned by Liu Hong-sheng, the ‘Match King’ from Shanghai, the Great China Match Factory was, in its time, the biggest match factory in Hong Kong. Another was to construct a factory at Shau Kei Wan producing buttons.

However, this promising start was soon cut short by the colony’s fall to Japanese invaders on Christmas Day of 1941. Only a skeleton staff remained behind; enough to provide a platform for the company’s revival in 1945. Emerging from the limbo of wartime occupation, Hong Kong raced to make up for those lost years.

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By the time the Japanese surrendered to reoccupation forces in 1945, Hong Kong had descended into chaos. Dockyards were in ruins, the Kowloon-Canton Railway had stopped running, the airstrip at Kai Tak was pitted with bomb craters and the port had virtually ceased to exist.

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A massive clean-up exercise was launched and huge demands were imposed on the surviving remnants of Hong Kong’s construction industry. Godfrey Yeh, who had retreated to China rather than work for the Japanese, returned to Hong Kong not only with his family, but also with the nucleus of a trained and experienced workforce that got Hsin Chong back on its feet and off to a flying start, making an important contribution to Hong Kong’s post-war recovery.

THE REAL LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT WHERE TRANSPORTATION WAS CONCERNED FOLLOWED IN 1963 WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL AT KAI TAK

One of the first ventures to benefit from Hsin Chong’s construction expertise was a private residential development comprising a series of 4-storey apartment blocks in North Point. In those days when there were not any tower cranes in Hong Kong, anything 12 to 15 storeys high was considered very tall. The Fort Street development was soon followed by 7-storey apartment blocks on Macdonnell Road and by a special commission from the Government’s Public Works Department. The latter assignment was to build a residence for the Honourable Colonial Secretary on Barker Road in 1950, which would come to be known as Victoria House.

The first occupant of Victoria House was Sir Robert Black, who would later take up the governorship of Singapore before returning to govern Hong Kong from 1958 to 1964.

So delighted was Sir Robert with the services rendered by Hsin Chong that in 1952 he wrote a testimonial declaring that: This company (Hsin Chong & Company) has recently completed the residence for the Colonial Secretary in a most satisfactory manner and, previous to that, some large reinforced concrete rice godowns. I am informed by the Director of Public Works that their work throughout has been of a very high standard.

Inclusion on the Government’s top list of building contractors was largely due to Mr Yeh’s determination to bring to Hong Kong the same standards of quality and reliability that had marked his earlier career in China, and that would pave the way for many varied and challenging contracts to come. In contrast to most local contractors of that era, Hsin Chong had introduced from the Mainland a workforce of highly talented personnel; skilled bricklayers, carpenters and technicians steeped in their trades and capable of delivering a calibre of workmanship that was then in short supply.

A belief in the importance of training was deeply ingrained in the founder’s precepts of successful management. He was convinced that, in order to equip his staff for the high standards of professionalism he would expect of them, they would likewise expect of him the means to prepare themselves for that challenge. He not only provided onthe-job training, but sought every means of supplementing that with whatever courses were available outside.

The result was that Hsin Chong began its existence with a well-groomed body of personnel on its payroll, and built upon that groundwork wherever opportunities arose to extend its competence. This produced the further benefit of staff loyalty, so that many who entered the ranks of Hsin Chong personnel would remain to follow a lifetime’s career with the company.

Equally important for the firm’s rise to greater prominence in the upper echelons of local building contractors was the founder’s close ties with fellow Shanghainese, who were staking their own valuable investments in almost every field of Hong Kong’s post-war revival, from banking to movie making, from hotels to factories.

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The lead set by Shanghainese entrepreneurs in employing Hsin Chong to build their commercial premises and industrial plants, was soon followed by prominent local companies with longer Hong Kong connections. Among the wide-ranging projects that helped establish Hsin Chong’s reputation in the first post-war decade were the Hang Seng Bank Building on Queen’s Road in 1949, Kwong On Bank Building and United Chinese Bank Building in Central, the Yuen Long branch of the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, Shaw’s Building on Nathan Road and the Wader Motion Picture Studios in Ha Kwai Chung in the New Territories. The Shaw brothers would later commission Hsin Chong to build the Hong Kong equivalent of Hollywood at its Shaw Studios on Clearwater Bay Road in 1962.

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In the 1960s, major local department stores were calling on Hsin Chong’s services to build New Sincere House on Argyle Street, Kowloon, for the Sincere Co., the new Shui Hing Building on Nathan Road and the Dragon Seed Building on Queen’s Road, Central. Major transportation companies also joined the client lists, both China Motor Bus Company and the Hongkong & Yaumati Ferry Company commissioning new staff quarters on Marble Road, North Point, and Tai Kok Tsui Road, Kowloon, respectively.

Other conspicuous undertakings were the construction of Tavistock on May Road, Tung Ying Building on Nathan Road and the Hong Kong Hotel on Canton Road.

However, the real landmark achievement where transportation was concerned followed in 1963 with the completion of the new airport passenger terminal at Kai Tak to service the newly extended runway jutting out on reclaimed land into Kowloon Bay.

Left: Victoria House on Barker Road

左圖： 白加道 Victoria House Above: Tung Ying Building on Nathan Road

上圖： 彌敦道東英大廈

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MADE IN HONG KONG

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A disastrous fire destroyed a huge squatter settlement in Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon, on Christmas Day 1953, leaving 53,000 people homeless. Overnight, the Hong Kong Government was compelled to change its priorities according the greatest urgency to a public housing programme that would eventually rid Hong Kong of such vulnerable, makeshift accommodation.

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The urgency of the housing problem was exacerbated by the outflow of refugees from China in the early 50s, and it coincided with China’s entry into the Korean War, as a result of which the Hong Kong Government was required to impose a complete embargo on the export of strategic materials to its key trading partner. This forced Hong Kong to change the whole basis of its economy from trade to manufacturing, and led to an overnight industrial revolution with particular demand for factory construction coming from newly immigrant Shanghai industrialists.

By 31 December 1950 there were 1,244 factories registered throughout Hong Kong of which 105 were located in the New Territories, many of them in and around Tsuen Wan where the earliest textile factories had established a foothold. The South Sea Textile factory, built in 1953 in Tsuen Wan, was one of Hsin Chong’s first major achievements in this field. Other examples were a plant for Nanyang Cotton Mills and another in Kwun Tong for East Sun Textile.

Right: Victims of the 1953 Christmas night Shek Kip Mei squatter camp fire queue up to register for relief

右圖： 1953年圣誕夜石硤尾木屋區發生大火， 災民輪候救災物資 Next: Plover Cove Reservoir

下一頁： 船灣淡水湖

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The result was an ever increasing flow of manufactured goods out of Hong Kong proudly bearing the ‘Made in Hong Kong’ label which initially was unfamiliar to consumers overseas. However, there was also increased pressure on the Government to expand and improve the international airport at Kai Tak so that air cargo could play a greater role in getting our products to their destinations faster than would have been possible by sea. This was achieved by extending the runway on reclaimed land out into Kowloon Bay and by commissioning Hsin Chong to build an entirely new passenger terminal.

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Completed in 1962, this passenger terminal, together with its later extension, continued to serve the increasingly crowded airport until Hong Kong’s new International Airport was opened at Chek Lap Kok in 1998, when the construction of the latter’s much larger terminal would also incorporate considerable input from Hsin Chong. In 1976 Hsin Chong delivered a further major contribution to the Kai Tak airport complex in the form of another terminal building, this time dedicated to the handling of all air cargo passing through Hong Kong. The architect, project manager and resident engineer appointed by the client, John Swire & Sons, jointly presented a letter to Hsin Chong stating, “We wish to express our congratulations on your success in satisfactorily completing the works approximately two and a half months ahead of the contract date.”

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Water, for both industrial and domestic needs, was a vital resource in short supply because Hong Kong’s land-based reservoirs were unable to cope. Although rainfall was plentiful, it quickly drained off the mountainous terrain into the sea. Hsin Chong embarked on civil engineering projects in the early 60s and as part of a joint venture, was commissioned to construct tunnels and intakes between Tai Po Tan and Pai Tan Han for the Plover Cove Water Scheme, an ambitious undertaking to dam and drain an inlet of the sea and replace its seawater with fresh water. Completed in 1968, Plover Cove Reservoir was, in its time, the largest such reservoir in the world.

Foreseeing that Hong Kong was a city more concerned with the future than the past, Hsin Chong decided to invest in equipment that would make those goals achievable.

As ambitions rose and buildings became taller, Hsin Chong capitalised on the trend by introducing such necessary innovations as cranes that boosted construction to greater heights.

Above and top right: Kai Tak Airport Passenger Terminal

上圖及右上： 啟德機場客運大樓 Lower right: Kai Tak Airport Air Cargo Terminal

右下： 啟德機場航空貨運大樓

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REHOUSING THE MASSES

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Above: Mei Foo Sun Chuen

上圖： 美孚新邨

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After the anxieties of the late 60s, the 70s ushered in a decade when the ‘Made in Hong Kong’ label steadily began to register throughout the world as a mark of quality rather than inferiority. This period also brought greater prosperity, and a leavening of wealth dispersal that created the beginnings of a middle class to bridge the extremes between rich and poor. A significantly urbanised Hong Kong was no longer containable within the traditional geographic restraints of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and began to make major inroads into the New Territories.

both the Government and the private sector, by creating the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), and to improve administrative accountability through a system of consultative committees and elected District Boards.

INVOLVEMENT IN LARGE-SCALE HOUSING PROGRAMMES, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, WAS A LYNCHPIN OF HSIN CHONG’S PROGRESS RIGHT FROM THE OUTSET

When Sir Murray MacLehose arrived in 1971 to commence an 11-year term of governorship that would prove the longest in Hong Kong’s colonial history, he quickly grasped the temper of the times and embarked on a new agenda that effectively accelerated Hong Kong’s progress on all fronts. His immediate priorities were public housing, to put an end to the longstanding eyesore of squatter settlements crowding the heights above the city skyline, and greater access to free education. He also sought to abolish the bribery prevalent in

Involvement in large-scale housing programmes, both public and private, was a lynchpin of Hsin Chong’s progress right from the outset, and it continued right through the troubled times of the shadow cast over Hong Kong by the civil unrest of the late 60s.

Among the company’s landmark projects from that period was Mei Foo Sun Chuen in 1976, which was one of the largest private estates in the world. Hsin Chong ended up as the contractor that built the most towers for Mei Foo; 44 out of 99, housing some 5,900 families, together with associated car park buildings and podiums for recreational and commercial use.

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Left: Mei Lam Estate Phase 1, Sha Tin

左圖： 沙田美林邨第一期

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Another significant private housing project Hsin Chong was involved with at the time was Realty Gardens in Mid Levels, comprising a high-class residential development of five 20-storey residential blocks rising from a 3-storey podium containing two floors of car parks.

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Hsin Chong’s engagement in the low-cost public housing programme commenced in the 70s when Sir Murray MacLehose announced a radical acceleration of the programme that would end up housing 40 per cent of Hong Kong’s total population.

The company’s advantage in this field came from the fact that it had introduced into Hong Kong a highly mechanised, large panel formwork system, using cranes, which has since become standard practice. This innovation enabled Hsin Chong to construct at a much faster pace and achieve some reduction in labour. The first contract undertaken with this form of mechanised construction was the Wah Fu Estate extension in 1978, built as a New Town concept for the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA).

Then came the redevelopment of Wong Tai Sin Estate. Situated alongside the much older H-blocks of the original Wong Tai Sin Estate, which had become something of a byword for the whole resettlement programme through being featured in a long-running television series produced by Radio Television Hong Kong entitled ’Below the Lion Rock’, Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate Redevelopment Phase 1A offered vastly superior accommodation in the 1,342 flats of its two 22-storey domestic T-shaped slab blocks.

It employed the same industrialised construction methods Hsin Chong had introduced at Wah Fu. Integrated into the estate was a 3-storey commercial complex with a Welfare Building on its upper three floors.

Following the Government’s introduction of its satellite New Town policy in the 70s to spread the population distribution into the New Territories, Hsin Chong undertook major projects constructing the low-cost public housing estates in many of the newly created townships including Sha Tin, Tuen Mun and, much later, Tin Shui Wai. In 1982, Butterfly Estate Phase 1 in Tuen Mun, conformed to the new standard design for low-cost public housing pioneered by Donald Liao, Secretary for Housing and Chairman of the Housing Authority from 1980-85. It consisted of twin-tower residential blocks of 21 to 24 storeys, interlocked in what became known as the ‘spectacles’ layout, with each block enclosing a central courtyard.

Right: Wah Fu Estate Extension, Hong Kong Island

右圖： 港島華富邨擴建

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Mei Lam Estate Phase 1 in Sha Tin employed an entirely different design of elongated parallel blocks ranging from 19 to 28 storeys, all served by a commercial centre with adjoining market, cooked food stalls and a primary school. Its 2,926 flats totalled a gross floor area of around 179,600 square metres and it received the Certificate of Merit from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects in 1982.

Introducing highly efficient industrialised construction methods, Hsin Chong set about completing these vertical, self-contained mini cities in record time, changing the very nature of Hong Kong’s urban development and setting the style for things to come.

Hsin Chong spearheaded a progression of refinements that triggered a similar trend in private housing which resulted in a winning formula of high-rise towers set upon multilevel podiums containing shops, restaurants, schools and transport terminals.

This novel approach demonstrated to the world at large that building upward was a viable and preferable alternative to building outward when it came to the problem of amassing high-density populations on limited land supply. Without that breakthrough, Hong Kong would not be the compact, convenient, readily accessible, transport facilitated marvel of a metropolis it is today.

Left: Sui Wo Court, Sha Tin

左圖： 沙田穗禾苑

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Perhaps its biggest undertaking from that period, however, was Sui Wo Court designed by the architectural firm of Palmer and Turner (now known as P&T) and built on a mountainside above Wo Che, west of Fo Tan and north-east of Sha Tin. This was the largest of the first-phase Home Ownership Schemes in Hong Kong, consisting of nine 36-storey, windmill-configured residential towers on two platforms of different levels, accommodating a total of 3,500 families with schools, amenities and commercial facilities. This project received the Silver Medal Award from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects in 1981.

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A remarkable aspect of Hsin Chong’s involvement in the low-cost public housing programme was the sheer number of developments that it tackled simultaneously, all of them running in parallel and nearing completion at roughly the same time. While bringing the Lower Wong Tai Sin, Butterfly and Mei Lam projects to fruition, it was also handling an equally ambitious estate at Lung Hang in Sha Tin, and would shortly thereafter be contracted to build Sun Chui in Sha Tin, Shek Lei in Tsuen Wan, Shan King in Tuen Mun and Fu Shin in Tai Po.

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Left: Mei Foo Sun Chuen

左圖： 美孚新邨

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Hsin Chong Estimating Manager, Thomas Yeung Hee Ming, who joined the company as an apprentice in 1974, considers he is a good example of how determination coupled with hard work and opportunities provided by Hsin Chong opens the way to exploring different career options within the multidisciplinary world of construction.

Working as a young Hsin Chong apprentice, Yeung recalls how he began working his way up the career ladder by actively engaging in different jobs. His various competency building experiences include interior decoration, concreting and steel fixing.

“Hands-on involvement and job rotation widened my scope and understanding of how the construction industry works,” says Yeung.

THE GREEN BUILDING FORMWORK SYSTEM WE PROPOSED WAS SELECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT BASED ON INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Determined to advance academically, Yeung studied for his Higher Certificate of Building Technology at Hong Kong Polytechnic in the evenings. Equipped with the qualifications he needed, Yeung was soon able to take up the new workrelated opportunities that Hsin Chong provided him. He recollects his transformation to quantity surveyor (QS) began when he was asked to help with measurement of materials at a site office when a senior manager recognised his passion for calculation.

Yeung says that it is with good reason Hsin Chong is often referred to in the construction industry by the nickname ‘Shaolin Temple’, a complementary comparison between the

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way Hsin Chong provides comprehensive training programmes for its employees, and the meticulous marital arts training offered by the famous Mainland monastery featured in numerous documentaries and films. “Throughout my career with Hsin Chong, there have always been plenty of training programmes, coaching and informal mentoring that build two-way loyalty,” says Yeung. Loyalty to Hsin Chong runs deep. In 1989 Yeung left Hsin Chong for a short period to help a friend with a Mainland refurbishment project when the project ran into difficulties. He was pleased to be invited back and resume his career with the company.

Unlike today, where most of the QS functions are calculated electronically, during Yeung’s early years, he says that measurements were made manually and tenders were drawn up on paper. “When I was first appointed as a QS we followed standard measurements and procedures for even the smallest item so that subcontractors were able to follow the specifications and calculate the correct pricing,” remembers Yeung who also handled material/stock orders, assessment of subcontractors’ payments, site worker payroll and final account for various contracts. He also spent time in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where Hsin Chong was working on a project to help local staff to become familiar with the Hsin Chong QS methods.

While tendering for contracts is always competitive, Yeung says cost is not always the deciding factor. In 1998 when Hsin Chong (joint venture with Taylor Woodrow) tendered for the Architectural Services Department contract to design and construct an eight-block Disciplinary Staff Quarters at Lee On Road, the company was awarded the contract based on the construction techniques Hsin Chong proposed.

“We were not the lowest bid, but the green building formwork system we proposed was selected by the government based on innovation and environmental management,” says Yeung. Hsin Chong, he says, always seems to have the ability to develop and adapt technical capabilities to the changing needs of Hong Kong’s construction environment. “It is because of our technical skills and years of experience that many organisations approach our firm for their construction needs,” adds the 40-year veteran of the construction industry.

Looking back, Yeung recalls one of his most hectic work periods came in 1998 when the Hong Kong Government announced ambitious plans to build 85,000 new public housing flats. “At one point, we needed to submit three housing tenders in one week and even won five tenders in one month,” he says.

Hsin Chong was also invited to participate in the government initiated Private Sector Participation Scheme (PSPS) projects which involved cooperation with private developers.

One of Hsin Chong’s biggest PSPS projects was Lung Mun Oasis in Tuen Mun where Yeung handled the valuation processes and also provided comments on design, the type of building methods that would work best and the type of finishing materials to use. “A main aim was to design efficient layouts so that residents would enjoy comfortable living space with lower cost,” says Yeung.

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EVER-WIDENING SCOPE OF EXPERTISE

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In keeping with its greatly amplified role, Hsin Chong & Company changed its name in 1972 to Hsin Chong Construction Company Limited and, to cope with its rapid expansion, went public in 1972 as Hsin Chong Holdings (HK) Limited. The group’s consolidated profits after taxation for the year-ending 31 March 1972, were HK$ 6.8 million.

The company’s success in building the Hong Kong Hotel in 1969 led to a contract to construct the 18-storey, 861-room Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel at the southern end of Nathan Road. In 1974, the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel was topped out five weeks ahead of schedule to complete a new landmark at the foot of the Kowloon Peninsula.

Above: Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel

上圖： 香港喜來登酒店 Left: New Asia College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

左圖： 香港中文大學新亞書院 Right: Ocean Park Hong Kong

右圖： 香港海洋公園

Perhaps the firm’s most enterprising project from this period, not so much for its sheer scale and inventiveness as for the fact that Hong Kong had never attempted anything like it before, was Ocean Park. On the site which extended over 550,000 square metres, Hsin Chong’s contract included the construction of a reef tank building, wave tank complex, seawater reservoir, ocean theatre and cable car terminus. Completed in 1976, Ocean Park proved an immediate draw, for both local residents and tourists, and has continued to grow in scale and popularity ever since.

From Zung Fu Industrial Building in Quarry Bay to Watson House in Fo Tan, Hsin Chong had some eight major industrial premises to tackle in these boom years. A further eight or so commercial buildings were also looming large on the contract sheets, with the World Trade Centre on Gloucester Road in 1976 and World-Wide House on Des Voeux Road, Central, in 1980 as the largest of these. Standing at 42 floors when completed, the World Trade Centre was the second-tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong.

Busily engaged on all fronts, Hsin Chong simultaneously erected new schools, academic facilities, clinics and hospitals needed to cope with rising public expectations. Conspicuous among these developments was the New Asia College of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, for which Hsin Chong built a 4-storey administrative block, fine arts and journalism building, a 5-storey commerce building and a 2-storey library.

Hsin Chong had embarked on school construction with the Shau Kei Wan Government School, completed in 1959, following that up in 1960 with New Method College in Kowloon Tong, an extension to Kowloon’s La Salle Primary School in 1960, St. Clare’s Primary School on Bonham Road and Holy Trinity College in Shek Kip Mei, both completed in 1967, and the Kiangsu-Chekiang College on Braemar Hill Road, completed in 1969.

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The 70s also saw the start of a massive and determined new initiative to ensure that Hong Kong people not only had better roofs over their heads, but improved education and health care. Catering to the manifold needs of a burgeoning population, the Government’s increased emphasis on social amenities found Hsin Chong immersed in contracts supplying a whole new range of requirements.

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Civil engineering works carried out by Hsin Chong in the 70s ranged from the Hoi Ha Pumping Station in Sai Kung, and the second Lion Rock High Level Service Reservoir, a site formation for Tai Po Industrial Estate and the massive Tuen Mun Road Link.

Whether roads, bridges, tunnels, storm water drainage systems, slope stabilisation or seawalls and reclamation projects, all was grist to Hsin Chong’s mill.

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Left: Ocean Park Hong Kong

左圖： 香港海洋公園

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Left: World-Wide House, Central

左圖： 中環環球大廈 Above: Academic Community Hall, Hong Kong Baptist College

上圖： 香港浸會書院大專會堂 （現稱大學會堂）

A major expansion of Hong Kong’s educational programme in the 70s saw the inception of schools catering to a broader pupil base.

The newly established English Schools Foundation, tasked to provide a ‘modern liberal education’ through the medium of English, engaged Hsin Chong to build its Island School complex on Borrett Road, consisting of three classroom blocks, of 2, 6 and 7 storeys, a 3-storey assembly block with a stepped seating hall and covered playground, and a swimming pool.

Developed simultaneously with Island School, but supplying courses that conformed to the American rather than the British education system, the Hong Kong International School became another client requiring Hsin Chong, in 1975, to build a 7-storey school building in Repulse Bay, annexed to a 2-storey swimming pool block and incorporating a 9-storey apartment block in its grounds.

An upsurge of interest in recreational pursuits and the opportunities presented by ‘the great outdoors’ made more accessible by improved public transport into hitherto lesser-known corners of Hong Kong’s New Territories hinterland, led to the creation of the Outward Bound School in Sai Kung, whose construction the Hong Kong Jockey Club entrusted to Hsin Chong. To provide more specialist skills for industrial and other vocational needs, Hsin Chong also built the Kowloon Bay and Kwai Chung Training Centres.

Further notable additions to the list of Hong Kong’s educational establishments were the Hong Kong Baptist College’s 3-storey Academic Community Hall, with a 1346-seat auditorium, offices, common room and library, and Canossa College and Canossa School in Quarry Bay, built for the Canossian Missions.

Whereas schools required classrooms, assembly halls, staff rooms and playgrounds, hospitals entailed wards, outpatient clinics, operating theatres and specialised medical facilities that imposed entirely different parameters on their design and construction.

“Quite early in our history, hospitals became something of a specialty for Hsin Chong,” said James Lee, Director of Hsin Chong Construction Company. “They’re big, they’re complicated, they require intricate and delicate installations, and they’re meticulous in their standards of hygiene. With Grantham Hospital we were fortunate in getting a head start that would be followed by the Tung Wah, Kwong Wah and others.”

Tuberculosis had reached a peak of nearly 700 per 100,000 in 1952 - a time when there was constant migration across the border and crowded living conditions that increased the spread of communicable disease. The Grantham Hospital, in 1958, was specifically constructed for treating patients with tuberculosis.

The project was valued at HK$2.1 million, at the time a substantial sum of money. This successful high-profile undertaking shone the spotlight on Hsin Chong’s hospital construction capabilities, and other hospital projects soon followed.

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The Kwong Wah Hospital Redevelopment (Phase 1 and 2) was completed in 1962 for the Tung Wah Group at a cost of HK$10 million and in 1973 Hsin Chong completed the United Christian Hospital former main building in Kwun Tong, whose 8 storeys accommodated a total of 560 beds, adding another important element to Hong Kong’s health care capabilities and residents’ well-being.

Lee says that when Hsin Chong embarks on a hospital project, the company is always aware of the wide range of services that must be included to ensure they serve and support the many different users and functions a hospital must accommodate. Special attention needs to be applied to the efficient layout and the location of functional and specialist areas. It is also essential that careful attention is given to ensuring vital mechanical and electrical services are safe and reliable.

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Looking beyond the construction stage, Lee says that importantly for Hsin Chong as a company and for the project managers and engineers that work on hospital projects, there is a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that their work makes a valuable contribution to a healthier Hong Kong.

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Above: United Christian Hospital Former Main Building, Kwun Tong

上圖： 觀塘前基督教聯合醫院主樓 Right: Grantham Hospital, Aberdeen

右圖： 香港仔葛量洪醫院

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Left: Kwong Wah Hospital, Waterloo Road

左圖： 窩打老道廣華醫院

CHEUNG CHU WAH

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Hong Kong’s construction industry was just about to enter another golden phase when Cheung Chu Wah joined the sector in 1987 immediately after graduating from The University of Hong Kong in Quantity Surveying (QS).

Cheung recalls that he secured his job with Hsin Chong with the help of a referral from his university professor.

“It was fresh and exciting and different from being at university,” recollects Cheung who was excited to learn about the day-to-day operations and the workplace jargon. Coincidentally, a few weeks after joining Hsin Chong, Cheung was offered a position as a QS Graduate with the Government, an offer he declined. “Turning down the job offer with the Government turned out to be the most advantageous career decision I have ever made,” Cheung says.

During his 27-year-tenure with Hsin Chong, Cheung has continued to embrace opportunities to expand his knowledge and benefit from new experiences. “During my career with Hsin Chong, as the company has expanded, so too have the opportunities to work on different types of projects,” he notes. One of his memorable experiences was his involvement with the United Christian Hospital Extension project, which Hsin Chong completed during an almost three-year period from January 1992 to December 1994. “The project team really applied a great deal of effort and initiated a lot of positive concepts including cost-saving exercises and design alternatives to ensure the project was a success,” says Cheung. He says that he continued to look after the project for another four years for the final account agreement, and because of the necessary audit for the Government funding, spent another four years before receiving the final dollar from the client. “Closing out a final account is a lonely process and could be very time consuming,” Cheung explains. “This is sometimes not really appreciated by my colleagues who can move on to other projects right after completion,” he says.

DURING MY CAREER WITH HSIN CHONG, AS THE COMPANY HAS EXPANDED, SO TOO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROJECTS

Joining Hsin Chong when he did could not have come at a better time. On his second day at work he witnessed the site handover process for a new project and within his first month with the firm was deployed to his first project – Somerset House – the redevelopment of the old Taikoo Sugar Refinery and dockyard into mixed commercial and business use.

Cheung was also involved during the initial stages of the construction and positioning of 13 large concrete box culverts designed to drain rain water into the sea for the

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whole airport island at Chek Lap Kok. “Scale wise, the challenge was huge because the culverts were the size of a family apartment,” explains Cheung. The logistics of positioning the mega precast-concrete culverts underground using a large crane presented further challenges. “There were lots of different contractors working simultaneously in the areas where we were operating, which meant that timely and thorough planning was essential,” he says. Although Cheung only spent several months with the project, it was enough to get a taste of the complex and difficult natures in civil projects and to learn that the experience and expertise in building projects cannot be directly and easily applied to civil ones.

He says that through the involvement and know-how gained from a broad range of projects, it has taught him the value of working with others as a reliable way of overcoming problems and developing workable solutions. His practical, hands-on approach has also reinforced his enthusiasm for the job, such as the project for Hsin Chong’s office and the Western Market Renovation in 1991.

He says that the introduction of new management processes in recent years has brought about a more standardised and systematic approach covering everything from tendering to project management. Technology has also added fresh dimensions and strengthened capabilities. “As our projects get bigger and bigger, we need technology and management systems to handle manpower and cost controls,” says Cheung who adds that the processes help him in his role of problem solving while also providing him with better tools for project control.

Currently, Cheung’s main area of responsibilities still revolve around commercial functions. To do that effectively, he and his team need to coordinate and work closely with project and site management, tendering, procurement and other functional operations. He is also responsible for the daily management of the quantity surveying department where he oversees the performance of about 60 QS staff, which is ten times the size of the QS team involved in the United Christian Hospital Extension project he was responsible for twenty years ago.

“The beauty of QS is that it is not just the upfront and day-to-day frontline aspects of the work I enjoy. Sometimes, I can take a step back to observe and look at ways of delivering solutions from an outsider’s point of view,” says Cheung who likes to relax and maintain a work/life balance by running and hiking, which he sometimes does with work colleagues.

In addition to running marathons, Cheung is also an active participant in local ultramarathon hiking events. Since 1999, he has completed around forty long-distance hiking competitions, mostly for charity. This includes covering all local long trails such as the 100k MacLehose Trail, 78k Wilson Trail, 70k Lantau Trail and the 50k Hong Kong Trail.

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IN THE RUN-UP TO REUNIFICATION

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The prospect of Hong Kong being restored to China upon expiry of the New Territories lease on 30 June 1997, triggered an exodus of residents worried about the implications of what this might mean for their future and for their children. Though the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 19 December 1984 guaranteed that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, this failed to stem the co-called ‘brain drain’.

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However, where work was concerned, it was business as usual. There were always more public housing estates, home ownership projects, educational facilities, hospitals and industrial buildings to build. Among the new housing estates constructed by Hsin Chong during this period were; Sun Hing Garden in Tai Po, Hang On Estate (Phase 2) and Yiu On Estate (Phase 2) in Ma On Shan, Cheung On Estate (Phase 1) and Cheung Fat Estate in Tsing Yi, Yue On Court in Ap Lei Chau, Hin Keng Estate (Phase 2 and 3) in Sha Tin and Tin King Estate (Phase 4) in Tuen Mun, Lam Tin Extension (Phase 4) in Lam Tin and Ma Hang Village (Phase 1) in Stanley; and later, the new Housing Authority headquarters building in Ho Man Tin. Educational establishments constructed by Hsin Chong included two new training centre complexes – one in Kowloon Bay and the other in Kwai Chung, Tuen Mun and Chai Wan Technical Institutes and the Headquarters Building for the newly formed Vocational Training Council.

Right: Hong Kong Housing Authority Headquarters

右圖： 香港房屋委員會總部

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China’s economic reform came at a time when business ties between Hong Kong and the Mainland took a sharp upward curve. As part of the Government’s investment programme to provide complete double-tracking and electrification of the railway from Hung Hom to the Lo Wu border crossing, Sheung Shui Station, the penultimate station on the northbound line, needed to be completely renovated. The engineering and building works contract Hsin Chong was awarded included the demolition of the old station and construction of a new station covering 5,800 square metres in gross floor area together with new station platforms. To ensure the efficiency of this busy public facility, Hsin Chong implemented special schemes and methods of construction.

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Diversification into associated specialist industries was increasingly the keynote of Hsin Chong’s expansion. Hsin Chong Specialist Contractors Limited was formed in 1989 to focus on renovations, interior decoration and fitting-out works. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Hsin Chong, this company drew upon the strong technical support offered by the group with one of the first commissions being the renovation and fitting out of the former Western Market. Figuring among the earliest structures in Sheung Wan, Western Market was also the oldest surviving market building in Hong Kong. Its south block, on Queen’s Road, Central was built in 1858 and demolished in 1980, while the north block, smaller and more compact in design, was preserved and renovated on behalf of the Land Development Corporation. This Edwardian-style structure, erected in 1906, originally served as the Harbour Office. Operating as a food market until 1988, it was declared a historical monument in 1990. With its interior completely redesigned, the market was reopened in 1991, serving as home to a range of curio and textile shops and other boutique-style establishments.

Above: Kowloon-Canton Railway Sheung Shui Station

上圖： 九廣鐵路上水火車站

The conjunction came about in the wake of an earlier joint venture between Hsin Chong and a major UK company to tender for the Eastern District Hospital contract, in which E&M components occupied a substantial share of the works entailed. The UK partner lacked confidence in Hong Kong’s home-grown E&M expertise, and so Hsin Chong was introduced to Finaster SpA of Italy.

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Another significant landmark of Hsin Chong’s expansion during this period was the establishment in 1988 of Hsin Chong Aster Building Services Limited, a joint venture with an Italian Company, Finaster SpA that in 2005, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hsin Chong. One of those closely involved with this innovation was James Lee, Director of Hsin Chong Construction Company. Lee recalls, “In the 1980s there were not many building services companies here so we thought it was time for Hsin Chong to establish a subsidiary company that would enhance the group as a whole.”

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During this time, rapid growth within the construction industry led to the incorporation and listing of Hsin Chong Construction Limited on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1991. This demonstrated Hsin Chong’s commitment to Hong Kong. Hsin Chong Holdings, listed in 1972, was later privatised after the listing of Hsin Chong Construction Group.

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Although unsuccessful in tendering for the Eastern District Hospital, Hsin Chong recognised that E&M elements were going to loom ever larger in Hong Kong’s increasingly sophisticated construction industry. Hsin Chong now saw the opportunity to allay such misgivings by entering into a long-term business partnership with the Italian Aster group, which coincidentally, was seeking to build up a portfolio in Asia.

“Our successful completion of Ho Tung Lau Phase 1 HVAC Installation Contract was our first big breakthrough,” says James Lee. “It paved the way for our involvement in 14 subsequent E&M contracts with KCRC including the Phase 2 HVAC Installation at Ho Tung Lau Depot, the E&M installation for noise mitigation measures at Tai Wo Station extension and the combined services installation at University Station extension”.

The next step was the formation of a joint-venture company with Aster International, and Ellis Mechanical Services Ltd., and the result was one of those proverbial win-win alliances that could not have been better timed, for Hong Kong was about to embark on what would become the largest and most costly engineering project of its day anywhere in the world.

Left: Western Market, Sheung Wan

左圖： 上環西港城

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The Ho Tung Lau contract entailed works to be carried out in the existing KCR Ho Tung Lau Maintenance Centre, Workshop and Depot, where a portion of the existing live tracks and railway operations would have to be maintained during construction.

Difficulties such as works adjacent to railway tracks, and construction over existing high-voltage overhead lines, required extreme care in the planning of construction methodology prior to actual execution of the works.

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“The early years were not an easy time for our newly established Hsin Chong Aster,” says James Lee. “There was still a lot of scepticism locally regarding the performance and integrity of E&M firms. I went to see the senior management of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) and convinced them that we should be given an opportunity to bid for their Ho Tung Lau Depot and workshop E&M installation contract.”

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SOMETHING OF A TRIUMPH

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Above: Kai Tak International Airport

上圖： 啟德國際機場

By the mid-80s it was realised that Kai Tak International Airport had become grossly overburdened and a serious liability in terms of its potential for major accidents. Back in the pre-war days, when the original airstrip was built, Kai Tak had been a quiet rural suburb, its location entirely in keeping with the worldwide trend to keep such infrastructure away from busy downtown districts. However, Hong Kong had grown so rapidly in the post-war years that it had engulfed Kai Tak to the extent that even its extended runway, projecting out into Kowloon Bay, did not greatly diminish the almost unthinkable risk of something going seriously wrong in a final approach to touchdown over the crowded streets of Kowloon.

THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINEERING WORLD VIEWED THE HONG KONG AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME AS ONE OF THE GREATEST UNDERTAKINGS IN THE HISTORY OF INFRASTRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGY

Hsin Chong viewed participation in the Hong Kong Airport Core Programme as an opportunity to further elevate its profile and, in particular, to utilise the new capabilities of its new subsidiary Hsin Chong Aster. It was then decided to enter into partnership with its British associates, Ellis Mechanical Services Ltd, to form the AEH Joint Venture, the AEH acronym standing for Aster, Ellis and Hsin Chong Aster. Despite competition from 36 rivals, AEH JV emerged as the winner, obtaining a HK$2.8 billion contract which represented the biggest single E&M contract in the industry.

“There is no question that the entire engineering world viewed the Hong Kong Airport Core Programme as one of the greatest undertakings in the history of infrastructural technology,” said Joseph Fung, Managing Director of Hsin Chong Aster. “The contract for all the mechanical and engineering installations associated with the airport terminal was a big bite of the cake, and to win that was definitely something of a triumph.”

These installations included everything from air conditioning to electrical, fire protection systems and hydraulic services. The task was prodigious because the airport’s Terminal One, designed by Sir Norman Foster, covers an area of 570,000 square metres, making it one of the largest airports in the world. So large that it incorporates its own internal rail system, it has also frequently been voted, by travellers responding to various passenger surveys, as the most popular in the world, not least for its sheer convenience and efficiency.

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The search for a replacement airport led eventually to what became known as the Hong Kong Airport Core Programme, a series of infrastructural works organised by the Government during the 1990s, with the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok as its central project. This programme formed part of the Port and Airport Development Strategy, with an original price tag of more than HK$200 billion.

However, the Chinese Government was concerned that this costly undertaking would use up all the financial reserves of the future SAR Government so that, after many substantial amendments, the revised plan finally cost HK$160.2 billion. The construction of the whole project took eight years and would rank as one of the most gargantuan infrastructure projects in Hong Kong’s history.

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Convenient as it was to have an airport located almost within the heart of the city, risks arose exponentially as flight frequencies increased. Incoming tourists, arriving with eager expectations of what they would find in this Oriental theme park of a city discovered that their most thrilling experience occurred as their airline took a sharp right under Lion Rock, the home stretch running below rooftop level past balconies strung with laundry.

The AEH project team entrusted with this massive venture applied much of the knowledge transferred from Hsin Chong from its experience in constructing the University of Science and Technology in Clearwater Bay in 1992, to construct an academic building, seafront sports complex, student housing and commercial complex. The E&M components of the university contract had proved extremely complicated, not least because nearly 70 per cent of the teaching complex was made up of laboratories, each requiring its individual range of services.

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One of the key innovations that Hsin Chong applied in the university project was the development of Computerised Combined Services Drawing, which allowed drawings and amendments to be carried out on site. This facility ensured unity of control.

Immediate amendments could be carried out to drawings according to varying conditions, thereby vastly increasing the speed and efficiency of execution.

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ONE OF THE KEY INNOVATIONS THAT HSIN CHONG APPLIED IN THE UNIVERSITY PROJECT WAS THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERISED COMBINED SERVICES DRAWING

Computerised Combined Services Drawing would prove its worth again in the airport project. To further increase efficiency CADCAM air duct production was developed on the Chek Lap Kok site, as an application extended from the computerised combined services drawings.

Another extensive operation by Hsin Chong – because it was spread throughout the entire man-made island upon which the airport was based – was the construction of 13 box culverts ranging from single to quadracells.

Augustine Tang, Director of Hsin Chong Construction Company who was among the 400 staff managing this project, remembers that, in the course of routinely checking this labyrinth of drainage, he would frequently encounter trespassers who had taken up residence in these hiding places, and who would beat a hasty retreat to avoid capture.

The larger box sections for this drainage, prefabricated in China and shipped to Hong Kong on barges, were so wide they could take up two lanes of conventional road traffic. “The hardest part,” says Tang, “was constructing the outfalls, because we could only do this at low tide and much of the work had to be carried out underwater using trained professional divers.” A different kind of difficulty was the sheer administrative task of liaising with all the many diverse airport users whose installations had to connect with this storm water drainage network.

Above: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

上圖： 香港科技大學

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Above: Government Flying Services Headquarters

上圖： 政府飛行服務隊總部

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In addition to the airport terminal MEP installation and the storm water drainage system, Hsin Chong’s involvement with Chek Lap Kok included design and construction of the new Government Flying Services Headquarters, located at the south-western edge of the airport platform.

Hsin Chong Aster’s ACMV installation for the new Freight Forwarding Centre is like the passenger terminal and runways, also located on the largely artificial island off the north shore of Lantau. One of the largest buildings of its kind in the world, the Freight Forwarding Centre covers almost 1.5 million square feet of floor area to accommodate its cargo handling, commercial and office use.

However, by the time the new Hong Kong International Airport opened in 1998, one year after the former British colony had become a Special Administrative Region under Chinese sovereignty, the Asian financial downturn presaged a succession of misfortunes that would bring about serious consequences for Hong Kong as a whole, and its construction industry in particular. The property market downturn significantly reduced work from the private sector. Contractors who normally serviced the private sector focused their attention on submitting unreasonably low tenders in the public sector. The resultant shift substantially increased capacity, compressed margins and exerted upward pressure on subcontracting costs for the Government housing programme.

AUGUSTINE TANG MAN YEE

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Augustine Tang’s career spans almost four decades with Hsin Chong beginning in 1976 when he joined the company’s apprentice training scheme. That time has allowed Augustine Tang, Director of Hsin Chong Construction Company, to acquire extensive competencies, skills and management attributes.

Tang reflects on his long career with Hsin Chong with projects ranging from residential projects to constructing lorry-size storm water drainage box culverts at Hong Kong’s international airport. As someone who looks for variety in his work, he says that the projects he has worked on have always provided a welcome challenge.

Over the years Tang has also experienced first-hand how Hsin Chong has been able to build solid and lasting partnerships with clients and industry practitioners. One example was when Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, the largest telecommunications equipment maker in the world, decided to build its headquarters in Shenzhen, Guangdong province in 2002. The multinational company chose Hsin Chong as the main contractor. Described by Tang as ‘large scale’, the contract included constructing commercial buildings, eight meeting buildings, the main building and one large artificial lake on a 1-kilometre site.

“Alongside our Mainland partners we successfully delivered the project on time to the satisfaction of the client,” says Tang who was the senior project manager. The project received wider recognition when it was awarded 2003 Shenzhen Excellent Structural Award and in 2006, the Shenzhen Quality Building Award – Golden Bull Certificate.

While the awards and recognition are undoubtedly gratifying, equally important from Tang’s perspective, was the opportunity to introduce Hsin Chong’s technical competence and reputation for excellent quality to Mainland partners. “With about twenty experienced Hsin Chong staff on site we had plenty of excellent opportunities to exchange knowledge and working practices while introducing new machinery and management systems, which our partners and client appreciated,” says Tang, With the relationship firmly cemented, nine years later, Huawei again invited Hsin Chong to be its partner and take on the responsibility of project management to build its production plant in Hangzhou. A long-term and trusted relationship also came into play when in 2005 upmarket property developer, Hongkong Land needed a main contractor to oversee the construction of a premium residential development in an upscale area of Beijing. “The client wanted a main contractor with the knowledge and experience to manage the project objectives including the use of high quality materials and high design standards,” says Tang who believes a vital component of Hsin Chong’s success is the quality of its people and investment in training to maintain a strong talent pipeline.

“A key Hsin Chong strength is the way the company has always invested in training and developing its staff and providing them with career progression opportunities,” explains Tang who cites himself as a good example of being a beneficiary of the training and career opportunities that Hsin Chong offers. He also points out that Hsin Chong had put training programmes in place long before it became a common trend in the construction industry.

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“Because Hsin Chong has a long history of comprehensive training programmes, the company has created the advantage of training and building up very good teams of senior engineers, planning and technical management staff,” says Tang who also believes that investment in training and development is an important factor that enables Hsin Chong to maintain a stable workforce, which provides clients with confidence knowing experienced managers are in charge of their projects.

With the size and scale of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel and Galaxy Macau™ projects attracting attention from all over the world, Tang says that Hsin Chong has been able to enhance its reputation for professional construction management, effective planning, design and construction of a project from inception to completion. As Hsin Chong continues to play a major role in the development of Macau, Tang, who is based in the fastgrowing tourist and entertainment centre says that he is looking forward to working with clients and partners while continuing to uphold the company’s reputation for quality, integrity and reliability, or in keeping with the Hsin Chong mantra, service from the heart.

A KEY HSIN CHONG STRENGTH IS THE WAY THE COMPANY HAS ALWAYS INVESTED IN TRAINING AND DEVELOPING ITS STAFF AND PROVIDING THEM WITH CAREER PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

“We have very experienced senior people in all of our departments,” says Tang who has progressed up the career ladder from site supervisor, project manager, technical director to his present role as director.

Additionally, Tang is quick to stress while Hsin Chong has ten times the number of staff from when he joined the company, it has managed to keep its unique identity. “I believe the way we are able to rely on our skills and know-how and give our clients what they expect and need is one of our many strong points,” says Tang who practices Tai Chi daily and has taken part in many competitions and public demonstrations of the ancient art including a display in Macau with former Chinese Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao.

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THE RISE OF THE ORIENTAL LAS VEGAS

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Left: Cotai Strip

左圖： 路氹金光大道 Next left: Sands Macao

下一頁左圖： 澳門金沙 Next right: Sands Macao Casino Podium Extension and Hotel

下一頁右圖： 澳門金沙娛樂場擴建及酒店

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Left: Aut ex eostiun diciat verum volest lit labore prae ipiet omnis dolore volendita que lacea ne dunt voluptae de voluptat ut que corit magniet venditatios.

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The dawn of a new millennium brought no immediate respite to Hong Kong. While China had largely fulfilled its promise of non-interference in this fledgling Special Administrative Region, repercussions of the economic downturn lingered on, even though Hong Kong had survived this better than most of its neighbours. Homeowners who had bought at the height of the previous property boom found themselves in negative equity and others were deterred from investing in a property market so deeply mired that developers were left with blocks of costly new residential apartments standing idle and unwanted.

Inevitably this meant further contraction of Hong Kong’s construction industry, and prolonged difficulties for those companies that had survived the slump thus far. As if to prove the old proverb that it never rains but it pours, other misfortunes added their burden to Hong Kong’s catalogue of gloom and doom.

Just when it seemed that the local construction industry would continue wallowing indefinitely in the doldrums, reprieve came from an unexpected source. Lack of adequate electricity had stifled post-war growth in neighbouring Macau until the former supplier was replaced in the 70s by the Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM).

From that point on Macau had made slow but undeniable progress, no longer chary of installing new lifts and air conditioners for fear of further straining an already overloaded grid. Its hotels and casinos operated without the risk of constant power failures and blackouts and its developers began to embark on new projects that would have seemed unthinkable earlier.

The real expansion boom commenced in the aftermath of the Macau Government’s decision, in 2002, to end the gaming monopoly of resident casino tycoon, Stanley Ho. Other big international players entered the scene, providing Hsin Chong with a major breakthrough into a whole new discipline when construction management of the Sands Casino was found wanting and the group was tasked to take this over in May 2003.

SO HERE I AM, 11 YEARS LATER, IN CHARGE OF CONTINUING CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH WHAT IS EFFECTIVELY, THE LARGEST HOTEL AND CASINO COMPLEX IN THE WORLD

Hardly had Hong Kong dealt with fears of a bird flu pandemic, by disposing of millions of chickens and other forms of poultry, when an outbreak of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in early 2003 resulted in the deaths of nearly 300 residents, paralysed the tourist industry and once again plunged the community into economic decline. Visitor arrivals decreased dramatically by 68 per cent, while hotel occupancy rates fell almost overnight from an average of 84 per cent the previous year to a mere 18 per cent. Consequently, China eased its restrictions on overseas travel for its citizens, so that Hong Kong saw a major influx of visitors from the Mainland, and by year’s end, hotel occupancy had climbed as high as 90 per cent.

This proved a fortuitous coincidence for Keith Buckley, who had just joined Hsin Chong. There had been an international prequalification competition for the Hong Kong Government’s Tamar project, and Hsin Chong was among the five groups shortlisted.

“It was to be a turnkey design and build project and I was asked to manage the tender,” said Buckley. “I arrived in Hong Kong on a Monday in the midst of the SARS scare, booked into a hotel and over breakfast the following morning I read a headline in the local newspaper announcing that the Government had decided to shelve Tamar. I was preparing to fly home when Hsin Chong asked me if I would be executive project director in charge of construction for the Sands Hotel in Macau.”

“I thought it would only be the Sands and would only keep me in Macau for about a year, but it led to many other developments on the newly reclaimed Cotai Strip connecting Taipa and Coloane Islands. So here I am, 11 years later, in charge of continuing construction works in connection with what is effectively, the largest hotel and casino complex in the world.”

Below and right: The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel

下圖及右圖： 澳門威尼斯人度假村酒店

The casino opened on 18 May 2004, almost exactly a year after Hsin Chong took on the responsibility of construction manager. Buckley says that the successful on-time completion of the Sands Macao project can be attributed to several factors. These include having a strong working relationship with the client and the ability to manage a fast-track, large-scale work programme. “It’s all about commitment and working together to achieve the same goal,” says Buckley.

The Sands Macao after its expansion in 2006, was already the biggest casino in the world boasting over 700 gaming tables, approximately 1,250 slot machines, several restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Its 21,275 square metres of casino floor catered chiefly to millions of day trippers from mainland China, who did not require an overnight stay, while its 238-suite hotel tower offered accommodation to those who did.

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FROM RECLAMATION TO FULL OPERATION, THE VENETIAN TOOK US ONLY 37 MONTHS. IT WAS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE

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With the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel development, Buckley faced a far greater task. The land on which this enormous hotel complex was to be built didn’t exist at the time he took over the project. He had to oversee the task of reclaiming it from the sea, in the narrow channel separating Taipa Island from Coloane, to form what has since become known as the Cotai Strip; an amalgam of the first syllable from the names of the two islands it connects.

“The problem of working for a client who has deep pockets, is that he believes nothing is beyond reach, and he expects you to achieve the impossible,” says Buckley. “You have to prove him right, and I’m happy to say we did. From reclamation to full operation, the Venetian took us only 37 months. It was the greatest challenge I’ve ever faced in my life and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

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Left: The Cotai Arena in the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel

左圖： 澳門威尼斯人度假村酒店的金光綜藝館

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Opened on 28 August 2007, the Venetian offered over 2,900 luxury suites in a 39-storey hotel tower, recreating the beauty of baroque Venice complete with canals, gondolas, singing gondoliers and other legendary Venetian icons. It became the largest single structure hotel in Asia as well as the largest casino in the world with over 800 gaming tables and 3,400 slot machines. It also features a convention centre and meeting room complex, retail and dining space and a 15,000 seat arena for entertainments and sports events.

Its exemplary record in fulfilling – within budget and in record time - the Sands group’s high-flying ambitions for Macau led to Hsin Chong’s involvement, as construction manager, for the construction of Sands Macao Casino Podium Extension and Hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Sands Cotai Central and the latest Cotai Strip project – Parcel 3, adjacent to the Four Seasons Hotel Macao.

Left: Sands Cotai Central

左圖： 金沙城中心

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“Macau gave Hsin Chong another business model because in Macau we became construction manager as a professional firm rather than as a contractor. In the same way that a developer might engage an experienced architect as a project manager to manage other architects, we offered developers our management skills to manage other contractors on their behalf.”

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Having firmly consolidated its reputation, Hsin Chong was ready to grasp the opportunities to expand its building and civil engineering businesses in Macau. Notably in 2012, the Galaxy Entertainment Group, one of the world’s fastest growing entertainment companies, awarded Hsin Chong a main contract for Phase 2 construction of Galaxy Macau™ in Cotai. Phase 2 development covers 450,000 square metres and will virtually double the size of the Galaxy Macau™ Phase 1 to one million square metres.

This construction contract comprises the construction of a hotel tower with two luxury hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton’s first ever all-suite hotel and the World’s largest JW Marriott; retail and gaming facilities. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

The forest of construction cranes dotted along the Cotai section visibly indicates that the construction boom remains in full swing.

HSIN CHONG WAS READY TO GRASP THE OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND ITS BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING BUSINESSES IN MACAU

Right: Galaxy Macau™ Phase 2

右圖： 澳門銀河™第二期

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CHARLIE LEE MAN KIT

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SENIOR SURVEY MANAGER

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For Hsin Chong Senior Survey Manager and 32-year company veteran, Charlie Lee Man Kit, his two daughters Natalie and Carmen and his son-in-law Chung Wai Shing, working for Hsin Chong Macau has become something of an enjoyable family affair.

Bay Refuse Transfer Station. “This was a new challenge for me,” recalls Lee, “But the problem was soon solved when I discussed what needed to be done with my timber formwork colleagues who gave me advice,” he adds.

The Lee family connection with Hsin Chong dates back more than three decades when Charlie Lee’s uncle, who also worked for the company, recommended Hsin Chong as a good employer and a place where Lee could thrive. Move forward a number of years and Lee has done the same thing with his family by encouraging his daughters and son-in-law to join Hsin Chong.

In Macau, Lee says that the same teamwork and the can-do-spirit is embedded in every venture. Lee reveals that when Hsin Chong won the bid to manage the construction of the Las Vegas-inspired Sands Macao Hotel and Casino, the Hsin Chong project management team worked as a close unit to coordinate the large number of subcontractors on site and plan the works to ensure the construction processes progressed smoothly.

“It’s the caring company culture, sense of belonging and teamwork spirit that draws people to Hsin Chong,” says Lee who relishes chatting to his daughters and son-in-law about their work. Lee says that the family ties have become even closer and they always have plenty to talk about because they work for Hsin Chong. “We see each other at work and my daughters even consult me about various work issues,” says Lee who is pleased that younger members of his family are following in his footsteps.

Prior to moving to Macau in 2003, Lee worked on a wide range of projects in Hong Kong including; public housing developments and the Kowloon Bay Refuse Transfer Station. Irrespective of the project, Lee says that one of the long-standing qualities of working for Hsin Chong is the collaboration and teamwork. Lee says that there are many examples of this, but one that sticks in his mind dates back to 1989 when as an assistant surveyor, he was tasked with building an elevated bridge at the Kowloon

“I believe the successful completion of the project and our management performance helped to further enhance the Hsin Chong reputation for quality and efficiency,” says Lee who leads a team that provides surveying services and technical support.

The continual growth of Hsin Chong in Macau means that Lee continues to expand and apply his professional expertise through managing several leading roles in highstatus projects. “My latest project is Parcel 3 of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel project, which is due to be completed in 2015,” explains Lee who is also involved with A&A work (alteration and addition works) for Parcel 1 of the Venetian project.

As Hsin Chong expands its footprint in Macau, so does the number of Lee family members who work for the firm. First, in 2006, Lee’s eldest daughter Natalie joined

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the Hsin Chong Construction (Macau) Human Resources (HR) Department. More recently, youngest daughter Carmen joined the HR department at the Galaxy Macau™ expansion site. Further cementing the bond, son-in-law Chung Wai Shing became the latest family member to join Hsin Chong in 2013 when a new administration position became available in the HR department.

Impressed by her father’s long tenure with Hsin Chong, Natalie says that she hopes she can also remain with the company for many years. “The working environment is excellent and my boss has provided me with lots of opportunities,” says Lee who joined Hsin Chong as an HR clerk and was promoted to senior HR officer in 2012. “I like caring for staff and I enjoy the sense of belonging in a happy workplace,” says the psychology and HR university graduate.

Another benefit her job offers, which gives Natalie pleasure, is the opportunity to see her dad around the workplace. “There is always something work related we can chat about as well as other topics,” says Natalie.

notes that Hsin Chong has an impressive number of projects on its books. “My future with Hsin Chong looks bright because there are plenty of career opportunities,” Carmen explains.

Chung Wai Shing is another Lee family member who appreciates the people he works with and the nature of the construction industry. “I like the close team spirit found within Hsin Chong,” he enthuses. “The construction business is amazing to me as it’s like piling up toy building bricks,” observes Chung.

IT’S THE CARING COMPANY CULTURE, SENSE OF BELONGING AND TEAMWORK SPIRIT THAT DRAWS PEOPLE TO HSIN CHONG

Her sister Carmen shares a similar view. “I am glad that I have followed in the footsteps of my dad and my sister because Hsin Chong is a good company to work for,” says Carmen, explaining the strong attachment to the company. Looking ahead, Carmen

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GOING FORWARD INTO THE NEW MILLENNIUM

Although the early years of the new millennium found Hsin Chong experiencing a marked reduction of new contracts within Hong Kong, one which did stand out was Cyberport. Developed on a 24-hectare site at Telegraph Bay, Cyberport aimed to build a community interconnected by a state-of-the-art broadband network, consisting of four office buildings, a luxury hotel, a retail entertainment complex and some 2,800 deluxe residential apartments. The intention was to create an interactive environment that would become home to a strategic cluster of about a hundred companies and 10,000 professionals in the IT and creative industries.

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In 2002, Hsin Chong built the sewage treatment plant which was capable of handling an average daily flow of 20,000m3, followed by another contract to build a series of rectilinear office buildings and the associated external and drainage works in the IT-themed hub area.

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Proven track records in building state-of-the-art facilities led Hsin Chong to win the Hong Kong Science Park construction (Phase 2A) and its major E&M contracts later.

The Hong Kong Science Park is designed to provide a knowledge-based, campus-like environment of 220,000 square metres where high-technology enterprises and talented people could converge to generate synergistic forces.

The year 2003 saw the completion of Phase 12 of Shek Lei Public Housing Estate, which benefitted from a novel form of partnership between client and contractor. Hsin Chong Construction Company’s Director Cyras Chin says, “We have adopted a partnering approach not only with the client, architect and other professional consultants, but also with the subcontractors and suppliers. This has resulted in a very effective communication system, ensuring efficient information flow and elimination of re-work.” Site checks, conducted weekly, not only examined all aspects of operation, but rewarded project staff who were judged to be attaining the highest standards.

WE HAVE ADOPTED A PARTNERING APPROACH NOT ONLY WITH THE CLIENT, ARCHITECT AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS, BUT ALSO WITH THE SUBCONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS

The quality, workmanship and timely completion of the project were recognised by the Hong Kong Housing Authority, which presented Hsin Chong with a letter of appreciation and rewarded the project team with the Outstanding Project Teams Award in the Quality Public Housing Construction and Maintenance Awards for 2003.

Right: Cyberport Development C3/C4

右圖： 數碼港C3/C4發展

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Chin says that large–scale public housing projects had provided the perfect platform for Hsin Chong to introduce new construction techniques such as steel panel formwork, which helped to speed up the construction process. “With each piece of formwork weighing several tons, Hsin Chong had our own specialist tower crane operators and riggers to put each piece in place,” he says. On later projects, Hsin Chong used rotation symmetry moulds, a method of shaping concrete structures using reusable moulds, which also sped up the construction process and provided an environmental bonus by reducing material wastage. “Using the latest techniques we were able to reduce the construction cycle to complete one floor from eight to six days.”

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To illustrate the diversification of undertakings on which Hsin Chong was engaged at the time, these comprised a disciplinary staff quarters in Jordan Valley, Cambridge House in Quarry Bay, the Diocesan Boy’s Primary School, the Pok Wai Drainage Channel, San Tin Eastern Main Drainage Channel, landslip preventive works on Lantau and Lamma Islands and a number of luxury residential developments on Repulse Bay Road, Island Road, Hollywood Road and in Sha Tin.

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Above: The Grandville, Sha Tin

上圖： 沙田晉名峰 Right: Lee On Road Disciplinary Staff Quarters

右圖： 利安道紀律部隊人員宿舍

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Above and left: Lee Shau Kee Building, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

上圖及左圖： 香港理工大學李兆基樓

In 2004, Hsin Chong won the contract to construct the Phase 7, named Lee Shau Kee Building, of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This project entailed a total floor area of 33,500 square metres in a winged 14-storey tower block containing theatres, classrooms, laboratories and offices, incorporating all building services from mechanical ventilation and air conditioning to plumbing and drainage, together with fire services, electrical circuitry, lifts, curtain walls and structural glazing.

Meanwhile, Hsin Chong’s increasing expertise in the specialist field of hospital construction led to a HK$1 billion contract for the redevelopment and expansion of Pok Oi Hospital in Yuen Long. The old Pok Oi Hospital was established in 1919 and had served as an important medical facility for the Yuen Long community for more than 90 years. As the redevelopment and expansion work required working within an existing facility that must continue to function around the clock, the project presented its own unique set of challenges.

With the hospital in constant use, the demolition and construction of the 13-storey, 622-bed hospital was conducted in phases. At the same time, to show care and respect because of the hospital’s close proximity to a home for the elderly, Hsin Chong formed a team of volunteers to enhance the community relationship by organising regular visits, especially during festive seasons.

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The first phase involved the construction of a new hospital building with a 7-storey tower block on top of a 4-storey high podium with a 2-level semi basement. This also included associated building services installations and fitting-out works, services and utilities, diversion and drainage works and external and landscaping works. The second phase included the demolition of the existing hospital buildings and completion of the remaining external works. These processes and precautionary measures for patients and hospital staff, are nothing new for Hsin Chong which prides itself on making complicated projects a routine happening. The entire development was completed in 2007.

HSIN CHONG HAD TO ACQUIRE INTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF HOSPITAL PROCEDURES, WORKFLOW AND SPECIALIST RESOURCES IN ORDER TO SUPPLY THE NECESSARY ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT AND INSTALL THEM TO BEST EFFECT

The project was completed in 32 months. From the client’s perspective, the design and build mode of procurement enabled them to establish a new hospital in five years from inception to opening, whereas a hospital project of a similar scale from inception to opening using conventional methods could be expected to take between seven and eight years to establish. With the combination of acute and general inpatient beds, the goal was to provide balanced hospital and outpatient services, placing particular emphasis on ambulatory care, including a surgery centre, endoscopy centre, e-diagnostics division, psychiatric and geriatric wards together with a community nursing service. Effectively, this meant that Hsin Chong had to acquire intensive knowledge of hospital procedures, workflow and specialist resources in order to supply the necessary items of equipment and install them to best effect, and, not least, in order to maintain a sterile germ-free, clean air environment throughout the installation process.

Even before the outbreak of SARS in 2003, stringent requirements were imposed on indoor air quality and accurate pressure control within intensive care units, operating theatres and isolation wards. North District Hospital served as a model for such facilities.

SARS made these factors even more critical and required the integration of numerous sophisticated devices which had become integral to Hsin Chong’s ever widening gambit of expertise. New prestigious projects on the list were the construction of, in joint venture, Main Clinical Block and Trauma Centre at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin in 2010 and Adventist Hospital Extension in Tsuen Wan which is set for completion in 2015.

Left: Pok Oi Hospital, Yuen Long

左圖： 元朗博愛醫院 Next: Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital Extension

下一頁： 荃灣港安醫院擴建

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In 1994, the company broke new ground when Hsin Chong became the first construction firm in Hong Kong to enter into an agreement with the Hong Kong Hospital Authority to design and build the 618-bed North District Hospital in Sheung Shui, New Territories. It called for accelerated development to ensure completion as soon as possible in order to cope with rapid population growth in this fast expanding region of the New Territories, whose residents were in urgent need of medical facilities closer to hand. Design and build was then a relatively new kind of procurement method requiring the contractor to engage a group of architects to do the design itself as well as engineers to undertake the subsequent construction.

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Pok Oi Hospital added to the growing list of hospital projects in Hong Kong for which Hsin Chong contributed its specialist skills to the overall contract. Previous examples had included Grantham Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital redevelopment and United Christian Hospital and its extension.

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SIMON YIU CHI KIN

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After more than two decades with Hsin Chong, Project Director Simon Yiu has built up a diverse and impressive portfolio of construction knowledge and management experience, which he attributes to support and opportunities he has received from the company and embracing learning as a way of life.

“I joined Hsin Chong as a graduate building engineer and soon got my hands dirty as opportunities kept knocking at my door,” says Yiu, who joined Hsin Chong in 1991 with a BSc in Building earned from the City University of Hong Kong (CityU). Following in the footsteps of several of his schoolmates, Yiu had been made aware of the opportunities Hsin Chong offered through word-of-mouth recommendations from fellow graduates who had joined the firm. He recalls that those connected to the industry spoke favourably about Hsin Chong, which was one of the largest and most prestigious construction companies in Hong Kong.

“The company supported us and offered us plenty of on-the-job training, while senior management including those at director grade, acted as mentors and nurtured us,” says Yiu. Continuing with Hsin Chong’s long tradition of mentoring, these days as a senior member of the management team, Yiu enthusiastically provides mentoring to young Hsin Chong engineers, or as Hsin Chong describes its mentoring activities, providing a ‘Mother Goose’ role. Yiu believes an important part of Hsin Chong’s career development structure is the way the company offers young graduate engineers valuable learning experiences in addition to high-quality training. “It is important that young engineers are able to enjoy their work and feel a sense of connection and commitment to the projects they work on,” Yiu proclaims.

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Keen to lend his support to the company and the industry that has provided him with so many opportunities, Yiu combines his experience and knowledge to give career talks at universities. He also assists with Hsin Chong’s recruitment and human resources activities. “I enjoy encouraging young engineers while inspiring their interest in the construction industry,” says Yiu.

of lost time. “Experience, strength in delivery capability and communication among the project management team meant we were able to finish the project a month ahead of the 1 September 2005 completion date,” remembers Yiu who adds that as a gesture of appreciation, the PolyU hosted a banquet to acknowledge the achievement.

AS A HOME-GROWN CONSTRUCTION FIRM, THROUGH DIFFERENT ERAS, HSIN CHONG HAS CONTINUALLY PLAYED A PART IN DEVELOPING AND CRAFTING THE CITY ENVIRONMENTS

Returning to his tertiary education roots, Yiu took charge of the construction work of the new Academic 3 Building for the CityU, which was completed in 2013.

Hsin Chong was the main contractor for the project, which included the superstructure works, while Hsin Chong Aster provided Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) services. “It is rewarding to return to CityU where I studied and be able to put my professional skills to practical use,” remarks Yiu.

While each project presents its own set of challenges and rewards, Yiu recalls the satisfaction he and his colleagues felt when the team made up for lost time when ground settlement caused a delay with the progress of foundation work at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) – Lee Shau Kee Building project. “Timing was a key issue,” says Yiu who explains how implementing an intense work schedule and committed team collaboration enabled Hsin Chong to make up for about three months

“Whenever the city needs buildings, Hsin Chong is here and ready to do our best for the Hong Kong community,” says Yiu proudly. “As a home-grown construction firm, through different eras, Hsin Chong has continually played a part in developing and crafting the city environments,” he concludes.

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EXTENDING THE LINKS

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WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND NEW RAILWAY PROJECTS, GROWTH OF OUR CIVIL ENGINEERING BUSINESS IS PROMISING

An aggressive and successful hiring campaign has seen Hsin Chong’s civil engineering division grow from a handful of experienced professionals to more than 380, and it continues to expand. “With the implementation of various infrastructure projects and new railway projects, growth of our civil engineering business is promising,” says Paul Lee, Hsin Chong Construction Company Assistant Managing Director. Hong Kong’s railway system is the backbone of the city’s transport network carrying more than five million passengers every day, about 38 per cent of all public transport trips around the city. It is regarded as one of the world’s leading railway systems in terms of safety, reliability, customer service and cost efficiency. It is hard to imagine how Hong Kong would manage to operate so proficiently without this vital piece of infrastructure.

Left: Sha Tin Road T3

左圖： 沙田T3號主幹道

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After the successful completion of joint-venture projects – Sha Tin Road T3 in 2008 and Stonecutters Bridge in 2009, the company has continued to expand its civil engineering business, and as a result has secured a number of large-scale civil infrastructure projects in Hong Kong and overseas. Stonecutters Bridge was set to become one of the world’s longest single span, cable-stayed bridges. The project was to build a 1,596 metre long, six-lane suspended highway with a main span of 1,018 metres between the two supporting towers. These two circulartapered mono towers would each reach a height of some 300 metres.

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When the Hong Kong Government announced in 2007 that it planned to spend more than HK$70 billion per year on infrastructure projects to boost the city’s economic growth in the years to come, whether roads, bridges, tunnels, storm water drainage systems, slope stabilisation or seawalls and reclamation projects, Hsin Chong’s civil engineering division was busier than ever before.

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Left: Stonecutters Bridge

左圖： 昂船洲大橋

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IN 1995 THE KCRC ENGAGED THE SERVICES OF HSIN CHONG TO CONSTRUCT ITS HEADQUARTERS - AN 11-STOREY OFFICE BUILDING AND A 3-STOREY ANNEX BUILDING IN SHA TIN

Left: KCRC House (now Fo Tan Railway House)

左圖： 九廣鐵路公司大樓（現稱火炭鐵路大樓） Above: Kowloon-Canton Railway Hung Hom Station

上圖： 九廣鐵路紅磡火車站

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Hsin Chong’s consistent delivery of quality projects was emphasised when the KCRC in 1996 also awarded Hsin Chong the contract for a 30m x 280m semi-precast podium deck for the freight yard extension in Hung Hom Bay. Because of their size, the large pre-cast beams and slabs were cast off site and transported to the Hung Hom Bay site by barge. The project also required extensive E&M work to upgrade the fire services and ventilation system.

Presenting an additional challenge to the size and scope of the project, the construction work and relocation of railway tracks needed to be carried out while freight yard operations continued as near as possible to normal. Hsin Chong was also awarded, at the same time, the construction of a 4-storey office building for the KCRC and Custom and Excise Department in the Hung Hom Bay freight yard. Hsin Chong’s continual success with partnerships was underscored with its joint-venture project with Taylor Woodrow on the Kowloon Station redevelopment project in 1998 involving the management contract for the construction of a new pavilion and refurbishment of the existing station concourse, walkways and platforms.

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Before 1980, the Kowloon-Canton Railway was simply a transportation system linking the New Territories’ rural districts and towns with Kowloon, and the major means of transporting goods from mainland China to Hong Kong. However, very limited land availability and extremely high land values on both Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula led to a rapid population expansion in the New Territories. This also led to an extension in mixed-use residential and retail works by the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC). In 1995 the KCRC engaged the services of Hsin Chong to construct its headquarters - an 11-storey office building and a 3-storey annex building in Sha Tin. The headquarters building housed a central operations control centre.

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Currently, Hsin Chong is involved in six MTR railway projects including the construction of the South Island Line (East), the Sha Tin to Central Link and the GuangzhouShenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) Hong Kong section.

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Together with joint-venture partners China Railway Construction Corporation Limited and China Railway 15 Bureau Group, Hsin Chong is responsible for the construction of the twin tunnels between Huanggang Park in Shenzhen, and the Mai Po Shaft in Hong Kong. The tunnels pass under the Mai Po Marshes, an area recognised for its Special Scientific Interest, and therefore strategic measures have been taken to avoid disturbing the important wetland bird migration area.

With environmental considerations an utmost concern, the joint-venture partners have opted to use two sophisticated tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that are completely repairable underground. Used internationally for tunnel excavation, they are considered one of the most effective ways to minimise the impact on the environment and the neighbouring community.

STRATEGIC MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO AVOID DISTURBING THE IMPORTANT WETLAND BIRD MIGRATION AREA

According to tunnelling custom, TBMs are given a name to bring good luck to the project, a practice that is followed around the world. Symbolising the enhanced connectivity between Hong Kong and the Mainland, the names ‘Golden Dragon 15’ and ‘Golden Dragon 16’ were chosen for the tunnel construction between Huanggang and Mai Po in Yuen Long. Meanwhile, also denoting a link between cultures, ‘Princess Wencheng’ and ‘Princess Iron Fan’, signifying tough and sturdy, were chosen for the TBMs Samsung-Hsin Chong Joint Venture tunnelling the Sha Tin to Central Link.

Right: TBM for Sha Tin to Central Link Kowloon City Section Stations and Tunnels

右圖： 用於沙田至中環線九龍城段車站及隧道的隧道鑽挖機 Next: South Island Line (East) Wong Chuk Hang Depot Superstructure

下一頁： 南港島綫（東段）黃竹坑鐵路維修車廠

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THE SITE IS LOCATED IN A DENSELY DEVELOPED URBAN AREA WHERE SOME BUILDINGS ARE MORE THAN 50 YEARS OLD

It is not only in the areas of environmental interest that Hsin Chong has shown an ability to adapt to demanding conditions.

The Samsung-Hsin Chong Joint-Venture contract for the Sha Tin to Central Link, which mainly comprised the construction of two railway stations and 1,600 metres of railway tunnels, also embodied its own set of unique constraints and challenges. “The site is located in a densely developed urban area where some buildings are more than 50 years old,” says Paul Lee, adding that there was a tight timeline for completion.

This was accomplished with meticulous planning and proficiency while demonstrating a caring approach when dealing with stakeholder issues.

Previous: Express Rail Link (Hong Kong Section) – West Kowloon Terminus Station South

前一頁： 高鐵香港段 -西九龍總站（南） Left: South Island Line (East) Wong Chuk Hang Depot Superstructure

左圖： 南港島綫（東段）黃竹坑鐵路維修車廠

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When completed, the 26-kilometre section of the XRL running between West Kowloon and the boundary between Hong Kong and Shenzhen will connect with the National High-Speed Railway Network, significantly shortening the journey time between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. Importantly, the high-speed rail connection will further strengthen the economic ties and cooperation between Hong Kong and the Mainland, promote mutual economic prosperity and development, and raise the competitiveness of the area.

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Hsin Chong was once again able to demonstrate their ability to overcome construction site challenges when the firm was awarded the MTRC XRL contract to remove 300 H-piles driven deep into the ground and the repositioning of pile foundations to make way for future property development at Nam Cheong. “The removal of the H-piles to allow the TBM to pass through was vital,” says Lee, who has worked on the construction of numerous railway projects. With the H-piles proving extremely difficult to remove due to frictional forces, Hsin Chong took a proactive approach and used a rotator and wedge extraction method, which was the first time the method had been applied in Hong Kong. “Relying on experience and the use of ingenuity, our project team modified the H-pile extraction method to cater for the friction resistance of the piles and the geological on-site conditions,” Lee explained.

Turning back to Hong Kong, Hsin Chong is more than ready to continue playing a major role in extending our railway system that has become such an integral part of our transport facilities.

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Taking the firm’s expertise further afield, Hsin Chong provided further evidence of their capabilities to operate in a challenging weather environment. In 2010, Hsin Chong provided consultancy services for the system design and construction of the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Project in Saudi Arabia. An 18-kilometre railway system was being built by China Railway Construction Corporation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, designed to efficiently transport the millions of pilgrims who travel to Mecca each year to perform the Hajj. Overcoming heat and wind-blown sand to ensure that the operation successfully met its targets, special Hsin Chong support staff, comprised of a team of experts and a group of management staff, worked together with the CRCC to ensure that the train system ran smoothly. With the ability to carry about 72,000 passengers an hour, the new mass transit system is able to alleviate the age-old congestion problem.

Above and top: Express Rail Link (Hong Kong Section) – West Kowloon Terminus Station South

上圖及右上： 高鐵香港段 -西九龍總站（南） Lower right: Sha Tin to Central Link Kowloon City Section Stations and Tunnels

右下： 沙田至中環綫九龍城段車站及隧道

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Left: Sha Tin to Central Link Kowloon City Section Stations and Tunnels

左圖： 沙田至中環綫九龍城段車站及隧道 Next: Express Rail Link (Hong Kong Section) – West Kowloon Terminus Station South

下一頁： 高鐵香港段 - 西九龍總站（南）

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Since its inception in 1939, Hsin Chong has never lost touch with its Chinese origins.

Even during the tenure of its founder, it was contracted back in 1948 to build the Bank of China’s staff quarters in Guangzhou. In 1990 it was invited to assist in reconstruction of the Jin Jiang Hotel in Shanghai, one of the most prestigious stateowned hotels in the country. Other contracts followed in the 90s, including the New Flavour and Fragrance Manufacturing Facility at Huangpu, and the Makro Sanyuanli Store in Guangzhou.

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It was increasingly evident that the advent of the new millennium would elevate China to even greater economic strength and global prominence. It therefore became imperative for Hsin Chong to develop ever closer ties with this new world superpower.

Hsin Chong’s early 21st century ties with Mainland ventures included the Huawei Technologies Headquarters in Shenzhen, Wen Chang Pavilion in Guangzhou, Central Park in Beijing and the Huawei production plant in Hangzhou.

AS A 75-YEAR-OLD COMPANY WITH AN ENVIABLE TRACK RECORD, WE HAVE EVERY INTENTION TO BUILD ON HSIN CHONG’S BRAND NAME, TO STRENGTHEN ITS BUSINESS BOTH IN HONG KONG AND IN CHINA

In 2007, after almost 70 years, the Yeh family decided to divest its investments in Hsin Chong.

As one of the major shareholders, Dr Wilfred Wong was appointed Executive Director and Deputy Chairman that year and redesignated as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from July 2012. Wong says, “As a 75-year-old company with an enviable track record, we have every intention to build on Hsin Chong’s brand name, to strengthen its business both in Hong Kong and in China, and to take it to the next level of success.”

Above: New Times Plaza, Beijing

上圖： 北京新年華購物中心

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Above and right: Huawei Hangzhou Production Plant (Phase 2)

上圖及右圖： 華為杭州生產廠房（第二期）

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China is undergoing unprecedented urbanisation. To seize the opportunities arising from this trend the company in 2011 announced its large-scale integrated property development project of La Viva in Tieling New Town, located at the heart of the Greater Shenyang Economic Region – a leading economic zone in north-east China.

Positioned as the largest and most multi-faceted integrated property development project in north-east China, the whole development of La Viva covers a land area of 853 hectares. When completed, La Viva will comprise two million square metres of residential space and one million square metres of retail space, in addition to entertainment, tourist attractions, residential, office and meetings, incentives, conference and exhibition facilities. Hsin Chong executives working on the project enthuse that one of the most exciting aspects is creating a new community in which local people can experience an unprecedented way of living. This harmonises the substantial acquisition of the New Times Plaza in Beijing and another mixed property development project in Foshan with a buildable area of two million square metres.

HSIN CHONG EXECUTIVES WORKING ON THE PROJECT ENTHUSE THAT ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING ASPECTS IS CREATING A NEW COMMUNITY IN WHICH LOCAL PEOPLE CAN EXPERIENCE AN UNPRECEDENTED WAY OF LIVING

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“Hsin Chong is moving up its value chain,” says Wong. “From its construction business to property development in China, creating a strong asset base.” With construction in Hong Kong enjoying a ‘golden era’, major Macau development projects planned for the future and the Mainland beckoning with new opportunities, Hsin Chong is on the cusp of another defining moment.

In a strategic move in 2012 to further promote business growth, Synergis Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Hsin Chong, acquired the Interiors and Special Projects (ISP) business from Hsin Chong Construction Group to incorporate the ISP activities with existing renovation, alteration and additions, and repair and maintenance business.

Founded in 1978, Synergis was the first company of its kind listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2003; the company was acquired by Hsin Chong in 2008. Presently, Synergis employs over 6,000 staff and manages over 157,000 residential units and nearly 13 million square metres of residential, commercial and industrial facilities in both the public and private sectors.

Above and right: La Viva, Tieling

上圖及右圖： 鐵嶺星悅南岸

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In 2006 Hsin Chong decided to further expand its interiors and fitting-out business.

The ISP division has undertaken renovation projects of shopping centres for the Link Management such as the Cheung Fat Shopping Centre in Tsing Yi, the Chun Shek Shopping Centre and the Wo Che Market in Sha Tin, the Siu Sai Wan Shopping Centre, and the Yiu On Shopping Centre in Ma On Shan. Other renovation projects of department stores include the Citistore in Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun, and the Jusco Department Store at MegaBox in Kowloon Bay and renovation of retail shops Forever 21, Apple and I.T. Flagship in Causeway Bay. Renovation of commercial buildings include the Prince’s Building Podium Arcade in Central and the Sincere Insurance Building in Wan Chai, plus the revitalisation works of Pak Tsz Lane and the revitalisation and expansion works of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum in Central.

An important specialist project was the North Kowloon Magistracy revitalisation into an art college for the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a project that has won praise from the community and government departments. The historic, UNESCOaward-winning former magistracy building was restored and rehabilitated by Hsin Chong to become one of the city’s most sophisticated, historic and technologically advanced university facilities. “The key to success of any revitalisation project is to connect historical buildings with society, so they become part of the community,” says Terence Leung, Managing Director of Hsin Chong Interiors (Hong Kong).

Above and right: Savannah College of Art and Design

上圖及右圖： 薩凡納藝術設計學院

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Above and right: Kerry Centre

上圖及右圖： 嘉里中心

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Meanwhile the company built a number of prestigious projects including a Grade-A commercial building on Connaught Road, headquarters for the Kerry Properties at Quarry Bay, a product customisation and consolidation centre in Tai Po, and the Swire Properties projects, The Upper House at Admiralty, a commercial building on Hennessy Road and a luxury high-rise residential project at Sai Wan Terrace.

Initiated by the Hong Kong Government’s 334 education reform, a number of worldclass educational facilities were built. These included the Baptist University Road Campus Development in 2012, Academic 3 Building for the City University of Hong Kong, student hostels for the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a new research and academic building at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

The Redevelopment of Hong Kong Sports Institute (Contract 3), completed in 2013, provided world-class facilities to Hong Kong’s elite athletes including an international standard Olympic–sized indoor swimming pool, a new multi-purpose sports hall and a multi-purpose building which accommodates the athletes’ hostel and the offices of the Hong Kong Sports Institute Management Committee.

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INITIATED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S 334 EDUCATION REFORM, A NUMBER OF WORLDCLASS EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES WERE BUILT

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Left: Mount Parker Residences on 1 Sai Wan Terrace

左圖： 西灣臺1號Mount Parker Residences Below: 28 Hennessy Road

下圖： 軒尼詩道28號

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Previous: Academic and Administration Building, Madam Kwok Chung Bo Fun Sports and Cultural Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University

前一頁： 香港浸會大學教學及行政大樓和郭鍾寶芬女士康體文娛中心 Left: Academic 3, City University of Hong Kong

左圖： 香港城市大學學術樓（三）

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Previous: Academic 3, City University of Hong Kong

前一頁： 香港城市大學學術樓（三） Right and next: Redevelopment of Hong Kong Sports Institute (Contract 3)

右圖及下一頁： 香港體育學院重建（第三期）

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With data centres increasingly at the forefront of network and enterprise support, Hsin Chong has also firmly established itself as the leader in the field of Hong Kong data centre construction, having built the territory’s first Tier IV data centre in 2008. Tier IV certification guarantees a fail-safe design and the highest level of service availability (99.995%), the highest international level of data centre quality standards. Aware that every component in a data centre system must be fail-safe, Hsin Chong has built up unsurpassed electrical and mechanical package capabilities, an area of expertise highlighted by the fact that Hsin Chong has been responsible for the majority of data centre projects in Hong Kong including two data centre projects, in joint venture, in Tseung Kwan O and one of Asia’s largest bank data centres in Sha Tin in 2014.

AWARE THAT EVERY COMPONENT IN A DATA CENTRE SYSTEM MUST BE FAIL-SAFE, HSIN CHONG HAS BUILT UP UNSURPASSED ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL PACKAGE CAPABILITIES

Left: China Mobile Global Network Centre

左圖： 中國移動環球網絡中心

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Frequently described as ‘construction wonders’ of the modern era, data centres have become an indispensable part of the global business environment, providing brain-like, server-hosting facilities where information is securely stored, managed, and disseminated. As a consequence, the security and reliability of data centres is a top priority for operators and their client organisations.

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Supported by the Hong Kong Government as part of its Digital 21 Strategy, the data centre sector has seen rapid growth in recent years and the demand for more facilities in the future is expected to continue at a steady rate.

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To ensure reliability, data centres are fitted with double and triple electrical and back-up utility supplies. The structures must also be waterproof, dust-proof and in some cases, even bombproof.

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One of the many challenges involved in constructing data centres in Hong Kong is the tight time frame, which requires meticulous control of on-site activities. When it comes to building state-of-the-art Hong Kong data centres, time is of the essence. The land that data centres are built on is expensive, requiring data centre owners to justify their investment through the speedy implementation of their business strategies. In order for clients to commence operations as early as possible, construction work often takes place while the IT specialists are installing sensitive equipment in the data halls, an area of expertise that Hsin Chong has developed and refined into a systematic process.

THE INNOVATIONS AND THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF THEIR STAFF WHO MANAGE PROJECTS TO EXACTING STANDARDS MEANS HSIN CHONG WILL CONTINUE TO EXCEL AS THE INDUSTRY LEADER IN DATA CENTRE CONSTRUCTION

Testing and commissioning the mechanical and electrical equipment is another essential process. This involves multiple procedures, including a factory site and individual acceptance systems test for mission-critical equipment. There must be no errors or oversights at any stage. The innovations and the professional training of their staff who manage projects to exacting standards means Hsin Chong will continue to excel as the industry leader in data centre construction.

Right: Shek Mun Data Centre

右圖： 石門數據中心

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KWAN CHI KEUNG

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CHIEF CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

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For Hsin Chong Chief Construction Manager Kwan Chi Keung, his more than 30-year tenure with the firm has been both a rewarding and eye-opening journey.

Kwan had previously worked for ten years for a smaller construction company. When he joined Hsin Chong in 1979, he needed to adjust to a completely new working environment.

“With my former employer I was responsible for nearly everything, but when I joined Hsin Chong, there was a clear and detailed division of work,” recollects Kwan. “I quickly learned how communication between colleagues and partners was key to company accomplishments.” He notes that he has been able to expand his own knowledge and expertise through exposure to different projects and workplace challenges.

For every decade with the company, Kwan has observed how Hsin Chong and the construction industry have changed and progressed. Simple examples include the evolution of the crane which used to hoist about a tonne when Kwan joined the industry and these days can easily lift ten times that weight. Technology has equally sped up the construction process and widened the scope and value of what can be achieved in the industry.

Kwan is pleased to have worked on public housing projects and finds it gratifying that Hsin Chong’s expertise for building hospitals is widely recognised. “Building a hospital is far more complicated than most other construction projects,” says Kwan. “Among the key concerns is the accurate measurement of space reserved for electrical and mechanical (E&M) installations, such as electricity, ventilation and water pipes, thus supporting the need for infection control and efficiency” Kwan adds.

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Kwan is especially proud to have been closely involved with Pok Oi Hospital, North District Hospital and the United Christian Hospital construction projects. While working on the United Christian Hospital Extension project, Kwan gained his first experience of the top-down building method. “We were able to simultaneously build four floors below ground while constructing additional floors above ground,” says Kwan.

“It saved a considerable amount of construction time because we didn’t need to build in the traditional way from the bottom up,” he explains.

the highest level in data centre quality standards. Kwan carries out daily detailed data centre inspections before morning briefings and before leaving the site in the evenings.

“Building data centres is all about exact timing, careful planning and collaboration as it involves different departments working to extremely stringent specifications. I have to be on top of everything that is going on” Engaging in the team spirit of Hsin Chong social events and gatherings, Kwan particularly enjoys the annual dinner where he has been known to entertain his colleagues with Cantonese pop songs. “The company has taught me a lot and treated me well over the years,” says Kwan, who enjoys showing his young granddaughter the buildings and projects he has been involved with, whenever he has a chance. “Even during tough times when the construction industry experienced a slow cycle, Hsin Chong has always viewed staff as an important asset and shown appreciation by recognising employee efforts. The company offers a lot more than simply being an employer.”

WE HAVE BUILT A COMPREHENSIVE POOL OF KNOWLEDGE WITHIN HSIN CHONG SINCE WE CONSTRUCTED OUR FIRST DATA CENTRE IN 2008

The veteran construction manager is also an eye-witness to a new stream of Hsin Chong construction expertise – constructing world-class data centres, for which the company has become recognised as an industry leader. Kwan says the data centre Hsin Chong recently completed in Sha Tin is a good example of how Hsin Chong is able to leverage on the specialised skills and talent the company has acquired through experience and by investing in its own people. Adding that each data centre project presents its own learning curve, Kwan emphasizes the importance of knowing how to coordinate E&M installation with other construction processes.

“We have built a comprehensive pool of knowledge within Hsin Chong since we constructed our first data centre in 2008.” Kwan explains that the building is a Tier IV,

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LEADING THE WAY

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As a company that takes particular pride in caring for its staff, the environment, the neighbourhoods where it operates and the wider community while focusing on delivering the highest standards of quality and services, it is fitting that over its many decades of operation Hsin Chong has accumulated an impressive tally of awards.

Hsin Chong has received industry recognition ranging from safety to caring employer and appreciation for integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives into all areas of Hsin Chong’s business activities.

In addition to formal training, Hsin Chong has a well-established scheme whereby graduate engineers are assigned a mentor who is drawn from managerial staff with a particular aptitude for passing on knowledge and skills. To nurture and develop a home-grown pool of talent, Hsin Chong has increased its annual intake of graduates.

Hsin Chong provides sponsorship to students with outstanding academic performance in the construction sector by offering sponsorship packages to students studying Engineering and Quantity Surveying at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education as well as sponsorship for Construction Industry Council (CIC) apprentices in Building, Building Services and Quantity Surveying.

“When staff embrace core values and focus on our strategies, it helps position Hsin Chong for continued success with focus on the current and future needs of our customers,” says Choi. He explains that the heart and harmony symbolised in the ‘H’ in the Hsin Chong name, coupled with the commitment to quality and a can-do attitude, is a strong motivator for success. This often leads to awards and the all-important hard-earned respect of clients.

Left: Sha Tin to Central Link Kowloon City Section Stations and Tunnels

左圖： 沙田至中環綫九龍城段車站及隧道

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The initiatives steered by management over the last few years have added increased emphasis to staff engagement leading to a greater feeling of empowerment. This has been achieved through workshops and activities that transcend paper exercises so that they become tangible and inspire passion. “Our focus is on having a common vision and achieving the same objectives by being leaders together,” says Choi. He points out that in order to sustain a pipeline of leaders, comprehensive and well-structured learning programmes are in place for all employees, from trainees to graduate engineers, middle management and executives.

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Joseph Choi, Executive Director of Hsin Chong and Managing Director of Hsin Chong Construction Company says, “Hsin Chong’s commitment and dedication to socially responsible corporate practices and employee well-being is founded on five key principles - corporate governance, safety and health, caring for the environment, caring for our people and caring for the community. The board, senior management and staff of Hsin Chong are committed to the highest ethical standards and to conducting our business in a way that benefits all stakeholders, the local community and society at large.”

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Recognition of excellence is what the Quality Building Awards (QBA) honour in the industry and in 2012, Hsin Chong received QBA awards for three projects. The theme of the QBA awards for that year was ‘Building Excellence for the Future’. This reflects Hsin Chong’s core ideology of commitment to quality and the determination to succeed. Certificate of Finalist was an outstanding achievement for Hsin Chong’s works on the SCAD North Kowloon Magistracy Building conservation. Hsin Chong won a Merit Award for The Upper House and a Merit Award for the Main Clinical Block and Trauma Centre at Prince of Wales Hospital. The Prince of Wales Hospital project was a Hsin Chong – Yau Lee Joint-Venture project. For a joint-venture project to succeed, honesty, integrity and communication are fundamental, and these concepts reflect Hsin Chong’s core values.

Based on the assessment of 40 CSR practices, Hsin Chong has been granted the Advocate Mark by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency. The CSR Index is the first to measure quantitative performance metrics of CSR for companies and organisations in Hong Kong. For more than 10 years on an annual basis, Hsin Chong has been awarded the ‘Caring Company’ logo by the Hong Kong Council of Social Services in recognition of commitment and contributions to the community.

Safety is of the utmost concern to Hsin Chong management. Hsin Chong was praised for its safety measures at the Safety Forum which is organised by 18 organisations and government departments. Hsin Chong’s safety culture and its enviable track record in accident prevention has been carefully implemented and is deep-seated.

As far back as 1974, Hsin Chong was host to Hong Kong’s earliest Construction Safety Exhibition. The first of its kind to be staged by any local industry, it was housed on the company’s construction site at the World Trade Centre and attended by an estimated 9,000.

Above and next: The Upper House, Admiralty

上圖及下一頁： 金鐘奕居

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Completing arduous tasks in the sweltering heat of Hong Kong’s summer requires special consideration and care. To reduce the chances of heat stroke, Hsin Chong provides water and Chinese herbal tea, temporary sun shelters, umbrellas and other helpful supplies for its workers. This was singled out on the site for the Express Rail Link Contract–Nam Cheong Property Foundation Removal and Reprovisioning.

The company’s care and consideration earned them the Gold Award for ‘Best Occupational Health Programme to Prevent Heat Stroke at Work’ at the 2012 Construction Safety Forum and Award Presentation Ceremony.

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The ideology of ‘heart and harmony’ extends to caring for the environment and the surrounding community. Winning awards for environmental excellence, Hsin Chong’s management have proved that they take environmental advocacy and awareness seriously. The company was awarded a Certificate of Merit at the 2012 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) for environmentally sensitive work during the construction of a Student Hostel (Site B) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and also won the Bronze Award at the 2011 HKAEE for the construction and development of public housing at ex-Sha Tin Married Quarters.

THE IDEOLOGY OF ‘HEART AND HARMONY’ EXTENDS TO CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

In 2010, Hsin Chong started the construction of a sewage pumping station and a dry weather flow intercepting and de-silting compound at Jordan Valley Box Culvert within Kai Tak development area, designed to improve the water quality of Kai Tak approach channel.

Right: Interception Facilities at Jordan Valley Box Culvert

右圖： 佐敦谷箱形雨水渠污水截流設施 Next: Lee Woo Sing College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

下一頁： 香港中文大學和聲書院

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Due to the presence of a mature eight-metre-tall Melia Azedarach tree located at the proposed compound, a major transplant to remove the tree without pruning its branches and roots was arranged. To keep the tree’s roots intact, a structural inverted triangular steel container was designed for the tree’s transportation. Two years later, the project team successfully transplanted the tree from its temporary holding nursery to its final location. The project generated widespread interest among the public and the construction industry, which culminated when a delegation of industry and government members visited the site to witness the tree transplanting ceremony where they commended Hsin Chong for its excavation and care of the tree, and effective safety practices during the construction process.

Hsin Chong has also been included in the awards the MTR Corporation bestows on its major contractors for their outstanding performance and dedication to construction quality, worksite safety, environmental management and stakeholder engagement in the five new railway projects.

As a committed user of technology, Hsin Chong was one of only eight winners at the Autodesk Hong Kong BIM 2012 Awards. The award was made based on the effective use of BIM on a 28-storey Grade A office tower constructed for Swire Properties at 28 Hennessy Road. BIM helped Hsin Chong to finalise construction details and ensure smooth progress on a small construction site which could only be accessed from a busy, narrow road.

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Part of the Hsin Chong Company’s ethos is in caring for the community. Staff activities demonstrate this perspective. For instance, to help improve home safety for needy elderly, Hsin Chong volunteers visit households to provide an array of useful repair services, including bulbs and bulb holders, and tending to faucets, water pipes, electric sockets and household electrical appliances. During festivals, Hsin Chong volunteers take the time to visit senior citizens to present them with gift packs and chat with them.

Hsin Chong takes pride in its motto of ‘heart and harmony’.

The Hsin Chong story is one of continuous adaptation, of flexibility and of the making of timely changes to enable the firm to become what it is today - a fully integrated construction, property development and asset management services company. With significant achievements and contributions to Hong Kong over the past 75 years, Hsin Chong continues its emphasis on quality development and diversification.

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