HKUST and GDABR Sign MoU for Collaborative Development of Construction Technologies
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research Group Co., Ltd. (GDABR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 3, 2025, to jointly develop and transfer new technologies to solve problems facing the construction industry, and to gradually develop a partnership for the long term. The signing ceremony was held at HKUST’s School of Engineering.
The GDABR delegation was greeted with a warm welcome from Prof. WANG Yu-Hsing, HKUST’s Acting Dean of Engineering. Before the signing ceremony, the delegation had a tour of the Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory and Structures Laboratory, as well as the Geotechnical Centrifuge Facility and Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility at HKUST.
The MoU was signed by Prof. ZHANG Limin, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at HKUST, and Dr. ZENG Junjian, Technical Director of GDABR, on behalf of the two parties. The signing was witnessed by Prof. Wang and Mr. CHEN Shaoxiang, Board Chairman of GDABR. The ceremony was also attended by HKUST’s Prof. Jack CHENG Chin-Pang, Prof. WANG Gang, Prof. SU Hui, Dr. ZHANG Jize and Ms. Jennie CHAN, as well as GDABR’s Mr. WU Yuling and Dr. QIANG Yejia. Signifying not only the formal establishment of a strategic partnership but also a series of upcoming in-depth collaborative explorations between HKUST and GDABR, the MoU is a testament to both parties’ commitment to expanding the horizons for mutually beneficial cooperation and development, which would ultimately facilitate industrial upgrading in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.
At the ceremony, Prof. Wang stated that, though collaborations had already begun between the two parties in areas such as construction technology and low-altitude economy, the two sides should leverage the MoU to help deepen cooperation in scientific research between Guangdong and Hong Kong, further transforming technologies in areas including education and training, engineering testing, as well as intelligent construction. Expressing gratitude for the warm reception from HKUST, Mr. Chen commended the advanced laboratory facilities and high-level scientific innovation at the University, and introduced GDABR’s own history of development, main business as well as laboratory facilities. He also echoed Prof. Wang’s sentiment, wishing HKUST and GDABR every success in advancing collaboration through sharing laboratory resources and academic communication.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education’s impact Rankings. Thirteenth HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” holding the 17th place, maintaining its position as first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of November 2024, HKUST members have founded over 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 16 exits (IPO or M&A).
About The Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research Group Co., Ltd.
The Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research Group Co., Ltd. (GDABR), founded in 1958, mainly works on scientific and technological research and professional services in the field of construction engineering. The capability of GDABR in testing parameters holds a competitive advantage in the Chinese mainland’s engineering testing industry. GDABR has built an industry-wide “four-in-one” system covering standards, metrology, testing and certification, and is an important technical support unit for the government in the field of engineering construction.
