Hong Kong's iconic skyline is among the most breathtaking in the world, especially when night falls and the skyscrapers form a canvas of shimmering lights. Behind some of the well-known buildings towering over Victoria Harbour is Arup, the building design and engineering consultant that has been in the city for 48 years.
Since it opened in 1976, Arup’s Hong Kong office has undertaken an array of projects territory-wide, from the Two International Finance Centre (IFC) to the International Commerce Centre (ICC). The company’s technical know-how and innovative prowess extend to the city’s world-class transport infrastructure and urban development projects, such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road and the West Kowloon Cultural District.
“As Arup’s largest hub in Asia with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, designers, strategists and digital experts, we are advancing Hong Kong’s sustainable future with cutting-edge infrastructure and green buildings,” said Michael Kwok, East Asia Region Chair, Arup. “Our work in developing major strategic projects, from airports and seaports to railways and bridges across borders, cements Hong Kong’s role as a critical gateway between East and West, connecting people, places and opportunities.”
Digital transformation is necessary to succeed in the fast-paced business world, and one of Arup’s significant achievements is Neuron – an award-winning, in-house-developed digital tool. Serving as a “digital brain” for smart buildings, Neuron integrates 5G, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze, automate and optimize building operations, including energy management, tenant wellness, and indoor air quality. The system has been deployed in several projects in Hong Kong and the Mainland for smart building operation and management.
In addition to driving digital innovation, the company has a keen understanding of clients’ needs and pain points, combined with the application of state-of-the-art technology and excellent management. Kwok explained, “From strategic planning to design and construction, as well as life-cycle asset management, we partner with our clients throughout the journey to envision the future and make things happen.”
Like many businesses in Hong Kong, Arup is grappling with a talent shortage, particularly in energy, climate and sustainability services. In response, the company has embraced the Government’s initiatives by proactively recruiting professionals from overseas with the support of its extensive global office network and mobility schemes. It has also launched a series of local youth programmes to attract more young people to the built environment industry, with the aim of nurturing a sustained and robust talent pipeline.
Having joined HKGCC in 2003, Kwok said the company has greatly benefited from Chamber membership, especially the networking and collaboration opportunities with businesses across various industries. This has led to fruitful exchanges on market insights and, more recently, helped to drive collective action on pressing issues such as decarbonization and climate resilience.
“Looking ahead, we strongly believe that a smart, green and resilient future will increasingly shape the priorities for our clients,” said Kwok. “We are committed to harnessing our expertise and engaging with like-minded clients to meet the evolving needs.”
Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd
HKGCC Membership No. ：HKO0136
Established ：1976
Website ：www.arup.com