NTU-CEE Distinguished Seminar Series: Professor Pan Wei
Organized By
CEE Seminar Committee
Host By
Associate Professor Tiong Kee Kong Robert
Topic
Modular Integrated Construction: Past, Present and Prospect
About the Seminar
The modular construction approach has been promoted in many economies. Modular integrated construction (MiC) as anadvanced version was developed in Hong Kong in 2017 for enhancing productivity and competitiveness and has since then witnessed a burgeoning take-up in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area of China. MiC disrupts and transforms the way we build and manage with demonstrated benefits in many performance aspects. MiC also forms a distinctive research area, integrating construction, structural, materials, manufacturing, transportation, and systems engineering disciplines.
This seminar first introduces the dialectical system theoretical foundations of MiC and outlines its past and present applications. The mechanisms how it disrupts the way we build and manage are explained. The seminar then shares the systematic research on novel structures and connections, advanced materials, smart module transport and assembly, with elaboration of technological breakthroughs in the MiC ecosystem including MiConnection, MiChecker, MiCarry, MiChain, and MiCrane. Examples of elaborated technologies include super-tall modular building structural solutions (50+ storeys), disruptive horizontal and vertical connections (minimized site wet trades), large-sized module transportation solutions with 3D swept path analysis and IoT (12m long module, 22m+ long vehicle), heavy module lifting SMART technology and solutions (39t module, 50t overall payload), MiC monitoring and autonomous module lifting crane solutions (collision-free, mm control). The seminar finally shares the prospects of MiC research with six new paradigms internationally.
About the Speaker
Professor Pan Wei is Head of Department of Civil Engineering of The University of Hong Kong (HKU), where he is also Executive Director of Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development, and Director of MiCLab and NetZeroLab. A pioneering expert in sustainable construction engineering and management, he is particularly renowned for creating Modular integrated Construction (MiC) in collaboration with Hong Kong's Development Bureau. Professor Pan's research spans modular construction, automation, sustainable infrastructure, and zero carbon building. He has secured HK$180 million research funding and authored over 380 publications. His scholarly impact is reflected in his recognition as a Top 1% cited researcher worldwide by Clarivate Analytics and among the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University.
Professor Pan is Chartered Builder, Chartered Environmentalist, Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and Fellow of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. His career is supported by over 30 years of working experience in academia and practice internationally including the UK, Singapore, Mainland China, and Hong Kong in building design and engineering, construction project management and innovation, and strategic management. He led or contributed to a number of major construction projects covering tall buildings, infrastructures, and sustainable community development. Professor Pan was awarded “Distinguished Young Investigator of China” by the Chinese Academy of Engineering in 2019, the 2020 Honours List of the HKSAR for his outstanding contribution to fighting the COVID-19, the “ICE Brunel Medal Highly Commended” in 2020, the “MiC Outstanding People” by Development Bureau and Construction Industry Council in 2022, and the “Medal of Honour” by the HKSAR Government in 2025 in recognition of his contribution to MiC.
Registration
Click here for registration
(Registration closes on 12 August 2025, 12:00pm)