NEC Asia Pacific Conference 2024
An exciting speaker line-up provided NEC contract updates, region developments, practical application workshops and explored how to deliver NEC contracts successfully.
Registration for this event is now closed. You can view a list of our upcoming events by clicking the link below.
This event has now finished - look out for details of our 2025 Conference!
Collaboration | Innovation | Transformation
Co-hosted by:
Download the conference programme
Download the 15 year commemorative booklet
Click here to view the conference photos
The APAC region is positioned for significant growth and is expected to be the fastest-growing region globally in 2024, driven by domestic investment and its manufacturing ability as published in the ‘Construction Market Insights’.
APAC’s construction industry has made significant strides to establish its dominance across mission critical sectors with a vast pipeline across the region in 2024. In the face of strong demand, implementation of more efficient delivery methods, collaboration and partnerships and innovation will be essential to fulfil the region’s construction potential and to support the global transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
This year’s conference programme is themed around three core areas: Collaboration, Innovation and Transformation. During the event, taking place on Thursday 28 November, you will have the opportunity to hear from local, regional and international experts, sharing insights and discussions centred around:
- Transforming Procurement
- Fostering a Culture of International Collaboration
- Striving to Promote Sustainable Development in Hong Kong
- Recognising Project Excellence and Innovation
- Role of Project Manager in NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) Hong Kong Edition
- Unlocking Opportunities in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Region for NEC Contracts
- Strategies and Initiatives to Promote the Adoption of Advancing Technologies
2024 also marks 15 Years for the use of NEC Contracts in Hong Kong.
If you use - or are considering using - NEC, you cannot afford to miss this unique event.
We look forward to welcoming you at the Cordis Hotel, Hong Kong.
As always, Users' Group Members can benefit from discounted and free tickets. Find out more on the benefits of the Users' Group here.
Take a look at last year's highlights:
Morning session
-
Registration
-
Welcome Remarks
Renee Paik
Head of Asia Pacific, NEC Contracts -
Opening Remarks
Ir. Ricky Lau
Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Development Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China -
Keynote: Transforming Procurement
- How can the NEC4 ECC help to develop a simple and more flexible approach to procurement
- How to ensure compliance and transparency throughout the procurement cycle
- Inspiring confidence in better project delivery and benchmarks for best practice
- Looking to the Construction Playbook as a potential methodology to change procurement and drive engagement and efficiencies within industry
- How an industry transformation map can facilitate better integration and collaboration through the value chain
- Sharing case study examples of how to adopt the NEC4 Alliance Contract (ALC)
Peter Winnicott MRICS
Commercial and Procurement Director, SMP Alliance -
Striving to Promote Sustainable Development in Hong Kong
- How to tackle climate change challenges and meet the latest development needs of communities
- Sharing best practices on how to revitalise and restore drainage and sewerage works to ensure they are fit for purpose
- The benefits of adopting smart and innovative technology to deliver projects
- How to integrate ecology conversation within projects to meet the demands of the environment and public concerns
- The benefits of applying X29 clause to your strategies and plans
Ringo MOK Wing-cheong
Director of Drainage Services, Drainage Services Department (DSD), The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China -
The Translation and Implementation of Standardised Contracting: The Partnership with MEF, Peru
(Pre-Recorded Session)- What does the partnership mean for infrastructure projects in the region
- Sharing insights on the benefits of collaboration for national procurement
- The journey so far and the future roadmap for NEC and Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF)
Sarah Bunting (moderator)
Director of Business and Trade, British Embassy Lima
Sofía García
Deputy Director of Business and Trade & Head of Infrastructure, British Embassy Lima -
Refreshment and Networking Break
-
Unlocking Opportunities in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Region for NEC Contracts
Role of Project Manager (PM) in NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) Hong Kong Edition (with Andy Kwok)- Skills required of a project manager
- Identifying the technical expertise and skills required by NEC
- Understanding the independence of a PM
- Discussing how it will all work in practice
- Demonstrating the key processes crucial to the NEC4 and how to apply them to an ECC Project
- Sharing insights on the contract implementation (e.g. the dos and don'ts)
Contractor’s Insight on driving Project Excellence and Innovation (with Wong Fai)- Demonstrating industry best practice and excellence, through technical innovations, social impact, and sustainability
- How to work collaboratively and inclusively across functions, departments and sectors to share and embed industry leading practice, capability and innovative approaches to create enduring beneficial change in the project delivery system
- The benefit of applying NEC3 PSC and NEC4 ECC in delivering project excellence
- How do technological interventions deliver further improvements, reductions and efficiencies
- Driving positive benefits towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Collaborative Contracting – Models, Approaches, Frameworks and Delivery (with Mark Simister)- Collaborative contracting models: Benefits and challenges
- Sharing practical application of NEC, and how it ties into Collaborative Contracting
- Insights on case study examples
- Collaborative contracting in practical reality:
- Program delivery
- Transaction
Trust in New Engineering Contract (NEC) (with Isabelle Y. S Chan)- NEC has been embraced as a means to address poor communication, adversarial relationships, and unsatisfactory project performance associated with traditional contracts. The underlying governance mechanisms, especially the impacts of relational and formal governance on information sharing for project performance, remain undisclosed. This research, adopting a mixed-method approach, revealed that relational governance (mutual trust) has positive effects on the enforcement of formal governance (contract administration including risk management and change management). Both governance forms contribute to improved information sharing, ultimately enhancing project management performance to different degrees. At the end of the sharing, tactics for fostering mutual trust in NEC contracts are shared.
Daniel Cheung (moderator)
Director – Strategic Lead, Turner & Townsend
Andy Kwok
Managing Director, Binnies Hong Kong Limited
Wong Fai
General Manager, China Geo-Engineering Corporation
Mark Simister
Managing Director, Metaphic
Isabelle Y. S Chan
Assistant Professor, Programme Director, BSc (Surveying), Department of Real Estate and Construction, University of Hong Kong -
Lunch and networking
Afternoon session
-
Fostering a Culture of Collaboration and How to Put it into Action
- Understanding the importance of collaboration
- Highlighting the key benefits of collaboration
- Guiding principles and sharing best practices
- How to enhance synergy, collaboration and embed trust when delivering projects
- Challenges and case studies
Cheuk-lun Leung (moderator)
NEC Executive, CEDD (Civil Engineering & Development Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China)
Ellen Nga-see Cheng
Chief Engineer, CEDD (Civil Engineering & Development Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China)
Francis Leong
Vice President, AECOM Hong Kong
Vincent Chan
Director, Build King Construction Limited -
Strategies and Initiatives to Promote the Adoption of Advancing Technologies
- How AI can optimise all moving parts of a project
- Insights into emerging digital technologies
- The benefits and utilisation for modern methods, tools and approaches
- Delivering real-time data and actionable insights
- Solutions for upskilling, maintaining and attracting talent
Dev Amratia
CEO, Nplan
Dustin Lam
Regional Director (HK), Robert Bird Group
Steven Yule CEng FICE FCIHT MIAM
Director of Digital and Data, Middle East, Strategic Consulting, Jacobs -
Closing Remarks
Robert Gerrard
Consultant, NEC Contracts -
Refreshment and Networking Break
-
Workshop 1: TSC Briefing Session
Robert Gerrard (moderator)
Consultant, NEC Contracts
Tim Knee-Robinson
Director, TKR Consultancy Ltd -
Workshop 2: NEC4 ECC/TSC in Building/Construction Projects
NEC4 ECC, NEC ECC HK Edition, NEC4 TSC and its comparison/application
Letty Ma (moderator)
Business Development Director, APAC, NEC Contracts
KY Lo
NEC, Tutor -
Drinks Reception
Digital Beehive
At Digital Beehive, we understand the complexities and challenges associated with managing NEC contracts. That’s why we’ve developed a cutting-edge Contract Change Management (CCM) solution, designed to streamline the management of all processes involved in NEC building projects.
Our CCM software has been carefully crafted over the years, with input from IT experts, construction professionals and surveyors, to meet the ever-changing demands of the construction industry. The result is a user-friendly and adaptable solution that simplifies contract management while maintaining compliance.
dRoW
dRoW is an integrated, secure, and customisable platform capable of handling NEC, EDMS, DWSS, Quality Assurance Systems, Safety Management Systems, and BIM Document Repositories. dRoW is popular in public works and private projects, catering the needs for not just clients, consultants and contractors, but also sub-consultants, sub-contractors and suppliers.
Visit website
The Contracts Group
Established in 2011 in Hong Kong and servicing the Asia Pacific region and the world with a diverse range of staff, The Contracts Group experts are ISO 9001 and NEC, ECC accredited and RICS-regulated, and deliver one-stop construction contract management solutions to all parties involved in the construction industry. We assist on construction projects from the pre-contract stage, into project delivery and through to post-contract completion as well as dealing with any disputes that arise.
Our senior staff have many years of experience in dealing with construction contracts, quantity surveying services, risk, project control and management services, claims, disputes and expert services in the varying sectors of the construction industry. We utilise this experience to seek the most appropriate solutions to the many and varied problems that are found on construction projects and to provide a full range of construction contracts services.
Integrated Design Limited
We provide our clients a complete set of digital construction consulting services that are integrated, cost-effective, and backed by the latest technology and best practice. Our team's ability to bring together a diverse range of professional expertise utilizing BIM technology guarantees superior results at each stage of your project.
Visit websiteSponsor this event
Why sponsor?
- Grow your business and generate new leads
- Increase your brand awareness and get in front of your target market
- Re-engage with key customers, meet new ones and gain a valuable insight into their requirements
- Align your brand with best practice in industry
- Stand out from your competitors and gain a competitive edge
- Benefit from the networking and discover new industry trends through discussion opportunities
- Be a part of the flagship NEC annual conference
Click here to view or download the brochure. For sponsorship information, email Sheetal.Mistry@neccontract.com
Partners
Supporters
Hong Kong Institute of Construction Adjudicators (HKICAdj)
Hong Kong Institute of Construction Adjudicators (HKICAdj) is a non-profit making organization founded in 2018 and the first and neutral institute in Hong Kong which focuses in the promotion, training and application of construction adjudication in resolving construction disputes. It is an Adjudicator Nominating Body providing adjudicator appointment services in the private sector.
Visit website
Construction Industry Council
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) was formed in 2007 under the Construction Industry Council Ordinance (Cap. 587). CIC consists of a chairman and 24 members representing various sectors of the industry. The main functions of CIC are to forge consensus on long-term strategic issues, convey the industry’s needs and aspirations to Government, provide professional training and registration services, and serve as a communication channel between the Government and the industry.
Visit website
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
We are RICS. Everything we do is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments. Through our respected global standards, leading professional progression and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.
Visit website
International Dispute Resolution & Risk Management Institute
The International Dispute Resolution and Risk Management Institute (IDRRMI) is the world's preeminent international professional dispute and risk management non-governmental organisation. The objectives of the institute are to set standards for the international dispute resolution and risk management profession, to qualify and award professional qualifications and to certify intellectual property and property rights of institutions and individuals. IDRRMI has more than 1,600 experts in a variety of professional categories worldwide.
Visit website
Society of Construction Law - Viet Nam
The Society of Construction Law – Viet Nam (SCLVN) is a socio-professional organisation of Vietnamese citizens and organisations operating in the field of construction law or related to construction law, voluntarily established. The aim is to support members in improving their knowledge and qualifications, exchange information on construction law, and propose comments to state management agencies on legal policies in the construction sector.
Visit website
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
The HKIE is an accreditation body and a learned society for engineers in Hong Kong. We set standards for the training and admission of engineers of 22 Engineering Disciplines, and 19 Divisions under the umbrella of the HKIE actively organise activities to keep members abreast of the latest engineering developments and provide opportunities for Continuing Professional Development. The HKIE community has continued to grow since then, and now comprises over 32,000 members spanning all engineering disciplines.
Visit website
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Hong Kong)
Established in 1997, the IMechE Hong Kong Branch is the largest branch outside UK with more than 3,300 members. The Branch organises events, works closely with other engineering institutions in Hong Kong to promote the welfare of the profession, and keeps a close liaison with other branches in the Asia Pacific Region.
Visit website
ACQS
The Association of Consultant Quantity Surveyors was formed in 1999 to represent the views of private QS firms in Hong Kong. Member companies include the 13 largest private quantity surveying practices in Hong Kong and their scope of services includes quantity surveying, project and cost management consultancy services for building, civil engineering, maintenance, electrical and mechanical projects.
Visit website
IFMA Hong Kong Chapter
Founded in 1980, IFMA is the world's largest and most widely recognized association for facility management professionals, supporting over 20,000 members in more than 100 countries. IFMA Hong Kong Chapter, established in 1992 is the first Chapter formed in Asia. The Chapter supports over 600 IFMA members in Hong Kong by offering diverse educational and networking events, international accrediting programs, and empowering its members to learn, connect and advance.
Visit website
Construction Industry Joint Committee
CIJC comprises of nine organisations: ACES, IES, REDAS, SCAL, SIA, SIBL, SISV, SPM, and SGBC. We serve as a platform to unite all key players in the construction industry and co-ordinate our joint efforts to constantly upgrade the construction industry so as to play a key role in our economy. We provide quality feedback to the government on policies affecting the industry and problems facing the sector. We act as a think-tank for the industry and partner with the government to work out appropriate solutions to the various problems affecting the industry.
Visit website
Hong Kong Construction Association
The Hong Kong Construction Association, Limited (HKCA) was established in 1920 aimed at improving the construction industry’s standard in Hong Kong. Members of HKCA, currently over 300, are registered construction companies in Hong Kong. The Association is the recognized and leading voice for Hong Kong main contractors and over the years established a trusted working relationship with the HKSAR Government, the Construction Industry Council (CIC), other professional institutions and labour unions.
Visit website
The Association of Consulting Engineers of Hong Kong
The Association of Consulting Engineers of Hong Kong (ACEHK) is a non profit making association representing the consulting engineering profession in Hong Kong. As an industry group, the Association seeks to set and maintain standards of professional conduct and ethics of consulting engineers, promote the advancement of the profession of consulting engineering and uphold the professional interests, rights, powers and privileges of consulting engineers.
Visit website
The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
The British Chamber of Commerce is one of Hong Kong's largest and most active international business organisations representing a broad span of British, Hong Kong and international companies doing business in, with, or through Hong Kong. The Chamber’s aim is to help our members grow their business, and promote and represent their business interests, by providing representation and advocacy; networking and brand exposure; as well as information and insight.
Event Speakers
Ir. Ricky Lau, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Development Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
In October 2021, Ir Ricky LAU was appointed as the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) to oversee public works policy and infrastructure development.
Ir LAU was the Director of Civil Engineering and Development from October 2018 to October 2021, and was responsible for overseeing the strategic planning and the implementation of various reclamation, new development area and major infrastructure projects. He joined the Hong Kong Government in 1992 as an Assistant Engineer. Before joining the Civil Engineering and Development Department in 2015, he worked in the Highways Department and the Development Bureau.
Peter Winnicott MRICS, Commercial and Procurement Director, SMP Alliance
Peter is a chartered quantity surveyor with over 30 years of experience delivering infrastructure in the UK Highways and Water sectors. He has spent his career championing the development and delivery of programmes of work within collaborative frameworks, most recently the National Highways SMP Alliance under the principles of Project 13.
Ringo MOK Wing-cheong, Director of Drainage Services, Drainage Services Department (DSD), The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
Mr. Ringo MOK, the Director of Drainage Services, is now leading about 2,000 no. of staff to provide world-class wastewater and stormwater drainage services for Hong Kong. He has worked in various bureau/works departments and participated in numerous mega-scale development projects in Hong Kong, including Central and Wan Chai Reclamation, West Kowloon Cultural District Development and Northern Metropolis Development.
Daniel Cheung (moderator), Director – Strategic Lead, Turner & Townsend
Daniel is a seasoned business leader and commercial advisor with over 20 years of experience in the international construction industry. He specializes in NEC contracts, advising major organisations on procurement strategies, contract management, and dispute resolution. Daniel is known for his collaborative approach and expertise in delivering successful projects globally.
Andy Kwok, Managing Director, Binnies Hong Kong Limited
Andy Kwok is the Managing Director of Binnies Hong Kong Limited, overseeing operations in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Vietnam. With over 31 years in civil engineering, he manages diverse client portfolios and has led Binnies to win multiple NEC awards since 2018. Andy holds NEC3 and NEC4 ECC Project Manager Accreditation.
Wong Fai, General Manager, China Geo-Engineering Corporation
Mr. Wong Fai is the General Manager (Civil) of China Geo-Engineering Corporation and has worked in the construction industry for more than 20 years. He has extensive experience of managing NEC contracts of various pricing options (including Options A,B,C and D ) and is always keen to try new approaches and ideas to drive project excellence.
Mark Simister, Managing Director, Metaphic
Mark Simister is an expert in collaborative contracting and program management with vast experience across regulated public infrastructure. He has successfully delivered multi-billion-dollar programs including the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Program within integrated delivery frameworks. Mark was the architect of Sydney Water’s multi award-winning collaborative infrastructure procurement framework: Partnering for Success. P4S established Sydney Water as the first international adopter of the ICE Project 13 best practice framework and the first major infrastructure company in Australia to use the full suite of NEC4 contracts to deliver new works. Prior to establishing METAPHIC, Mark was APAC Head of Infrastructure and Programs for construction company, Mace.
Dev Amratia, CEO, Nplan
Dev worked at Shell for 9 years as a Project Manager on Flagship Capital Projects, generating a wealth of technical and commercial experience across a variety of strategic projects in the Energy Industry. Author of the UK Government AI Review (2017) alongside Prof. Dame Wendy Hall and Jerome Pesenti. Dev holds an MEng in Aerospace Engineering, and CEng (Chartered Engineer) from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Dustin Lam, Regional Director (HK), Robert Bird Group
Dustin possesses over 20 years of extensive experience in Structural and Construction Engineering Design, having contributed and led complex major projects such as the Kai Tak Sports Park – Main Stadium, Passenger Clearance Building for the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge Project, the Hong Kong International Airport 3RS, Noida International Airport, among various institutional, mixed-use, and residential developments.
Robert Gerrard, Consultant, NEC Contracts
Robert specialises in NEC Contracts, both setting these up and successfully managing them. He has 41 years’ experience in contract management and carries out training and consultancy around the world. Robert is based in Hong Kong. He is an examiner for the Institution of Civil Engineers Certificate in Law and Contract Management course and has also held the position of NEC Users’ Group Secretary from 2006 to date.
Robert’s publications include NEC3 and NEC4 Compared (2017), NEC2 and NEC3 Compared (2005), joint author in NEC4 Avoiding and Resolving Disputes (2019), NEC4 Practical Solutions (2017) and NEC3 Practical Solutions (2015).
Renee Paik, Head of Asia Pacific, NEC Contracts
A strategic leader with over 20 years of experience, Renee Paik specializes in building high-performance teams and driving growth for global organizations across multiple sectors. Currently serving as the Head of Asia Pacific at NEC Contracts, she leads commercial strategy and operational excellence for the region, delivering solutions localized for targeted markets. With a dual passion for fostering collaboration and driving digital innovations, Renee is dedicated to developing inspired teams and products that propel organizational success.
Letty Ma (moderator), Business Development Director, APAC, NEC Contracts
Letty started promoting the use of NEC and establishing NEC business in Hong Kong since 2018
During her tenure, she proactively communicating with the government and industry stakeholders in launching new products and services to cope with new initiatives and demands in the region.
She is the bridge between East and West for NEC value-creation and advocacy.
Cheuk-lun Leung (moderator), NEC Executive, CEDD (Civil Engineering & Development Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China)
Ir. Leung is a qualified civil engineer with over 40 years of professional experience. Joined the Government in 1993, he had participated in the planning, design and construction of various infrastructure and drainage projects. Among these are the mega size Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme and Central Kowloon Route projects which adopt NEC3 Option C contract form.
Ir. Leung is currently the NEC Executive of the Civil Engineering and Development Department and he heads the NEC Support Executive Team which supports the NEC Steering Group in formulating strategies and encouraging good practices in NEC implementation and promoting collaborative culture in project delivery.
Steven Yule CEng FICE FCIHT MIAM, Director of Digital and Data, Middle East, Strategic Consulting, Jacobs
Steven Yule, Director of Digital and Data for Jacobs in the Middle East, is an ICE Fellow and Policy Fellow with a distinguished career driving digital transformation in infrastructure. He specializes in smart cities, asset management, and analytics, delivering innovative solutions that position Jacobs as a leader in digital infrastructure and sustainable development.
Renee Paik, Head of Asia Pacific, NEC Contracts
A strategic leader with over 20 years of experience, Renee Paik specializes in building high-performance teams and driving growth for global organizations across multiple sectors. Currently serving as the Head of Asia Pacific at NEC Contracts, she leads commercial strategy and operational excellence for the region, delivering solutions localized for targeted markets. With a dual passion for fostering collaboration and driving digital innovations, Renee is dedicated to developing inspired teams and products that propel organizational success.
Ellen Nga-see Cheng, Chief Engineer, CEDD (Civil Engineering & Development Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China)
Ir. Cheng has considerable experiences in delivery and implementation of new town development (NDA) and land supply projects, among which are Kwu Tung North and Fanling North NDA under Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands that serve as two key drivers for social and economic growth of HK.
She implemented the first NEC ECC Option C in-house construction project of HKSARG, “Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme”, with an early completion of 6 months, gain share of $100M, accomplishment of about 40 local and international awards in total, and the launching of the largest water harvesting system of HK. She also launched the first NEC PSC consultancy of HKSARG, “Drainage Improvement Works in Happy Valley – Investigation, Design and Construction”.
Francis Leong, Vice President, AECOM Hong Kong
Ir. Leong, noted for his expertise in contract documentation and risk management, has been pivotal in Hong Kong’s adoption of NEC by administering numerous NEC3/NEC4 construction contracts since 2016. He is also the Chairperson of the AECOM RSS Management Committee, which oversees over 2,000 Resident Site Staff, and formulates and executes fair and consistent policies for their recruitment and management.
Vincent Chan, Director, Build King Construction Limited
Ir. Chan brings over 25 years of industry experience to his role as a Director at Build King, where he manages the Group’s civil engineering operations in Hong Kong, including highways, rail, site formation, sewerage treatment projects, etc.
Vincent is a Chartered Member of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) and serves as a Council Member for both the Hong Kong Construction Association and the Hong Kong Institution of Highway and Transportation.
He has extensive experience in managing public works contracts under NEC forms.
Our Partners & Supporters
Partners
Supporters
