In a remarkable collaboration, Hong Kong’s healthcare engineering sector responded swiftly to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing inspiration from modern construction technologies, the sector implemented the “Modular Integrated Construction” (MiC) technology and the “Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing” (MiMEP) construction method. The result was a world-first: a high-standard negative-pressure isolation ward module designed to be rapidly assembled and deployed. Completed in just four months, this project was hailed as the "Hong Kong version of Huoshenshan Hospital," underscoring the ingenuity and professionalism of Hong Kong’s engineers.
A key figure in this monumental achievement is Ir Prof P L Yuen, a distinguished engineer with extensive experience in healthcare engineering. Prof Yuen is the Past Vice President of CIBSE, Past President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), and Chairman of the Hong Kong Branch of the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management (IHEEM).
Revolutionising construction for public health
The project demonstrated the immense potential of innovative technologies in public health engineering. MiC technology allowed for approximately 80% of the construction process to be prefabricated in factories, significantly reducing on-site construction time and ensuring high-quality standards. Combined with MiMEP methods, the ward’s design featured a self-sufficient airflow system that effectively controlled infection without relying on centralized ventilation ducts. Rigorous testing verified its ability to block the spread of airborne pathogens, setting a global benchmark for infectious disease isolation facilities.
Prof Yuen’s leadership and expertise were pivotal in achieving this milestone. Reflecting on the project, he stated, “Inspired by the country’s 'Huoshenshan' project, we began exploring how to construct high-standard isolation wards within limited spaces. By integrating MiC and MiMEP methods, we created a compact, self-sufficient design that was a world first at the time.”
A legacy beyond the pandemic
After serving its purpose during the pandemic, the isolation ward module was showcased at the CIC-Zero Carbon Park in Kowloon Bay. This public display aims to promote MiC technology and inspire wider adoption of innovative construction methods. When the exhibit concludes in 2025, parts of the module will be recycled for further research, ensuring the project’s contributions endure beyond its initial mission.
Prof Yuen emphasised the broader implications of this work: “This project highlights the vital role of engineering innovation in addressing public health challenges. It not only showcases Hong Kong’s capabilities but also provides a reference model for the global engineering community. I hope it inspires more engineers to embrace technology and innovation in their projects.”
Prof Yuen: A lifetime of contributions
With a career spanning over four decades, Ir Prof P L Yuen has been at the forefront of healthcare engineering. His contributions extend beyond this project to initiatives such as transforming hospital wards into negative-pressure environments and improving ventilation systems in public spaces during the pandemic. Prof Yuen’s dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal from CIBSE and the “Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service” by the Hong Kong SAR Government.
As a leader and innovator, Prof Yuen continues to inspire the engineering community. His work not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays a foundation for sustainable and innovative practices in public health and beyond.