Media

HKU Department of Real Estate and Construction launches
Industry X Academic Exchange Programme to nurture future industry leaders with K. Wah as its first partner

01 Sep 2017

During the handover ceremony, undergraduate students from the HKU Department of Real Estate and Construction share their case study results in relation to TWIN PEAKS. (From left) Year 4 student Mr Wu Cheuk-lam; Professor Chau Kwong-wing, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Real Estate and Construction, HKU; Mr. Tony Wan, General Manager (Hong Kong Properties); Year 3 student Miss Chan Cam-man and Year 4 student Hui Ting-fung. 

In order to strengthen students’ understanding and knowledge of the real estate industry in Hong Kong, the University of Hong Kong’s Department of Real Estate and Construction has announced an Industry X Academic Exchange Programme (the Programme). The Programme aims to enrich students’ fundamental knowledge of real estate development, such as design, planning as well as sales and marketing strategies. As HKU’s first partner, K. Wah International Holdings Limited (K. Wah) donated the development model of their project “TWIN PEAKS”, a landmark residential development in Tseung Kwan O South, to the Department of Real Estate and Construction as a case study resource today (September 1, 2017) in a handover ceremony held at HKU, to officially inaugurate the Programme.

Professor Chau Kwong-wing, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Real Estate and Construction expressed: “The rapid progression of Hong Kong’s real estate market, be it housing development and planning, building valuations, or marketing strategies – the industry as a whole now requires more and more talented graduates from local universities. With the cooperation of developer K. Wah, the Programme allows students to interact with seasoned professionals in the industry. Using actual residential or commercial developments as case studies, students will therefore be able to immerse themselves from all aspects of a project, such as conditions in land lease, ordinances and deed of mutual covenant, etc. According to Hong Kong regulations, all real estate developments must comply with land administration systems, Buildings Ordinance, Town Planning Ordinance and more. We wholeheartedly believe that students will be better trained in understanding how ordinances affect developers’ strategy and coordination of each project. It is our honour to have K. Wah’s unyielding support as our first partner; and together we aspire to foster the future leaders of this industry. We hope to set an example for potential future partners of this Programme, in encouraging other developers to share their own projects and expertise to provide students with more hands-on opportunities to learn and grow.”

Mr. Tony Wan, General Manager (Hong Kong Properties) shared the same vision: “We are delighted to partner with HKU’s Department of Real Estate and Construction, providing a platform where students can benefit from speaking and interacting with experienced professionals, ultimately nurturing them into future industry leaders. Believing that “education engenders a strong country”, K. Wah strives to echo this philosophy by fostering the development of academia in Mainland China, Hong Kong as well as overseas universities through scholarships, donations to teaching facilities, funding research grants and promoting academic exchange; changing student learning environments and resources available to them. The donation of our residential development model of TWIN PEAKS signifies the partnership between K. Wah and HKU, in hopes of furthering students’ familiarity and knowledge of Hong Kong’s real estate industry. By applying economic concepts and valuation methods learnt from class straight into real-life scenarios, students will hopefully be inspired to think outside of the box and think of multiple perspectives when approaching new real estate developments in their near future.”

During the handover ceremony, undergraduate students from the HKU Department of Real Estate and Construction shared their case study results in relation to TWIN PEAKS. Before that, students had conducted an interview with K. Wah’s General Manager Mr. Tony Wan and Project Director Mr. Terry Wong. The project was being used as the focal point, and the interview went through key points and concepts such as the architectural design and engineering elements, unique and innovative features, obstacles and difficulties risen during the project development, as well as sales and marketing strategies.

The two towers of the TWIN PEAKS are connected together in an arch form which is a design inspired by the archway concept of the Arc de triomphe de l’Etoile in Paris. The highly sculptural form of the towers highlights a gateway at the low zone level that juxtaposes against the high zone level, which mimics a butterfly hovering by the sea. Students stated that the meticulous design maximises the number of units that can enjoy the view and enhance the ventilation of the units. TWIN PEAKS has garnered a number of awards including the “Best Residential High-rise Development Hong Kong” in the five-star category and “Residential High-rise Architecture Hong Kong” of the Asia Pacific Property Award of 2017-2018 as well as the “Best Residential Landmark Development” from GoHome.com.hk.

About  The University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the first and oldest institution of higher learning in Hong Kong, and was founded in 1911, incorporating the Hong Kong College of Medicine (est. 1887). For over a century, it has grown with Hong Kong and generations of its graduates. Today, HKU is a research-led comprehensive University with ten Faculties and a strong commitment to intellectual freedom, liberty and diversity. HKU brings together experts from diverse disciplines and has academic partnerships with over 300 universities and research institutes around the world. Through these endeavours, the University will continue to contribute to the development of leaders and to the advancement of society locally, regionally and internationally. For further information about HKU, please visit www.hku.hk.

About K. Wah International Holdings Limited (“KWIH” or “the Group”, HKEX Stock Code: 0173)
Listed on the HKEX in 1987, K. Wah is the listed flagship property arm of K. Wah Group. With a strong foothold established in Hong Kong, K. WAH has grown and prospered into a leading integrated developer and investor of exquisite and niche projects, with a strategic focus on Hong Kong, the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions. Committed to delivering premium projects built to an uncompromising standard of quality, our portfolio of residential developments, Grade A office towers, hotels, serviced apartments and retail complexes are truly one-of-a-kind. Sharing the common vision of excellence and sustainability, we go beyond both in the projects we develop and the communities we help grow and cultivate. We have always been a trend-setter pioneering unique and sophisticated lifestyle, embracing customers' needs and creating added value in the projects we undertake as a premiere brand. By seizing new opportunities in Hong Kong and China alike, our newly acquired land reserves are to provide solid support and foundation for our future developments.

K Wah is a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Composite MidCap Index and MSCI China Small Cap Index. As of 31st December 2016, K Wah also holds a 3.8% stake in Galaxy Entertainment (HKEX Stock Code: 0027). Website: http://www.kwih.com

Media Enquiry
University of Hong Kong
Ms Rhea Leung, Communication and Public Affairs Office, HKU (Tel: +852 2857 8555/ +852 9022 7446; Email: rhea.leung@hku.hk)
Ms Moly Lau, Department of Real Estate and Construction, HKU (Tel︰+852 2219 4521; Email: molylau@hku.hk)

Joyous Communications
Miss Mavis Wu (Tel: 2560 8636 / 6427 9425)
Miss Kimmy Poon (Tel:2560 8116 / 6332 1226)

K. Wah International Holdings Limited (K. Wah) donates the development model of their project “TWIN PEAKS” to the Department of Real Estate and Construction as a case study resource. From left: Professor Chau Kwong Wing and Mr. Tony Wan.