Practical implementation of NEC in Hong Kong

Practical implementation of NEC in Hong Kong
Another successful NEC Asia Pacific Users' Group Breakfast Briefing session was held at Mott MacDonald’s office in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong. The focus of this briefing was to provide an insight of how parties perceives to be important areas of emphasis to deliver a successful project under the NEC. 
 
The opening session was delivered by Mr Hayman Choi, introducing the panel speakers and discussion topics to be covered in the Briefing.  Mr Choi is an active advisor of the NEC in Hong Kong and has been involved since 2009. 
 
The panel discussion began with Mr KW Mak, Deputy Director of DSD, who provided a series of practical suggestions to improve the successful implementation of NEC in Hong Kong. The suggestions mainly revolve around the improvements of behaviours and mindset amongst those managing the contract across the organisation structure of each party.
 
Mr Kam Mak of MTRC, then provided first-hand insight into his experience of an existing MTRC contract adopting the ECC. Mr Mak suggested that the selection of the right contractor is crucial to the success of implementing NEC with one of the main criteria being sufficiency of Contractor’s resource when managing the NEC. At the same time, it is suggested that changes within the Employer’s organisation is also required to ensure the contract is administered properly.
 
Paul Y. Construction who are the Contractor of the MTRC project was represented by Mr Stanley Lo, Director & General Manager, sharing his experience from the Contractor’s perspective on how best to adapt to the unfamiliar processes and mechanisms of the NEC. It was emphasized that changes in mentality of its people was important to instill and earn the trust amongst the various parties. Part of the transition into NEC was aided by training workshops on both NEC and behavioral skills. 
 
The panel discussion was closed out by Ms Lillian Chan of JCP Consultancy, discussing the requisite ‘soft’ skills in people to enhance the collaborative nature between the various parties. From her experience with NEC projects in Hong Kong, Ms Chan suggested that joint problem solving initiatives working towards mutual objectives was key to driving success.
 
The Breakfast Briefing session was concluded with an open discussion with attendees showing great levels of interest in the practical aspects of managing a NEC contract. The next NEC Asia Pacific Users' Group Breakfast Briefing session is scheduled to be held in April/May 2015.
 
Ivan Cheung
 
NEC Asia Pacific Users’ Group Secretary
Recent Projects

Recent news

Growing use of NEC4 in Ireland: trends and opportunities

Growing use of NEC4 in Ireland: trends and opportunities

NEC4 will be used on several major infrastructure projects being procured in 2025 in the Republic of Ireland.

Read more
How NEC can provide a standard form for all PMBOK contract types

How NEC can provide a standard form for all PMBOK contract types

All PMBOK contract types can be effected using the main and secondary options of the NEC4.

Read more
NEC Publishes New Y Clauses to Support NEC4 Contracts in Singapore

NEC Publishes New Y Clauses to Support NEC4 Contracts in Singapore

NEC has released the latest set of secondary Option clauses developed specifically for use in Singapore, supporting the implementation of NEC4 Facilities Management Contract (FMC) in the region.

Read more
View all news