[2021 Asia Construction Awards] Efforts in Technological Innovation and Social Value Despite Adverse Conditions

Evaluation by Jaeyoung Lee, Chair of the Jury (President of Korea Construction Industry Research Institute)
"Pride in South Korean Construction Companies"

Jaeyoung Lee, President of the Korea Construction Industry Research Institute

As the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early last year, enters its second year, many aspects of our society have changed. The explosive increase in single- and two-person households, changes in daily life brought about by technological innovations such as big data and artificial intelligence (AI), the development of platform businesses and the sharing economy, the explosive growth of online commerce, and the increased preference for living close to work and in urban areas?these existing social changes have been accelerated by COVID-19. In particular, the spread of non-face-to-face work culture, the decrease in office demand, and the expansion of residential functions due to increased time spent at home have become realities that will be difficult to reverse even after the pandemic ends.

In this rapidly changing and increasingly uncertain post-COVID era, the construction industry is required to actively transform itself to create future demand and contribute to improving the quality of life for the public. Especially as corporate social responsibility becomes increasingly important due to various environmental issues such as global warming and air pollution, there is an urgent need for companies to mobilize their core competencies to pursue sustainable management strategies that seek both economic and social value. From this perspective, it is encouraging that more construction companies are recently making systematic efforts such as emphasizing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management, strengthening crisis management capabilities, establishing digital-based business systems, and enhancing customer-centered services.

Now in its 16th year, the ‘Asia Construction Comprehensive Awards’ has responded to these social changes by focusing on ‘sustainable technology development and eco-friendliness,’ ‘win-win cooperation,’ and ‘construction safety’ to select the best construction companies. This year, many companies participated in the competition across various fields such as civil engineering, architecture, housing, and plants. Activities and projects in areas including win-win cooperation, project implementation, overseas construction, and branding also competed. To evaluate the awards, a panel of judges composed of experts from academia and research sectors was formed, conducting independent assessments based on professionalism and fairness, considering quality, design, impact, and recognition. The overall results were then compiled, and all judges gathered to select this year’s awardees.

Through this year’s Asia Construction Comprehensive Awards evaluation, it was once again evident that our construction companies are striving for a new construction culture that pursues both economic and social value alongside technological innovation despite difficult conditions. When construction companies equipped with such efforts and capabilities faithfully fulfill their roles, there will be hope for the advancement of the construction industry and pride in the role of construction professionals. Thank you.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.