The Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS) is an international association of the quantity surveying and cost engineering profession in the Asia and Western Pacific region. Members include quantity surveying and cost engineering institutions from 13 countries and cities including Australia, China, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, Fiji, Brunei, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Philippines, South Africa (observer), Indonesia and Hong Kong. The missions of the PAQS include (1) the promotion of the practice of quantity surveying in the region, (2) the promotion of “best practice” for QS in the region, (3) the promotion of dialogue between member organizations, (4) encouragement of regional co-operation in the practice of QS, (5) fostering of research appropriate to the better understanding of building practice in the region, and (6) rendering of assistance to members of member organizations working in each other's countries. In pursuit of the aims of excelling and promoting the practice of quantity surveying and cost engineering, an international congress is held annually in various countries of PAQS members. It is a unique opportunity for members and friends from over the world to share experience and exchange ideas for moving the quantity surveying / cost engineering profession forward. The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) is honoured to be the host for the 18th Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors Congress 2014 this year in Hong Kong. The main theme of the PAQS Congress 2014 is “Think Outside the Box – Meet New Challenges”. The sub-themes of this Congress cover a wide spectrum of areas including (1) planning and development, (2) green and sustainability, (3) cost planning and estimating, (4) contract practice, (5) construction management, (6) management and industrial practice, (7) building information modelling, and (8) education & professional development. In this Congress, there were 6 keynote and guest speakers' speeches and 44 paper presentations. The keynote and guest speakers were invited by the PAQS Organising Committee. While over 90 abstracts were received, but 44 papers were eventually accepted through the rigorous double-blind review process by members of the scientific committee to ensure quality content.