Press Release: The Hong Kong Institute of Planners International Planning Conference 2025 Global Experts Gather to Shape the Future of Cities

The Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP) successfully hosted the International Planning Conference 2025 today at The Langham Hong Kong. The conference, under the theme of Urban Horizons – Shaping the Future of Global Cities, attracted government representatives, professional leaders and industry experts from 10 countries and regions including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Mainland China to participate in discussing cutting-edge topics such as cultural space planning, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven urban transformation, and smart transportation development. The event was divided into a keynote speech and discussion session in the morning, and two major thematic forums in the afternoon, with more than 400 participants participating offline and online. 

Mr YE Shui-qiu, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (first left), Ms Bernadette Linn, JP, Secretary for Development, HKSAR (second left), Ms Amy Cheung, BBS, President, HKIP (second right), Ms Rebecca Wong, Chairlady, Organising Committee, HKIP International Committee 2025 (first right) attending the HKIP International Conference 2025

More than 400 participants joining the conference online and offline

Hong Kong’s Largest International Planning Forum in a Decade: A Focus on Sustainability

Supported by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme, this marks HKIP’s first large-scale largest international planning conference in nearly a decade. In her opening remarks, Ms Amy Cheung, President of HKIP, emphasized: “As a vibrant international city and under rapid world-wide and local changes, Hong Kong is at a critical stage of urban transformation. We hope to build a more livable and resilient city for the next generation through international collaboration and innovative thinking.” She further emphasized, “In the face of enormous challenges like climate change, technological advancement and geopolitics affecting the world, as well as the fast aging of both population and buildings in Hong Kong, planners must go beyond traditional mindset and integrate urban resilience and planning flexibility into city blueprints. This forum is not only a milestone in celebrating the Institute’s 45th anniversary, but also a catalyst for promoting transnational and cross-disciplinary dialogue.” Ms Rebecca Wong, Chairlady of the Organising Committee, added that: “This forum provides an excellent environment for planners and urban development professionals from all over the world to have in-depth discussions on planning issues of concern in the fields of planning innovation, cultural and sports development and artificial intelligence through keynote speeches and two thematic discussion sessions, and to reflect on the opportunities and challenges encountered in different urban development trajectories, so as to achieve the goal of “Urban Horizons – Shaping the Future of Global Cities”.”

Ms Amy Cheung, BBS, President, HKIP delivering the welcoming speech

Ms Rebecca Wong, Chairlady, Organising Committee, HKIP International Conference 2025, introducing the highlights of the conference

Keynote Speeches: International Case Studies Inspire New Thinking in Hong Kong’s Planning

Ms Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government, delivered a keynote speech titled “Northern Metropolis – A Pioneer for New Planning and Development Approaches for Hong Kong”.  Ms Linn outlined the innovative “industry-driven” planning approach used in the planning of the Northern Metropolis, and shared the HKSAR Government’s array of pioneering land development approaches, including “large-scale land disposal” and “leaving blanks” at the strategic planning level.  Ms Linn commended the planning profession’s longstanding efforts in shaping a better Hong Kong and urged planners to continue applying their professional knowledge in bringing positive change to the city. Ms Yvonne Lim (Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore) shared on the planning strategy of Jurong Lake District, Singapore’s first net-zero emissions mixed-use hub, supported by four MRT lines and flexible zoning for live-work-play integration. Ms Shonagh Manson (Greater London Authority) covered London’s cultural placemaking strategies, emphasizing how London enhances creative industries through land use planning and placemaking, and thereby consolidates its cultural leadership. Ms Marjorie Kennedy (City of Melbourne) reviewed on how Melbourne transformed its city centre into a 24-hour cultural life circle, combining street art, coffee culture and year-round festivals to create a model of the world’s most livable city. A panel discussion moderated by Hon Andrew Lam, Legislative Council Member, then followed and explored cross-regional collaboration opportunities.

Ms Bernadette Linn, JP, Secretary for Development, HKSAR delivering the opening remarks and keynote speech

Ms Shonagh Manson, Assistant Director, Greater London Authority delivering the keynote speech

Ms Yvonne Lim, Director, Urban Renewal Authority, Singapore delivering the keynote speech

Ms Marjorie Kennedy, Head of Planning, City of Melbourne delivering the keynote speech

Keynote speakers participating in the discussion session (moderated by Hon Andrew Lam, SBS, JP, Member of Legislative Council)

Panel Discussion 1: Fostering Culture & Sports in the City

Panel Discussion 1 focusing on culture and sports development was chaired by Ms Sarah Mui (Hong Kong Architecture Centre). Ms Dyan Currie (Australia) shared lessons from the Barcelona, London, and Paris Olympics on how to leverage mega-events to drive urban regeneration. Dr Yokohari Makoto (University of Tokyo) covered the topic on restoring Tokyo’s Kanda District by removing elevated highways and reviving historic waterways. Dr Hendricus Simarmata(Indonesian Association of Urban and Regional Planners) reviewed the plans to position Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital, as a sports-driven economic hub through the bid for the 2036 Olympics. Mrs Betty Fung (Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority) shared on transforming the West Kowloon Cultural District into a global arts and creative hub through world-class cultural facilities, year-round activities and green spaces.

Panel Discussion 2: AI-Powering Urban Transformation

Panel Discussion 2 on urban transformation driven by AI was chaired by Prof Anthony Yeh (University of Hong Kong). Mr Gary Yeung (President of Smart City Consortium) shared on how Hong Kong’s Common Spatial Data Infrastructure integrates 3D models and AI for disaster resilience. Mr Sheng Xuefeng (President of Shanghai Smart City Development Institute) previewed Shanghai’s smart city strategies and explained the plan to bridge the digital divide through smart economy and AI. Dr Chua Rhan See (Director of Central Zone Project Office, PLANMalaysia, Ministry of Housing and Local Government) introduced Malaysia’s smart city rating mechanism and shared the key challenges in implementing smart city initiatives in Malaysia. Mr Tay Kok Chin (Chairman of Smart Cities Network) covered AI applications, such as traffic optimization and predictive infrastructure maintenance, in helping to realise transformation in ASEAN cities.

Speakers from Panel Discussion 1 participating in the discussion session (moderated by Ms Sarah Mui, Chair, Hong Kong Architecture Centre)

Speakers from Panel Discussion 2 participating in the discussion session (moderated by Prof Anthony Yeh, Chair Professor, Urban Planning & GIS, HKU)

Media Enquiries

Ms Monique Tai | The Hong Kong Institute of Planners Secretariat
Tel: +852 2915 6212 | Email: info@hkip.org.hk / media@hkip.org.hk

About HKIP

Established in 1979, the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP) is a statutory body representing the planning profession in Hong Kong. HKIP is committed to promoting excellence in urban planning and creating sustainable, resilient urban environments. Through its Committees, Boards and their working groups, HKIP strives to address contemporary urban challenges and contributes to the development of Hong Kong as a world-class city. For more details, visit http://www.hkip.org.hk.