President's Message
會長獻辭

November Issue

The past few months have demonstrated the collective strength and dedication of our profession. As I look back on the past few months, HKIP has continued to make steady progress on several important fronts. Through policy engagement, professional exchange, and outreach to both young planners and long-standing members, we have strengthened our activities and reinforced the Institute’s role as a trusted and forward-looking force in shaping Hong Kong’s future.

During the past quarter, the Institute submitted its position paper on this year’s Policy Address, adding the profession’s perspective to Hong Kong’s future development. We also held a follow-up meeting on the streamlining of development-related procedures, continuing our efforts to contribute constructively to policy discussions and planning practice.

At the same time, we placed strong emphasis on nurturing the next generation of planners. Our participation in HKU’s Orientation Day, the Human Library Session of the Civic Exchange Young Environment Ambassador Programme, and other Young Planners’ activities reflect our ongoing commitment to inspire future leaders. Additionally, reactivating the Friends of HKIP provides an avenue to reconnect with long-standing supporters and broaden our reach.

One of the key highlights of the quarter was a brainstorming session that brought together members, academics and representatives from the public and private sectors to reflect on HKIP’s trajectory and set a practical roadmap for the future. The discussion produced a clear set of action items across four key areas:

• Advance sustainable and healthy membership growth.

• Enhance members’ skillsets through broader CPD programmes and training opportunities.

• Increase our visibility and publicity.

• Strengthen collaboration with other institutions.

These initiatives will guide our collective efforts as we continue to build a stronger and more connected professional community.

Externally, HKIP maintained a strong presence at major events in Chinese Mainland, within and beyond the region. In late August, we participated in the Annual National Planning Conference, followed by the 8th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Planning Forum and the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development and Planning High-level Forum in September. These gatherings provided valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, deepen cross-boundary collaboration, and position HKIP within a broader professional network as a leading voice. To further strengthen our partnerships, we renewed our MoU with the Singapore Institute of Planners.

Earlier this month, HKIP led a 52-member HK delegation from both the public and private sectors to New York, where they participated in a series of insightful exchanges with the local planning community. These exchanges spanned urban and rural regeneration and strategies for a sustainable, green, and smart future. Hong Kong shared its innovative urban solutions for limited land and complex terrain, while New York highlighted its strengths in community engagement, social inclusion, and urban revitalization. Both sides candidly discussed shared challenges, with a deep dive into the Chinatown Connection Project and its balancing of economic development, cultural preservation, and community voices. The visit strengthened connections and laid the groundwork for closer collaboration between Hong Kong and New York.

In addition, we are also preparing to build new ties with planning associations in the Middle East, with a webinar series under development to explore regional planning practices and foster new dialogue.

Looking ahead, the Institute will concentrate its efforts on four major areas: healthy cities, climate change and nature-based solutions, urban regeneration, and industry development. Together, these directions will enable us to respond effectively to both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities, ensuring our continued impact.

As always, I would like to thank our members for your dedication and support. Every initiative we undertake is made possible by your contributions. As we enter the final quarter of the year, please mark your calendars for the HKIP Annual Dinner on 27 November 2025. I encourage all of you to stay engaged, share your perspectives, and join us in shaping the next chapter of our journey together.