Day 1

On February 28, 2025, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) inaugurated The HKIA Belt & Road International Symposium 2025 at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center. Themed "Cultiversal - The Tapestry of Cultural Diversity & Universality”, the symposium gathered distinguished architects and experts from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas cities to explore the future of architecture and urban development.

During the opening ceremony, HKIA President Ar. Julia Lau, CStJ, JP, The Guest of Honour The Honourable Ms. Rosanna Law,  JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, HKSAR Government, Ar. Nicholas Ho, Commissioner for Belt and Road, HKSAR Government, Ar. Regina Gonthier, President of UIA, Ar. Saifuddin Bin Ahmad, President of ARCASIA, and Academician Meng Jianmin, Vice President of the Architectural Society of China delivered opening remarks, expressing their anticipation for future architectural developments and extending a warm welcome to all participants.

Following the opening, keynote speakers, including Mr. Ma Yansong, founder and principal partner of MAD Architects, Ar. Dr. Rocco Yim, BBS, JP, Principal, Rocco Design Architects Ltd, Ar. Emre Arolat, Founding & Design Partner of EAA - Emre Arolat Architecture, and Ar. Gaetan Siew, Special Envoy to UN Habitat, shared their insights and experiences in architecture, stimulating thoughtful discussions among attendees.

The two panel discussions on the first day also garnered positive feedbak from participants. Panel A, moderated by Prof. Thomas Chung, Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, focused on the theme "Co-existence: Urban-rural Integration and Eco-urbanism”. Panel speakers, including Ar. KS Wong, GBS, JP, Former Secretary for the Environment, HKSAR Government, Prof. David Erdman from Pratt Institute, and Dr. Shan Liang, Managing Director of Shenzhen Urban Planning and Land Resource Research Center, delved into the challenges and developments in urban-rural integration and ecological cities. 

Panel B, themed "Contradiction: Urban Regeneration and Heritage & Modernity," was moderated by Ar. Donald Choi, JP, Adjunct Professor at the University of Hong Kong. Guest speakers, including Ar. Christopher Law Kin Chung, JP, founder director of the Oval Partnership, and Mr. Matthew Potter, director of WilkinsonEyre (Hong Kong), shared their practical experiences, analysing how to balance historical preservation with modern demands in urban development.

Additionally, an exhibition showcasing various architectural projects and innovative designs related to the Belt & Road Initiative was held during the symposium, attracting significant attention from attendees.

Day 2

On the second day of the symposium, keynote speakers Ar. Patrick Fejér, CEO of B+H Architects and Senior Executive Director of Architecture and Design, Buildings + Cities, SJ Group, and Prof. Yung Ho Chang, Dean of Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, shared their practical experiences and unique insights, providing participants with a deeper industry perspective.

Panel C, themed "Complexity: High Density Living and Mixed-used Typology," was moderated by Prof. Eunice Seng, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of the University of Hong Kong. Guest speakers, including Ar. Carolin Fong, Executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority, Ar. Saifuddin Bin Ahmad, ARCASIA President and Adjunct Professor of UCSI University, Dr. Mirna Zordan, Assistant Professor & Founder and Director, Future Spaces Vision Lab of Southern University of Science and Technology, shared their insights and experiences regarding high-density urban development.

Tours

On the afternoon of March 1, 2025, over 200 participants took part in the city tour activities. The symposium featured three city tour routes: The Henderson, Central Market & H19, and AIRSIDE. These tours enriched the participants' symposium experience and fostered exchanges among professionals in the architecture industry. The HKIA aims to promote Hong Kong's architectural culture through such activities, attracting greater international attention and participation.

The successful hosting of this symposium marks Hong Kong's active engagement and contribution to the international architectural field, laying a solid foundation for future architectural and urban development.