Dear Members,

With the heartfelt support and encouragement of fellow members, the HKIA Council for 2023-2024 humbly assumes its duties today. I am honoured to be the President for HKIA for the coming two years, as it is one of the long-standing professional institutions in Hong Kong. As you all know, we have just celebrated our 65th Anniversary last year.

The year 2023 is a critical year. We see both opportunities and challenges ahead. On the one hand, architectural practices in Hong Kong have been struggling for years in a harsh professional environment with serious fee-diving problems and excessively complicated Government procedures, which has drained enormous amount of architects' time and energy in Hong Kong. On the other hand, we are delighted to see that the Government has firm determination to resolve these problems, as they have seriously hindered the territory's land supply and urban development, leading to a lot of social problems. The Council has committed to work together with the Government on fine-tuning the consultancy procurement system and streamlining of Government procedures. The ultimate goal is to create a favourable professional environment for architects and architectural practices to excel, be they large or small practices, young or senior members, and working in the private or public sectors.

The Government's ambitious plan to resume the development pace of Hong Kong in the last century offers both opportunities and responsibilities to us architects. We should gear up to shoulder our roles in Northern Metropolis, Kau Yi Chau Artificial Island, the Invigorating Island South initiative, Yau Mong Urban Renewal and other projects in the pipeline. Other than provision of quality professional services, it is also our social responsibility to offer our professional views to the Government and the public on architectural and urban development issues, such as livability, sustainability, carbon neutrality, bio-diversity, inclusive city, and healthy city, which are crucial to the well-beings of HK people in the coming decades. We should maintain our role as the opinion leader in such issues, and inspire the whole society on the way forward for a better built environment in the future.

Opportunities are not confined within Hong Kong. Since the promulgation of the Outline Development Plan for the Greater Bay Area (GBA) in 2019, the rapid development in the GBA has brought tremendous opportunities for Hong Kong architects and architectural practices. Promulgation of the Interim Guidelines for the Management of Hong Kong Engineering Construction Consultant Enterprises and Professionals in Greater Bay Area Cities by Mainland authorities in 2021 should have allowed Hong Kong architectural practices and professionals to explore opportunities in the GBA, if not being hindered by the pandemic. With the recent relaxation of quarantine and border control measures both in the Mainland and Hong Kong, we could now fully realize the benefits of the Interim Guidelines. HKIA would set up a Task Force to provide the necessary assistance to members and liaise with the Mainland authorities.

Now is also the time for HKIA to resume and strengthen our connections with overseas professional bodies. As such, 2023 will be a busy year. ARCASIA Congress 2023, UIA Congress 2023 and APEC Architect Central Council Meeting will be held in the Philippines, Copenhagen and Thailand respectively, while HKIA and ARB will jointly host the Canberra Accord AGM in Hong Kong. In the era of globalization of professional services, enhancing the international competitiveness of members is crucial, and maintaining good international connections is important.

To further elevate competitiveness of architects, we also need to embrace new technologies, like BIM, DfMA, AI, IoT, Big Data, etc., which requires the setting up of an important taskforce under the new Council.

HKIA belongs to all members. Our ultimate goal is to promote the development of a suitable and accommodative environment for the healthy growth of architects of all ages and architectural practices of all sizes. We shall strive for unity to face the challenges ahead, and to achieve our shared visions and missions.

Thanks to the hard work of the 2021-2022 Council under the strong leadership of Donald. They have done a great job in the past 2 years, laying a very solid foundation for us to work on in the coming two years. They have started many good initiatives which this Council would continue, such as the work on the humanity side of architects, including community works like delivery of anti-pandemic supplies to underprivileged families, and enrichment of the Humanity Bank established to showcase members' contribution in humanity.

Once again, thank you very much for electing me as your President. I am humble and proud to take up this important role to lead the Institute to face the challenges ahead in the coming two years. Let's work together to realize our aspirations and dreams. I look forward to meeting you in the future HKIA activities.

Best wishes for a happy and fruitful year of 2023 to you and your family!

President of HKIA
Benny Chan Chak Bun
FHKIA, Registered Architect

Dear Members,

Thanks for the unfailing support of all HKIA members, especially members of the Council, committees, task forces as well as sports and music teams, I have had the honour to serve as the President of HKIA, one of the long-standing professional institutions in Hong Kong, in the past 2 years.

Government Achievement in Land Supply

2024 is a year full of achievements, challenges, hopes as well as excitement. Due to the hard work of the Government, we can now see a promising roadmap for solving the root cause of the acute shortage of land supply in HK, as well as the long queueing time for public housing units that has haunted HK for several decades. Some people have even cautioned that there might be an over-supply of land! I think it is too early to say that, as a lot of people are still living in subdivided units and nano flats. We do need to continue working hard to improve their living conditions.

Fortunately, we have convinced the Government of the need for streamlining of the statutory procedures and tackling the fee diving problems. Streamlining is one of the important commitments of CE in the Policy Address 2024. The Government has put in place administrative measures for encouraging a more reasonable consultant fee level. While HKIA would continue to provide professional advice to Government on further enhancement of these measures, I trust that it would speed up urban development if these problems could be resolved.

We have also set up task forces and offered professional advice on architectural and urban design on major infrastructural projects like Northern Metropolis, KYC Artificial Islands and URA YTM Redevelopment, as well as Government policies on SOPL and subdivided units, to ensure sustainable development of HK meeting expectation of the community.

Imminent Challenges

Nevertheless, the current challenges faced by HKIA Registered Practices (RPs) due to the drastic decrease in new projects is imminent. It is mainly due to the slowdown in global economy in recent years, and many failed Government land sales last year, which I think is a result of the uncertainty in the real estate market. However, I am optimistic in the long run because the demand for residential units in HK is still very strong. Also, the Northern Metropolis, URA YTM Urban Renewal and other major infrastructural projects in the pipelines will offer a lot of opportunities for architects in the years ahead.

Many RPs are finding their own ways to survive the slowdown period until the economy recovers, like no-pay leave, salary cut and shrinkage of office size. HKIA has suggested the Government to adopt necessary measures to speed up public expenditure on architectural works while the private market is slow, so as to ease the financial pressures on RPs. There is positive response from the Government, with the Development Bureau, Housing Bureau and Buildings Department having approached us with various proposals which are being discussed.

To me, the international economic and political challenges faced by China are more worrying, as we are part of China. At the end of the day, we architects need to enhance our competitiveness.

Embrace New Technology

Firstly, we need to embrace new technology. In Jun 2024, we organized our first Annual Conference with the theme of “Design in the Digital and AI Era”. The GOH for that event, the Secretary for Development Bernadette Lim said in her opening remarks that we were very brave. We were indeed very brave, because AI is quite new to architects in HK. Yet we can see the potential power of digital technology and AI in the future, and we must act fast. It was quite a successful event with over a thousand online and in-person participants.

International Connections and Integration of Greater Bay Area

Secondly, we need to maintain and strengthen our international connections, and deepen the integration and interaction with our counterparts in the Greater Bay Area and other Mainland cities, in order to further elevate our overall international competitiveness through synergy of professionals in China. The goal is to join force to capture the opportunities in the Belt and Road Region. Our strength in internationalized professionalism and practices, coupled with the strong industrial base and advanced digital and AI technologies in the Mainland, will make all of us stronger.

After Covid-19 was under control, we have made the best use of the opportunities with the removal of boundary control in early 2023, and resumed collaboration and interaction with Mainland and international counterparts. We have organized numerous visits to the Greater Bay Area, Beijing, Nanking, Shanghai and other places in China, as well as to Venice, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, participating in the Venice Biennale, APEC Architects, UIA and ARCASIA activities. We have signed many MOUs with Mainland organizations on further collaboration, including the latest one with China International Contractors Association (中国对外承包工程商会) on 12 September 2024, which should help open up more job opportunities for our practices, big and small.

Our Mainland counterparts shared the same views. We have received numerous Mainland delegates in HKIA in the last 2 years. They have also simplified the process for application for the qualification of 职称 for HKIA members based in China. The mechanism for application for 职称 for architects based in HK is being discussed with the help of the Development Bureau.

At the same time, we have also signed an MOU with UKARB on 28 August 2024. Now graduates of recognized architectural programmes in HK and the UK can sit for professional examinations and become Registered Architects in both regions, facilitating academic and professional qualification mobility. It is the first time that UKARB signs such an MOU with an Asian city, which is a recognition of the high standard of architectural programmes in HK, thanks to the hard work of HKU, CUHK, Chu Hai College and CityU.

In fact, we have similar mutual recognitions with major countries in the world like the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Korea through Canberra Accord and MOUs with individual countries. We welcome talent educated in other jurisdictions to join our profession. How about one step further on mutual recognition of professional qualifications? Actually, the HKIA Council has agreed to explore such a possibility, and we will consult members.

Achievements of Architects

In spite of all the difficulties, Architects in HK continue to work hard and excel in our professional area, creating functional and yet creative buildings, both inside and outside HK, as demonstrated by the winners of the HKIA Annual Awards 2023 to 2024. We have also resumed the Cross Strait Architectural Design Award in 2024, which is an important platform for professional exchanges in the Cross-Strait Regions. The result will be announced in Q1 of 2025.

The life-time achievements of the Gold Medalist 2023 and 2024, Ar Donald Liao and Ar Rocco Yim have demonstrated the great impacts and contributions of architects on the community, in terms of architectural design, urban development, as well as societal aspect of taking care of the well-being of the underprivileged.

Architects work hard and play hard. It is exciting that our Male Volleyball Team won the Champion of RSCP Tournament while the Female Volleyball Team was the First Runner-Up, for both 2023 and 24. Also, the HKIA Soccer Team is the Champion of RSCP Tournament and First Runner-Up of BD 30th Anniversary Soccer Tournament in 2024, while the Dragon Boat Team is the First Runner-Up of Aberdeen Commercial Cup and Deep Water Bay Silver Mixed Cup. Other sports teams like Golf Team, Table Tennis Team, Badminton Team, Tennis Team also have remarkable achievements in the RSCP Tournaments.

2024 UIA Extraordinary General Assembly

In response to the war in the middle east (Gaza and Lebanon), a motion was put forward by Arab Countries at the 2024 UIA Extraordinary General Assembly held on 19 November 2024 at Kuala Lumpur, to condemn the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure, destruction of urban and natural environments, deliberate destruction of historical and cultural heritage that erases collective memory and human ingenuity, and causes severe harm to civilian populations. The motion also calls for immediate cessation of wars and conflicts, and upholding the fundamental right of every individual to life and dignified living spaces that ensure well-being, health, and safety.

The resolution was passed unanimously, which reminds us the importance of Architecture to human civilization, and the heavy responsibilities shouldered by architects.

Farewell and Good Luck!

The 2-year term of the current Council will end on 31 December, and the new Council under the leadership of President-elect Ar Julia Lau will take over the baton on 1 January 2025. I trust that they will further elevate HKIA to a new level in coming years!

Once again, thank you very much for the generous support of HKIA members in the past 2 years, and Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year of 2025 to your families!

Benny Chan Chak Bun
President of HKIA 2023-24

24 December 2024

亲爱的建筑师同伴及会员们，

在此向每一位在这个充满活力的专业大家庭中的您表示热烈的欢迎。 香港建筑师公会于1956年成立，1972年更名为香港建筑师学会。 今年是学会成立的69周年。 能够担任会长及带领我们热心投入的理事会成员一起服务学会，共同开启新篇章，满足学会不断变化的需求，是我的荣幸。 在我们前辈奠定的坚实基础上，我深信，凭借您们坚定的意志和支持，我们能一起成就更多。

对大家多年努力的建筑成就，共同建立丰富而多元化社区，大家都会感到鼓舞，互相启发。 我们的专业超越单纯的建筑设计，也反映当时社会的经济文化，塑造我们社会的基里; 创造的空间能启发、连结和提升居住者的生活空间。

今年迎来一系列挑战和机遇。 我们城市不断变化的面貌需要大家保持创新、坚韧和前瞻性。 作为建筑师，我们承担着在可持续设计方面引领的独特责任，并推广联合国可持续发展目标，以确保我们的创作不仅在美学上令人赞叹及带有启发性，还要具备环保意识和社会包容性。

我亦在此表彰会员们的辛勤和专注的工作和无私奉献的精神。 各位对卓越的承诺以及对建筑的你们热情推动着我们学会的发展。 我们要团结一致才能尝试影响政策、为我们的专业发声，编织香港为一个宜居宜游的城市，为社区作出贡献。

在前进的过程中，让我们多加合作和沟通。 我们有许多的机会向彼此学习、分享经验，突破界限。 在未来数个月中，我鼓励每一位会员多参与我们举办的活动和讨论，相信双方也会获益良多。

最后，我希望感谢我们的赞助商、行业合作伙伴，以及所有为学会活动竭尽所能的人，您们的支持对我们来说是非常重要的，能推动大家继续向前迈进。

让我们以热情和共同的愿景，一起踏上这段旅程，为香港的建筑未来而努力。

謝謝大家，願上天保佑。

谨此，

刘文君建筑师 资深会员 太平绅士
香港建筑师学会会长

Dear Members,

In this festive season, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and let's not forget those who were affected by the tragic fire, we should send our love and care to those who were unfortunate, and pray that lost souls will rest in piece. All broken hearts and disturbed ones shall stay strong and regain their strength, and get back to normal lives soonest possible...this season is about GIVING and SHARING and sending our LOVE & best wishes to both our loved ones as well as those who are less fortunate.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all my friends who have assisted and encouraged me along the election journey, leading to the new challenging role at LegCo, I could not have made it without the staunch support of many of our members and friends. I know it’s just the beginning, and I am prepared to listen to your voices and suggestions, and I will try my best endeavour to drive and make meaningful changes for our members, our profession, the institute and more.

Meanwhile, I wish you all good health, peace, happiness and a prosperous year ahead!

My Best Wishes to you & your families!

Yours sincerely,
Julia Lau, FHKIA, JP
President of HKIA

Dear Fellow Architects and Members,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all those who have supported me in my endeavours for the betterment of both our members and the profession. I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me in taking on a new role in the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, serving both the profession and the wider public. A number of ideas and policies have been advocated since 2025, and as almost three quarters of 2026 have now passed, I am pleased to report some marked progress.

2. Large Scale Building Maintenance Works
In response to my comments on large scale building maintenance for aged buildings (incidental to the Wang Fuk Court fire), the Government is moving towards an independent inspection and supervision approach, the details of which will unfold shortly. As a heavier workload for the Buildings Department is anticipated in the light of increased enquiries, additional manpower will be needed to respond and follow up; at the same time, more inspections are expected to be required to allay public concerns. Hence, there is considerable concern over the allocation of manpower for the protection of the public in respect of large scale building maintenance works.

3. Northern Metropolis & Urban-Rural Integration
The Hong Kong Institute of Architects supports the direction in which the Government is currently driving the Northern Metropolis. In March 2026, the Civil Engineering and Development Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department jointly issued the Hong Kong Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines (HKNbSDG), which will have a significant bearing on the future landscape of our built environment. This design methodology has already been adopted by some developers and is particularly pertinent to large scale projects.

For smaller scale projects, such as guesthouses and small scale tourist facilities, I have been advocating since 2023 that the Government encourage and permit hostels and guesthouses of creative design, in place of the standard village house design, so as to attract both local and overseas tourists. With regard to New Territories old house lots and the typical New Territories Exempted House, the latter now permits the first and second floors to be put to commercial use, with two locations as pilot cases (Yin Kong and Ho Sheung Heung); the Government has indicated that the policy will be reviewed in due course. The Buildings Department has also introduced a self-certification system, with fast-track processing procedures, for plan submissions in respect of certain "simple structural works" — and it should not be overlooked that the Building (Administration) Regulations likewise permit self-certification for structures under 10 metres in height. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has further responded to our advocacy by allocating a fund of HK$200 million for Urban-Rural Integration projects.

Four guidelines have now been issued in relation to guesthouse and food business licence applications:

•           Guide to Food Business Licence Application in Countryside Areas

•           Guide to Guesthouse Licence Application in Countryside Areas

•           A Guide to Licence Application for Guesthouse in Village House (under the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance, Chapter 349)

•           A Guide to Licence Application for Guesthouse (Holiday Camp), covering building, caravan and tent campsites (under the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance, Chapter 349)

I trust that these new guidelines will continue to be refined, so as to assist designers in designing and building better dwelling places, as well as enjoyable and inspiring places for all to share. This will bring new hope to existing villagers, revitalise their villages, safeguard their heritage (where it merits preservation), and strike the right balance between conservation and development.

4. Beautiful Bays
Riding on the selection of Mirs Bay as an "outstanding example" in the fourth batch of the national "Beautiful Bays", Hong Kong should capitalise not only on Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Tung Ping Chau Marine Park, but should also devise eco-tourism routes to attract both local and overseas tourists. The Government is planning to launch a series of eco-tourism routes, and we shall continue to advocate eco-powered sightseeing cruises and boats, together with smart mobility-on-demand travel, so that the public may better enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hong Kong.

5. Due Diligence Report
I shall, of course, continue to advocate the need for a "Due Diligence Report" for property sales, so as to preclude buyers from claiming that they were unaware of deviations from approved plans. Where no plans exist, such a report can help identify precisely what the buyer is acquiring and make the buyer aware of the responsibilities that come with ownership.

6. HKIA Academy
The lessons upcoming in October comprise a series on "Curtain Wall", to be delivered by specialist Mr Dominic Yu on 12, 22, 26 and 29 October. We trust these will prove useful to practitioners in our industry, and we look forward to seeing you there.

7. HKIA 70th Anniversary
The year 2026 (the Year of the Horse) also marks our 70th Anniversary. We held a logo design competition earlier in the year and produced a stamp pad as a souvenir. We have likewise organised a series of walking tours and a photography competition to commemorate the occasion, and have collaborated with the Urban Renewal Authority on the public art "Community Installations" in the Central area.

Coming up on 24 and 25 November is the HKIA International Symposium, which will feature 17 speakers from Hong Kong and overseas. The Cross-Strait Architectural Design Awards will be presented at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The results of the Gold Medal Recipient, the Annual Awards and the Young Architect Award will be announced at our Annual Dinner at Grand Ballroom, 16/F, Hopewell Hotel on 25 November. Please do join us in this special occasion celebrating our 70th Anniversary.

Yours sincerely,

Julia Lau, FHKIA, CMILT, JP
President of HKIA