Guest of honour Dr Raymond So Wai-man addresses more than 300 industry leaders on the theme: "Developing Novel Solutions to Hong Kong's Housing and Land Supply Dilemma"

 

HONG KONG, CHINA -- 22 September 2018 - Hong Kong's mounting housing supply challenges were held up to diligent scrutiny at the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors' (HKIS) Annual Conference 2018, which today (22 September) welcomed more than 300 industry leaders, academics and government officials to a packed programme of instructive talks hosted at the JW Marriott Hong Kong.

 

Established in 1984, the HKIS boasts more than 10,000 members and is the only surveying professional body incorporated by ordinance in Hong Kong. As the group's flagship event, the Annual Conference is one of the region's most high-profile gatherings for industry leaders and professionals from the government and private sector. 

 

Dr Raymond So Wai-man, BBS, JP, the Government of Hong Kong's Under Secretary for Transport and Housing, attended as the event's Guest of Honour, opening proceedings with a keynote speech addressing the official conference theme: "Developing Novel Solutions to Hong Kong's Housing and Land Supply Dilemma".

 

The programme of 8 guest speakers began with the opening remarks of sitting HKIS President Sr Dick Kwok Ngok-chung, who told attendees: "The goal of the HKIS Annual Conference 2018 is to offer a constructive platform for stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to gather, share inspiration and work towards practical solutions to the challenges facing our city moving forward.

 

"Supplying adequate housing to meet the needs of our growing population may be one of the greatest trials facing Hong Kong -- but for the region's surveying professionals, it also creates unprecedented opportunities. It is our duty as a profession to work towards both supporting our existing infrastructure, and fuelling future growth and prosperity in the city, and beyond."

 

Among the most keenly anticipated lectures was that by Mr Stanley Wong Yuen-fai, Chairman of both the Government of Hong Kong's Task Force on Land Supply, and Hong Kong Housing Authority's Subsidised Housing Committee -- amongst other official titles -- who addressed the government's ongoing public consultation at a session entitled "Land for Hong Kong: Our Home, Our Say! -- Public Engagement Exercise of Task Force on Land Supply".

 

Split into a mix of expert speakers and constructive Q&A sessions, other pertinent programme themes included "Marine Wisdom to Solve the Land Supply Issue in Hong Kong", "Land for Private or Public Housing?" and "Unlocking Supply in the Secondary Market".

 

"I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to all of you for participating in the Annual Conference to share your views and passion on topics so dear to our hearts." said Sr Winnie Shiu, HKIS Vice-President and Chairlady of the HKIS Annual Conference Organising Committee." Through the deliberations of the speakers and ensuing exchange of ideas amongst the participants, many novel solutions have been rolled out or conceived to tackle Hong Kong's on housing and Land supply dilemma. We look forward to seeing you again at our next Annual Conference. Thank you!. (mor/*).