Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick, Chief Executive Officer of RIBA, made their inaugural visit to Hong Kong in December 2024, celebrating the occasion alongside representatives from various sectors, including the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, the Department of Business and Trade (DBT), the British Consulate General (BCG), leaders from the profession, and members of the Hong Kong Chapter Committee.
RIBA International Councillor for Asia and Australasia, welcomed Valerie and esteemed guests. During her address, Dr. Vaughan-Dick shared her vision for RIBA, emphasising on initiatives such as the House of Architecture project, RIBA collections, and the organisation's commitment to climate action and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This visit to Hong Kong included impactful meetings with prominent figures in the profession, such as Thomas Heatherwick, Colin Ward, Eric Yim, Ken Wai, Stefan Krummeck, Peter Morley, Ir Dr Anne Kerr, Nelson Chen, David Robbinson, Ross Milne, Steven Phillips, and Richard Wood.
Valerie's speech during the VIP dinner explained the House of Architecture projects, the collection, and the digitalisation of the collection and, therefore, the need for funds to undertake all these. Some members who attended expressed support and willingness to join task groups and work with RIBA on this herculean task.
Members of the Hong Kong Chapter committee and representatives from the international architectural practices were also present, showing strong support for RIBA and the connections with Hong Kong.
The architectural community in the region looks forward to welcoming Valerie and the team again in the near future and supporting her plans for RIBA.
RIBA Hong Kong Chapter and International Councillor Dr. Ruffina Thilakaratne hosted a Stakeholder Engagement Forum on 20 January 2025 in Hong Kong. Belinda Irlam-Mowbray, RIBA's Interim Executive Director for Membership Experience, led the focus group discussion with representatives from academia, professional institutes, large and emerging practices, and the DBT, BCG. Thirty-five representatives joined the discussion providing insights from their respective groups. The aim was to gather insights and opinions that will help shape the international strategy.
Asia and Australasia is the largest region, comprising three chapters: Hong Kong, China, and Singapore. RIBA Hong Kong Chapter represents nearly 1,000 members and therefore the largest international chapter. After 12 years of steady growth, enhancing member engagement, and contributing to both the profession and the community, RIBA is eager to identify priorities and collaboration opportunities to improve membership services for the chapter and the region.
Key themes that emerged from the discussions included:
- Knowledge exchange and collaboration opportunities
- Joint Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives between institutes
- Resources and regulatory advice tailored for practices
- Internationally recognized standards for practices
- Membership pathways for academics
- Mentorship programs
Belinda met with several prominent figures, including Ar. Julia Lau JP, President of the HKIA; renowned architects Rocco Yim, Sada Lam, and James Pierce from the Oval Partnership; Peter Brannan from SOM; Ray Yuen and Christopher Lye from Woods Bagot; Yuki Taida and Alexandra Byrne from Studio PDP; Richard Dorkin from RYDER; Benjamin Chan and Andrew Reid from LWK; and Ulrich Kirchhoff from the Department of Architecture at HKU.
Additionally, she facilitated a stakeholder engagement forum that brought together 35 members from various practices, academia, institutes, and the chapter committee.
The Hong Kong Chapter extended their sincere gratitude to all representatives for sharing valuable feedback and insights. A special thanks to Emma England, Dianna Tang, and Mandi Tong for their support in organising this event.
About RIBA Hong Kong Chapter
With over 1,000 members in Hong Kong, the RIBA Hong Kong Chapter celebrates and showcases all that the membership has to offer in the region. It supports its members locally through a series of networking opportunities, a programme of building tours with a focus on revitalisation projects in Hong Kong, and providing a forum for local activities and debate.
Since the chapter’s establishment in 2012, it has introduced a collaborative programme of events based on themes that are firmly embedded in Hong Kong culture. Hong Kong is a perfect base for RIBA to build upon existing relationships with the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), explore new connections and promote the important role of architecture throughout the wider region. The chapter also provides a platform for RIBA and RIBA Members to connect with colleagues in mainland China and throughout the wider Asia Pacific region. The chapter exists for its members and invites all who are new to the region to be a part of this thriving architectural community.
You can find out more information about RIBA Hong Kong Chapter here.
