Ms Bernadette Linn was appointed the Secretary for Development on 1 July 2022.

Ms Linn joined the Administrative Service in 1989 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 in 2019. She served in various bureaux and departments, including appointments as Deputy Secretary for Education in 2005, Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury) in 2008, Private Secretary to the Chief Executive in 2010, Director of Lands in 2012 and Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands) in 2017.

Ms Linn holds a Bachelor Degree from the University of Hong Kong (major in Literature) and a Master Degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (major in Communication Studies).



Presentation Topic:

Northern Metropolis: A Strategic Growth Area Ideal for People to Live, Work and Travel

As a major hub for Hong Kong to capitalise on as well as contribute to the overall development of our country, the Northern Metropolis will become a key co-operation platform between Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area cities, a new engine for Hong Kong to scale new heights, as well as a major source of future land supply for Hong Kong. Under a new industry pattern of “South-North dual engine (finance - I&T)”, the process of transforming the northern parts of Hong Kong from a traditional rural area into a new area for economic growth, ideal for people to live, work and travel, comes with it many challenges but also boundless opportunities.

This presentation will provide an overview of the development of the Northern Metropolis, as well as how the HKSAR Government has been addressing various development hurdles through innovative thinking in order to seize the opportunities brought by the development of our country.

Prof. Ling Kar-kan is a professional town planner. He was the Director of Planning of the HKSAR Government (2012-2016), President of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (2007-2009) and Director of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (2017-2023). He was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2017 and InnoStars Award 2021. He is now the Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) and Director of Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). He serves the community as the Chairman of the Hong Kong Housing Society and Chairman of the Country and Marine Parks Board. He is also the Adjunct Professor of the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Professor of Practice (Planning) of PolyU.



Presentation Topic:

Northern Metropolis Development —— Community Making Opportunities and Challenges

Not only unleashing huge potential for housing provision, the development of Northern Metropolis also provides Hong Kong with an unprecedented impetus to trigger innovation and technology industry as our second economic engine.

Hong Kong as a whole presently focuses on the planning and development process of the Northern Metropolis, relating to land assembly, infrastructure provision, ecological protection, housing construction, and high-tech job creation. J.C.DISI advocates that we should start to pay attention to the importance of community making in the Northern Metropolis in view of the anticipated rapid increase of both residential and working population driven by the development effort of the Government.

Whilst Hong Kong is an aging city, the Northern Metropolis will be our youngest area due to the influx of a large number of young families. Interestingly, Shenzhen is the youngest Mainland city according to the 2020 national population census. When these two youngest urban areas are in close proximity, numerous innovative community interactions will happen.

The Northern Metropolis has an existing population of around one million and is abundant in ecological and heritage resources. Its future total population is expected to increase to 2.5 million. However, it currently lacks educational, medical, business, cultural, sports, and recreational facilities of metropolitan standard. Such situation presents both challenges and opportunities for making sustainable and inclusive communities in the Northern Metropolis, which is worthy of our consideration and exploration. The speaker will share his views and suggestions with his background as a seasoned town planner.

Dr Ivy WONG received her PhD in Planning (2014) from the University of British Columbia, Master of Development Planning (2004) with High Distinction from the University of Queensland, and BSc (Hons) in Real Estate (1998) from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Dr WONG focuses her academic research on urban-rural planning and governance. Between 2015 and 2020, she secured four external research grants (as Principal Investigator) with a total funding amount of approximately HK$3,330,000. These projects include one Early Career Scheme (ECS) project on rural shareholding cooperatives, one General Research Fund (GRF) project on village redevelopment, and two Ford Foundation projects on community governance in periurban China. The second Ford Foundation (2019-2020) project successfully received a matching grant from the Research Grant Council of the Hong Kong University Grants Committee, which supports Dr Wong’s pursuit of comparative studies on community planning and governance in China and the West.

Dr WONG has linked her research output into a set of inter-related development planning issues, including urban-rural planning for sustainable development, rural property rights reforms for social equities, participatory community planning for capacity building, and countryside conservation. Such issues are enormously consequential for not only China but other regions and nations in the midst of their urban transitions. Her research findings have been widely published in top international academic journals.



Presentation Topic:

Community Building in Urban-rural Integration: Lessons from a Yiwu Village, Zhejiang

Over the past two decades, the implementation of integrated urban-rural development has resulted in the rejuvenation of numerous traditional villages in Zhejiang Province. These villages have not only transformed into high-quality and promising communities for residents, but also emerged as a new driving force for local economic development. Using A Village in Yiwu as a case study, this study will demonstrate the local government's engagement with village leaders, residents, and external investors for economic progress, as well as for welfare services and cultural advancement. The insights gained from this case will be examined in terms of their applications and policy implications for promoting sustainable urban-rural integration through community development, particularly in the context of Hong Kong's northern metropolis development strategy.

Dr Billy HAU got his PhD in The University of Hong Kong (HKU) on forest ecology. He is a terrestrial ecologist and a conservationist. His research focus is ecological restoration, especially for terrestrial habitats in degraded tropical East Asia. He aims to bring back native forest and the associated forest biodiversity into the degraded landscape in Hong Kong and South China. On the other hand, he has been a key ecologist in sustainable rural revitalization projects in Long Valley and Lai Chi Wo respectively.

He is also interested in promoting urban biodiversity through applied research. He is a local expert in ecological restoration on man-made slopes and natural terrains and often engaged in contract research projects on slopes in Hong Kong. His contribution to the “Comprehensive Street Tree Management Plan for Hong Kong” for the Development Bureau in promoting urban biodiversity through the planting of appropriate tree species in urban Hong Kong has made him a Winner in Landscape Policy and Research of the Landscape Institute Awards 2014 (UK).

In terms of professional services, he has served various environmental NGOs and government committees on ecology and conservation.



Presentation Topic:

The Northern Metropolis Development and Urban-rural Integration from the Perspective of An Indigenous Villager

Urban development in rural Hong Kong has a long history, with the development footprint expanding deeper into the New Territories. The Northern Metropolis Development Strategy has emphasized the importance of urban-rural integration, although the details have yet to be released. As an indigenous villager from Sheung Shui and a former Town Planning Board Member, I am deeply concerned about the potential implications of this development strategy to the village populations. When we look back at past new town developments in Hong Kong, such as Tsuen Wan, Shatin, and Tai Po, urban-rural integration was not given the attention it deserved. As such, we have no relevant examples to draw from in Hong Kong. In this presentation, I will explore the challenges and opportunities of urban-rural integration in the Northern Metropolis and provide recommendations on how to address them.

Kam worked in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Singapore and the United States and possesses project experiences from Taiwan and Vietnam covering strategic consulting, master planning, urban design, station-area development and sustainable development consulting etc., among which are projects receiving the HKIP Awards 2004, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 & 2022.

He holds a doctorate in architecture from the University of Cambridge, master's degrees in city planning and civil engineering from UC Berkeley, and an MBA from the executive programme of CUHK. He is a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP), Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design (HKIUD), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and a LEED ND Authorized Person of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). He continually publishes in professional journals and conference proceedings, and is currently appointed as the vice chairman of the Planners Registration Board in Hong Kong, a member in the Audit Committee of the Hong Kong Housing Society, an Adjunct Associate Professor of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Hong Kong and expert advisors for various organisations in the Greater Bay Area of China.



Presentation Topic:

Who, Where and How: Planning and Design Strategies to Leverage 15-Minute Communities

During the time when the French scholar Carlos Moreno coined the term "15-Minute City" in 2016, many cities also adopted time catchments for daily necessities as a strategic goal for urban development or a key performance indicator for spatial planning. This sharing aims to combine planning theories and practical cases to explore how to properly apply principles for land use disposition such as "single site, multiple uses" and urban design guidelines such as "public interface for private development" under the framework of 15-Minute Community. By selectively adopting these principles and guidelines based on the spatial characteristics and people's needs in different districts, we envision the creation of a people-oriented and healthy city.

Dr SHAN Liang is one of the top planning experts in China. Throughout his 26-year career, he has directed and participated in hundreds of projects in urban planning, consultancy and research, including the “International Consultation on the Starting Area of Xiong'an New Area”, “Overall Urban Design of Shenzhen”, “Urban Design Formulation Technical Regulation”, “Xiangmihu New Financial Center” etc. He has also been overseeing the planning and construction of Qianhai and other key areas in Shenzhen, and served as the Chief Designer of Xiangmihu Area.

Dr SHAN has won nearly 100 awards at home and abroad. Amongst them are the "Shenzhen Mountains-Sea-City Connection Plan", which won Shenzhen’s top planning award, Golden Bull Award; “Shenzhen International Lowcarbon City”, “Western Vibrant Marine Corridor”, “Shenzhen Greenway Network” and other projects, which won seven National First Prizes in Planning and Design thus far. “Qianhai Innovative Urban Design and Construction Techniques in High-density Urban Central Area” also won Third Prize of Science and Technology Progress Award of China Urban Planning Association.



Presentation Topic:

Home is where the heart is: Planning and Place-making of Shenzhen's 15-Minute Community

"Once you arrive, you are a Shenzhener!" has always been Shenzhen’s goal. To provide residents of this mega immigrant city with a settling and reassuring experience, the planning and place-making of a 15-minute community with a sense of belonging and identity play an important role. Shenzhen has conducted "Urban Health Checks" and "Seven Excellences of Living Environment" to fully understand patterns and spatial needs of residents. Also, to match Shenzhen’s characteristics of "super large city, ultra-high density, super high-traffic," and to respond to the "Complete Residential Community Construction Guidelines" issued by China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Shenzhen has formulated the "Shenzhen Green and Beautiful Complete Community Construction Guidelines". This highlights the characteristics of "City connected to mountains and seas, green and beautiful Shenzhen" and promote refined community governance. In addition, Shenzhen has also explored child-friendly communities, co-created community gardens, which can provide inspirations for Hong Kong’s development of its Northern Metropolis.

Francis NGAI is the Founder of Social Ventures Hong Kong (SVhk, sv-hk.org). As an Impact Designer of cities of the future, Francis has dedicated his career since 2007 to starting and incubating hundreds of social innovation projects. His portfolio of innovations includes Hong Kong's first venture philanthropic fund, and social start-ups such as Green Monday, Light Be, Playtao Education, the co-working space HATCH, the co-caring space COMM.ON, and more.

To empower the social purpose ecosystem with new urban movements such as "Purpose Business and Start Ups", "Exponential Philanthropy", and "Impact Storytelling", Francis co-founded SONOVA and COSMOS with partners from SVhk. SONOVA and COSMOS provide professional advisory on impact communications, ecosystem capacity building, and collaboration support to corporates, foundations, social purpose organizations (SPOs), and the public sector to work towards impact together. To nurture the next generation of changemakers, Francis has actively led impact talent programs to pioneer new models of purpose leadership, such as youth apprenticeships in Creative Beings @ Sham Shui Po, impact holidays in the House of Social Innovators, and impactful internships in the Social Leaders Programme.

Francis is a frequent inspirational speaker at various local and international platforms. He believes that in this era of Impact Renaissance, we need to focus on changing the ways that change is made. Francis was recognized as an Honorary Fellow of the City University of Hong Kong and the Education University of Hong Kong. He was also selected as one of Hong Kong's Ten Outstanding Young Persons and a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum.



Presentation Topic:

Generative Community Impact: How Cross-sector Software Rejuvenates Hardware Development

Like a living organism, a community should be able to breathe, feel, grow, and connect. Beyond just utilizing physical space to build infrastructure, do we spend enough time and effort considering the actual needs of various stakeholders? Are there ways to bring new innovations and increased diversity? How can we ensure the neighborhood grows in a positive, impactful direction?

Through our collaboration with the Urban Renewal Authority of Hong Kong over the past few years, we have recently developed a "Community Makers' Guide." This guide aims to promote the importance of "software" -social innovation, cross-sector collaboration, community economies, and purpose-driven businesses – in developing a district, in addition to the physical "hardware." We hope different stakeholders in the city can work collaboratively to build a future neighborhood model.

Schwinger WONG Chi-kit was a registered occupational therapist and the first Chinese accredited trainer for Dementia Care Mapping in his early years of career. Being a front-line therapist and service development roles, he advocated holistic and seamless healthcare through the use of technology, exemplified by his award winning projects like “Brain Fitness Gym” (Grand Award at Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) 2010 Awards), “eElderly” (Bronze Award at HK ICT Awards) and “Smart Use of ICT for Frail Elders” (Silver Award at Hong Kong ICT Awards 2013). When he devotes and shifts more efforts to NGO’s management, he champions telehealth platforms and technological advancement to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness. In his present capacity as the Assistant Chief Executive of Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong (ELCHK), Schwinger has been providing a strategic direction on ELCHK’s information technology development, pioneering technological solutions in primary healthcare development and community-based rehabilitation at Tuen Mun District Health Centre as well as spearheading innovative approaches in social housing.

With his diverse background in clinical services as well as proficiency in managing multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral projects, he has revolutionised traditional service delivery processes with person-centered focus, application of assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering.



Presentation Topic:

Crafting a Network-Centric Model for Community Service Innovation

In 2022, Hong Kong became a "super-aged society," with the elderly population exceeding 20%. The United Nations predicts that by 2050, the population aged 65 and above will reach 40.6%. Under these circumstances, it is crucial to explore how the Northern Metropolis can become an inclusive, safe, comfortable, and sustainable living environment.

To achieve this goal, multiple aspects need to be planned. Firstly, urban planning should popularise barrier-free facilities, enabling the elderly to move independently and safely. Secondly, the community should provide diverse and convenient medical care services to ensure the health of the elderly. Additionally, smart technologies such as smart homes and health monitoring systems can enhance living convenience. Lastly, establishing a supportive community environment that promotes interaction and support among different age groups can reduce feelings of loneliness. Through these measures, we can build an ideal and sustainable elderly-friendly community, allowing every elderly person to enjoy their later years in peace.

Prof. MAN Hau-chung is Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Director of PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Director of University Research Facility in 3D Printing, Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor in Manufacturing Engineering and Chair PolyU Professor of Materials Engineering. Prof. MAN is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, UK, a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences, a Fellow of the Laser Institute of America and a member of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.

After obtaining his PhD in Laser Materials Processing from Imperial College of Science, Engineering and Medicine, University of London, Prof. MAN worked in the UK industry for a few years before teaching in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His research interests include high-power laser welding, cutting and surface engineering, advanced manufacturing technologies, corrosion and materials technologies. He has published over 200 papers and holds five patents. He is currently an editor for the academic journal Surface and Coatings Technology.

In 2016, Prof. MAN founded the Department of Aerospace and Aviation Engineering under the Faculty of Engineering at PolyU to support related research and cultivate local engineers, aiming to help Hong Kong become a key global aviation hub.

Apart from his outstanding academic achievements, Prof. MAN is a native of Yuen Long, where he grew up, and served as the former indigenous inhabitant representative of Chau Tau Tsuen, dedicating over 20 years to serving the villagers.

A senior Cantonese opera performing artist, Prof. Yuen Siu-fai devotes to the art of opera throughout his life and committed to the inheritance and promotion of Cantonese opera. Over the years, he has won numerous awards, including the “Artist of the Year”, “BH Honorary Medal”, “Artistic Achievement Award”, and “Award for Outstanding Contribution in Arts”. In 2012, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Education University of Hong Kong. In 2014, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government awarded him the Bronze Bauhinia Star.

His influence extends beyond the stage. He currently serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Music at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Education University of Hong Kong, the Artistic Director of the One Table Two Chairs Charitable Foundation Limited, a council member of the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association, an expert advisor on museums (Cantonese opera) for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong, and a member of the advisory committee on opera for the West Kowloon Cultural District.

His publications include "阮兆輝棄學學戲弟子不為為子弟", "生生不息薪火傳─粵劇生行基礎知識", "此生無悔此生", "此生無悔付氍毹", and "此生歲月堪回首".

Ms Monita KO currently serves as the Development and Marketing Director at the Hong Kong Housing Society, where she oversees the planning and development of various types of subsidized housing projects from their inception through to marketing stages. She has wide ranging experience in both public and private sectors of real estate.

In her previous position with a leading railway company, Ms KO played a key role in numerous large-scale composite property development projects. These initiatives required her expertise in navigating diversified town planning and land administrative matters, as well as managing property tendering and sales activities. Additionally, she took a significant part in the strategic business planning and feasibility studies for the company’s development opportunities, both locally and internationally.

Ms KO is a Registered Professional Surveyor (General Practice) and a member of both the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Sharon LIU is currently the General Manager – Town Planning in MTR Corporation, leading master planning of mixed-use property developments along railway corridors, including stations, depots and facilities.

On expanding the rail and property portfolio, she is responsible for feasibility studies to generate development proposals for new railway lines, including those under the Railway Development Strategy, and to pioneer rezoning for housing land along existing railway lines.

In addition to projects in Hong Kong, she has been involved in business developments in Mainland China, Europe, and Australia.

Sharon LIU served as the Vice President of The Hong Kong Institute of Planners, and member of the Land and Development Advisory Committee - Planning Sub-Committee. She is currently member of The Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation, and member of The Hong Kong Housing Society.

She graduated from The University of Nottingham UK, for undergraduate and master degrees in Town Planning. She obtained the Master of Business Administration at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She is a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners, Registered Professional Planner in Hong Kong, and possessed the Mainland China Planners qualification.

Vincent TANG joined Pok Oi Hospital Board as Chief Executive Officer in July 2023.

Before that, he worked in the Government as an administrative grade officer for 32 years serving a number of Bureaus and departments including Home Affairs, Social Welfare, Financial Services and Treasury, Housing, Environment Protection, Innovation and Technology Commission as well as Invest Hong Kong.

He is rich in management experience and is keen to continue contributing his time, knowledge and energy to serve the community.