Role of the Private Sector

Drawing on the opportunities outlined in the previous session, we will examine the role of the private sector and how it can support the development of Hong Kong’s future living. The private sector can add huge value to these projects not only in the form of collaboration but also through their operational, design and execution expertise to name just a few. During this session, we will share case studies to illustrate where the private sector has provided support internationally, explore new approaches for partnering with the private sector, and what the key considerations are for a successful partnership model.

About the speakers

A market-leader in the Real Estate, Hospitality and Project sectors, Andrew has extensive experience in dealing with infrastructure developments, mixed-use and hospitality & leisure projects. During his 25 years in Asia he has been representing developers, owners, institutional investors, governments and statutory corporations. His practice involves projects throughout Asia and he is best known for his work across Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, Vietnam and Thailand. 

Carmen Lee is an accountant by profession. She is the CFO of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. Before she joined the Authority in 2020, she held various senior positions in Bouygues Construction Group in Hong Kong and the UK where she has gained local and overseas experience in construction, post-acquisition integration, business start-up, tender and operation & management of public-private partnership projects.

Chris Law is an acknowledged leading expert and practitioner on sustainable urbanism. He advises governments, the corporate sector, and contributes at academic and professional conferences on the subject. He is an ardent supporter of community participation and encourages this form of engagement across social, ecological, and economic capital aspects in the placemaking process.

Chris founded The Oval Partnership with Patrick Bruce in 1992, and is a director of its subsidiary, the sustainable and smart city action research group INTEGER that develops many ground-breaking initiatives in sustainable development. Under his leadership, The Oval Partnership developed the Open City design principle and transmedia narrative methodology, manifested in the award-winning Sanlitun Taikoo Li Beijing and Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu projects. He is member of a number of public sector committees in Hong Kong including the Antiquities Advisory Board, the Urban Design Advisory Group and the Community Involvement Committee on Greening of the Development Bureau, and the Development Committee of the West Kowloon Cultural District. He is Chairman of the UNESCO top award-winning heritage conservation and community participatory Viva Blue House in Hong Kong, and Chairman of the Community Development Committee of the St James' Settlement. He is the chief curator and founder of the public space action research organization Very Hong Kong and its community land place making initiative Collaborate Hong Kong. A graduate of Stonyhurst College and the Bartlett School of Architecture UCL, Chris was made an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects for his contribution to Architecture. He is a Justice of the Peace of the Hong Kong SAR.

Donald Choi is an architect and currently Chief Executive Officer of Chinachem Group. He has over 30 years’ experience of striving to improve the built environment and has worked as a professional architect globally. Previously MD of the Nan Fung Group and a Director of Foster & Partners, Donald has provided professional services for the HK Government, Airport Authority, MTR Corporation, Urban Renewal Authority, Public Works Canada and British Columbia Buildings Corporation. Alongside his professional career, he has held multiple leadership roles in NGOs and professional bodies that focus on design, innovation and the community. He is currently Trustee of Rhode Island School of Design, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects and the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design.

Simon Booker is a Partner in PwC’s Hong Kong office. He specialises in Infrastructure advisory, due diligence, and corporate finance advisory. He has a particular sector focus in transport, healthcare and social infrastructure and the regulated utility sectors including energy and water. Simon has worked in Hong Kong and China for much of the past ten years. Simon has advised on landmark Hong Kong and China infrastructure projects, including the Hong Kong Macau Zhuhai Bridge, Hong Kong International Airport, the new Beijing International Airport, Fujian toll roads, and Hong Kong Disneyland. He has supported key Chinese outbound investors in their consideration of acquisition opportunities throughout the wider region.

*More speakers to be announced*

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