AIA Hong Kong AGM & Building Regional Practices Symposium

Dear Members and Friends of AIA Hong Kong

Over the past three years, AIA Hong Kong members have explored Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Manila, gaining firsthand insights into Southeast Asia's dynamic architectural landscape. This symposium will bring that regional exposure home to Hong Kong, offering architects a comprehensive understanding of the complex geopolitical, cultural, and environmental factors shaping practice opportunities across the region.

Structured discussions, supported by real-world case studies and professional expertise, will facilitate meaningful exchanges between practitioners, clients, and industry stakeholders. Rather than theoretical exploration, the panel will focus on practical knowledge-sharing with professionals who are actively working at various scales throughout this part of the world.

The networking luncheon will feature speakers with current and recent project experience, providing participants with actionable insights into regional practice realities. The goal is to extend our understanding beyond concepts to practical knowledge that can foster meaningful collaboration among practitioners.

This symposium represents an opportunity to explore Southeast Asian practice from Hong Kong's strategic vantage point, connecting attendees with experienced practitioners who understand the diverse design approaches necessary for success across these rapidly evolving markets.

Thank you to our sponsors, AHEC and AECOM, for supporting this event, as well as to our supporting organizations: HKIA, RAIA International Chapter, RIBA Hong Kong Chapter, and UAP Hong Kong.

Details

Date

October 25, 2025 (Saturday)

Time

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Venue

Miller Theater, Asia Society

CES

5.0 LUs/HSW

Fee

AGM: Gratis

Symposium: $100 – Student Members

$200 – AIA Members

$300 – Supporting Organizations Members

$400 – Non-members

(Simple lunch is included)

Program

9:30 - 10:15 AM
AIA Hong Kong AGM (AIA Hong Kong Members Only)

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Building Regional Practices: Southeast Asia Showcases

10:00 AM
Reception starts for all registrants

10:30 - 10:45 AM
Opening Remarks

The Southeast Asian region comprises 10 countries, each with unique socio-political structures, diverse cultures, and varying rural and urban conditions. Architects must navigate these complexities to design effectively and contribute to sustainable development.

John Chan, Regional Director, AHEC

10:45 - 11:45 AM
Context: Vietnam / Philippines / Thailand
A Showcase of Collaboration

Collaborations between clients and international and/or local architects is critical for producing contextually appropriate and impactful projects. This session will explore the dynamics of such partnerships, highlighting challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned.

Speakers

• Stefano Tronci RIBA LEED AP BD+C WELL AP + Faculty Green Mark Associate Fitwel Ambassador RESET AP, Associate Principal – Asia Pacific Sustainability Lead, SOM
• Yee Tak Lau AIA RIBA HKIA 1RA PRC LEED AP, Director, KPF

Moderator

• Shannon Ho AIA HKIA LEED AP BEAM Pro, Executive Director, AEDAS
  Vice President 2025, AIA Hong Kong,

Short Break

11:50 AM - 12:50 PM
Context: Vietnam / Indonesia / Thailand
Innovating and Creating New Opportunities

Southeast Asia offers architects many opportunities to achieve climate-resilient design, cross-border ASEAN partnerships and community-focused projects. Digital transformation enables smart city integration and regional collaboration. Alternative models include design-build, real estate partnerships and material innovation. Success requires that we understand and adapt to local complexities rather than impose “fixed” thinking on the region's rapid development. How might we leverage the SEA context for architectural innovations and business opportunities?

Speakers

• Wesley Ho Assoc AIA, Co-founder and Design Director, Napp Studio
• Kwanho Li HKIA, Co-founder and Partner, MLKK Studio

Moderator

• Scott Brooks Affiliate AIA, Director, Imagennix
  Chair, 2025 H&A Committee, AIA Hong Kong

12:50 - 2:20 PM
Casual Lunch
Open tables for lunch and discussions with a "Challenge-Response Framework for International Practice Development" as it relates to exploring Southeast Asia Market.

2:20 - 3:30 PM
Context: Singapore / Thailand
Streetscape, Domesticity and Housing

From Singapore to Vietnam, Southeast Asia is a testing ground for high-density living. How might we explore architectural innovations on our streets, that lead to social interactions? How might we create large-scale solutions for affordable and sustainable housing? How might we plan our urban environments to address social equity, urban planning, and positive environmental impact?

Speakers

• Prof. Eunice Seng, Head of Department/Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, University of Hong Kong
• Peter Brannan, Managing Director, Asia Pacific & MENA, Arquitectonica
• Jonah Ing AIA, Senior Manager, Projects, Swire Properties

Moderator

• Eric Ho AIA LEED AP, Co-founder and Director, Architecture Commons
  President 2025, AIA Hong Kong

Short Break

3:40 - 4:40 PM
AECOM Showcase: Cultural Landscape

This panel will explore how nature, urban design, and architecture collectively shape Southeast Asia’s cultural landscape at various scales. By examining the interplay between natural elements and cultural traditions, we can identify valuable cues, and clues, from their evolving trajectories. These insights guide us in designing projects — whether small- or large-scale — that are both contextually sensitive and future-ready. Integrating ecological awareness with cultural understanding will ensure that our interventions honor local heritage while adapting to ever-changing environments.

Speaker

• David D. Jung FASLA, Principal/Vice President, Landscape Architecture Asia, AECOM

4:40 - 4:50 PM
Closing Remarks