Dear Professionals,  

 

I am Julia Lau, an “Architect” by profession, and currently President of the HKIA.  First of all, I would like to thank all my nominators and supporters for their encouragement and support for entering this election.

 

While I was trained and practicing as an architect, I also have a master degree in “Transport Policy and Planning”, which helps when working on master planning and design.  Having grown up in Oregon for some years, I would also describe myself as a gentle environmentalist.  

 

I have accumulated over 30 years of professional knowledge and experience, with my most significant project being the “Kowloon Station Development” (which includes ICC, the tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong).  My public service experience relating to development covers cemeteries management, public housing, Town Planning Board submissions hearing, EIA hearings, Waste Management, Conservation etc.  Relating to education& culture, I have served on the Council for PolyU for 7 years, and The HK Academy for Performing Arts for 6 years. I am still a staunch supporter of the HK Arts Center after serving them for over 10 years.  Having served HK Housing Society for over 10 years, I am currently serving on their Supervisory Board.  I am also member of the Northern Metropolis Advisory Committee on Transport & Infrastructure, as well as Heung Yee Kuk (HYK) Co-opt Councilor.  HYK also tender their full support for me in entering the election as well; and,

I am also a member of the Advisory Committee on Countryside Conservation.  I am confident that I can act as the “BRIDGE” between various involved stakeholders to help realize the “Urban-Rural Integration” for a better built environment for the people of Hong Kong.

 

For the future Northern Metropolis, I envision that we will have more opportunities to integrate refreshing sustainable design melting the green landscape features into the built environment. Landscape Architects shall be given more opportunities to tender /take lead on public open space projects.  I shall continue to advocate a “One Stop Central Approving Authority” and “self-certification” for simple structures to speed up projects to create work and stimulate the economy.  

 

To attract & discover young talents and engage them to be connected with the building industry, we can consider something like a “1% Art Policy” in development to raise the image of Hong Kong being a “Creative Smart City”

 

Large scale “Public Works/Infrastructure” should employ independent QS to ensure that “public money” is well spent!  

 

For the vast numbers (some 30,000 nos) of existing buildings that requires maintenance, serious attention should also be spent on improving building safety with AI technology and adequate human resource.  

 

As we need vast resources from the govt to help materialize the work, if elected, I shall also meet the relevant concerned parties to identify areas that call for help/ improvement in order to raise their morale and hence, the overall efficiency.

 

I hope with my continuous 30+ years of experience and network, I can help and engage our fellow professionals of various disciplines to carry and express your voice in LegCo to help “REFRESH a NEW HORIZON”. We are “Stronger Together.”

 

I humbly appeal for your support to vote for me on 7 Dec 25 to join the next term of the Legislative Council to make meaningful progress for our people, and a better built environment for Hong Kong.

 

Yours truly,  

Julia Lau   CStJ,  JP