Liveable Cities & Transportation Theatre
Developing Infrastructure and Opportunities Towards a Low-altitude Economy
11 Sep (Thur) Day 1 : 16:40 – 17:30
The low-altitude economy holds immense potential to transform urban living by easing congestion, enhancing logistical efficiency, and reducing environmental impact using drones, eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles), and other aerial technologies. However, realizing this vision requires overcoming significant technological, regulatory, and infrastructural challenges. This session brings together experts from leading delivery and eVTOL companies, urban planners, and policy advisors to explore how Hong Kong can strategically integrate the low-altitude economy into its urban fabric. Discussions will focus on the development of supportive infrastructure, the creation of new economic opportunities, and the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and sustainable operations. Join us to learn how Hong Kong can champion this emerging sector and set a global example for the future of urban air mobility and logistics.
Learnings
- What are the most critical infrastructural and regulatory changes needed to support the growth of the low-altitude economy in Hong Kong?
- How can businesses leverage drone and eVTOL technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impacts?
- What role can collaboration between the public and private sectors play in accelerating the development of the low-altitude economy in Hong Kong?
Post-Event Actions
- Assess the feasibility of adopting drone and eVTOL technologies within your organization’s operations and identify potential use cases.
- Explore partnerships with technology providers or startups to pilot urban air mobility and logistics such as drone deliveries or eVTOL services.
Speakers
Moderator
Jason Leung
Head of Land and Housing Research
Our Hong Kong Foundation
Jason Leung
Our Hong Kong Foundation
Head of Land and Housing Research
Jason is the Head of Land and Housing Research at Our Hong Kong Foundation. He manages a team of research professionals to conduct in-depth research on key policy issues, including land and housing, transport and logistics, and retail and tourism.
He leverages his research, advisory, and consultancy expertise to generate insights and actionable recommendations for various government agencies, statutory bodies, and conglomerates. Over the years, he has published ten research reports and co-written a book that have impacted public policies.
As a chartered surveyor, he is regularly invited to comment on land and housing policies and the real estate market on various TV and radio channels. He is also a frequent op-ed contributor, with close to 80 pieces published in print and online newspapers.
Desmond Ho
CEO
Alpha AI
Desmond Ho
Alpha AI
CEO
Desmond Ho named “Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2020 – Entrepreneur”. He is a serial entrepreneur specialising in AI, VR and drone technology. In 2017, he Initiated a crowdsourcing and financing platform to expedite the social infrastructure development in Myanmar. In 2021, he founded Alpha AI to provide AI drone building inspection and partol with the company admitted into Cyberport Incubation Program. He graduated from the University of Cambridge with a background in urban planning and economics. He served as the Vice President of the Cyberport Startup Alumni Association from 2022 to 2023.
Alpha AI is the first Hong Kong startup that received the BVLOS Licence for “Automatic Drone AI Inspection with Intelligent LAE Infrastructure” under the LAE sandbox, utilising locally developed AI and 3D technology for building/infrastructure maintenance checks, sloping defect identification, and security patrols through automated drone operations. The solution can minimise risks by reducing the need for human patrols in hazardous areas.
Our Sustainability Goals for 2025
– Innovation to enhance safety and efficiency
– technology to promote sustainable environment
Steven Lui
Technical Director, Traffic and Transportation Planning
AECOM
Steven Lui
AECOM
Technical Director, Traffic and Transportation Planning
Ir Steven Lui is a Technical Director of AECOM responsible for project management and delivery of Smart Mobility projects in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. He has more than 21 years of international experience working in both public and private sectors on projects in the UK, UAE, Singapore and Hong Kong. He has served as Project Manager and technical leads in projects involving Smart Mobility and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and has also been involved in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) / Low-altitude Economy (LAE) and Automated Vehicles (AV) projects in Hong Kong and in the region.
Steven is also the President of the Society for the Intelligent Transportation Systems Hong Kong (ITS-HK) and is also the Chairman of the ITS-HK Technical Committee Sub-group on LAE. Steven is also one of the Committee Members of the IET Hong Kong Railway & Transport Section. He has also been appointed as an Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS) Assessment Panelist for the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) under the HKSAR Government since 2021. He is also an Expert Review Panelist of Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech (LSCM) R&D Centre and a member of the Smart Mobility Technology (C-V2X) Alliance, and an International Committee Member of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA).
Supported by
Our Hong Kong Foundation
Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) is a non-government, non-profit organisation founded in November 2014 by Honourary Chairman Mr Tung Chee-hwa, former Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. OHKF aims to contribute to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability as well as its sustainable development under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.