Liveable Cities & Transportation Theatre

Embedding Resilience into Infrastructure Design and Delivery

11 Sep (Thur) Day 1 : 14:40 – 15:30

Full Programme
Liveable Cities & Transportation Theatre

As climate risks and urban challenges intensify, resilience must be embedded into the DNA of infrastructure. This session will focus on how engineers, designers, and policymakers can future-proof cities against shocks such as extreme weather, resource stress, and socio-economic disruptions. Discussions will cover resilience frameworks, adaptive design principles, and examples of infrastructure projects that have successfully integrated resilience from conception to completion. Delegates will learn how to move beyond reactive approaches and integrate resilience into project lifecycles, balancing cost, functionality, and long-term sustainability.

Learnings

  • Learn about resilience frameworks and tools that help cities mitigate climate risks and enhance urban resilience.
  • Discover best practices in designing and delivering infrastructure that is robust, adaptable, and futureproof.

Post-event Actions

  • Advocate within your organisation or industry for embedding resilience metrics into infrastructure standards, funding criteria, and procurement processes.
  • Apply resilience assessment frameworks to current or planned infrastructure projects to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for adaptive design.

Speakers

Hong Wan

Institution of Civil Engineers, Hong Kong Association

Regional Director, Hong Kong

Mr Hong Wan graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 2005 and began his engineering career at Thames Water Utilities Limited in the UK, where he worked until 2012.

After returning to Hong Kong, Mr Wan took on roles at Black & Veatch and SUEZ from 2012 to 2017, contributing to the delivery of various water and waste management projects. He later joined the Construction Industry Council (CIC), serving as Manager at the Construction Innovation and Technology Application Centre (CITAC), where he promoted the adoption of innovative technologies in the construction sector.

In January 2021, Mr. Wan was appointed Regional Director, Hong Kong of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). In this capacity, he continues to drive the advancement of the civil engineering profession across the region.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

  1. Promote and support the adoption of whole-life carbon management practices across infrastructure projects in Hong Kong.
  2. Encourage the integration of smart and sustainable technologies in construction by sharing best practices and success stories.
  3. Inspire and empower young engineers with the skills and mindset needed to lead in sustainability.

Speaking at:

Day 1

Embedding Resilience into Infrastructure Design and Delivery

Julia Chan

Mott MacDonald

Environment and Society Leader Asia

Ms. Julia Chan is an ecologist and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Expert member for the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals. Currently the Environment and Society (E&S) Leader for Asia unit of Mott MacDonald Group based in Hong Kong, leading the E&S team across nine countries/cities in delivering environmental, sustainability and climate resilience solutions for local and international development projects for transportation, building and energy sectors.

She is specialised in wetland and biodiversity conservation, river revitalisation and eco-seawall design by nature-based solutions to promote liveable cities and biodiversity net gain. She has over 25 years’ experience in ecological monitoring, environmental and social impact assessment, environmental management and ecological design in support blue-green infrastructures. Projects involving ecological enhancement design and biodiversity conservation led by/with major involvement by Julia including the river revitalisation of Lower Lam Tsuen River site trial design for Eco-hydraulics Study on Green Channels Stage 2, Enhancement of Shek Sheung River Investigation and Enhancement of Existing River Sections Investigation for the Drainage Services Department, River Revitalisation Specialist for the Tung Chung New Town Development West Environmental Team Services, Project Director of a Comprehensive Residential Development with Wetland Restoration Area at Wo Shang Wai Yuen Long and Marine Ecology Specialist for the Third Runway Project Environmental Team, advising on marine and fisheries conservation initiatives for the Airport Authority Hong Kong.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

Conserving Life on Land and Below Water by nature-based design to promote sustainable cities and to the benefit to our communities.

Speaking at:

Day 1

Embedding Resilience into Infrastructure Design and Delivery

Shirley Chen

Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA) & AECOM

Representative of Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA) & Vice President of AECOM

Shirley Chen is a seasoned landscape designer and a leading advocate for sustainable urbanism, representing the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects at ReThink HK 2025. As Head of AECOM’s Buildings + Places division in Hong Kong and Asia Strategy and Growth Lead in the same sector, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s regional direction. With over 20 years of experience at AECOM, Shirley has led award-winning low-carbon projects such as the Shenzhen Baoan Airport Renewal and the Sanya’s Haitang River Eco-Park in Hainan. She collaborates with governments, developers, and academia to champion innovation, inclusion, and sustainable design, including her role in the ULI GBA and InnoSpace GBA Green Future Innovation Think Tank. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple international accolades, including the 2025 Gold Stevie Award for “Sustainability Hero of the Year” in Asia, celebrating her visionary impact in advancing sustainable development.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

  1. Embed resilience metrics into integrated design services
  2. Advance nature-positive solutions that enhance ecosystem services
  3. Promote inclusive, low-carbon designs that improve community well-being

Speaking at:

Day 1

Embedding Resilience into Infrastructure Design and Delivery

Edwin Lau

Drainage Services Department

Assistant Director / Operations and Maintenance

Mr Edwin Lau is a civil engineer by profession and has worked as a professional engineer in the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for about 30 years. During his services, he has been involved in the life cycle covering planning to operation stage of various drainage and sewerage projects over the territory. Currently, Mr Lau is the Assistant Director of the Operations and Maintenance Branch of the Drainage Services Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government, overseeing drainage system and blue-green drainage infrastructure planning, research and development, climate change, operation and maintenance of drainage and sewerage network, and district matters in the department.

 

Speaking at:

Day 1

Embedding Resilience into Infrastructure Design and Delivery

David Martin

Mace Group

Managing Director – Asia Pacific

David Martin is a driving force behind the successful delivery of complex programmes and the pursuit of service excellence across the region. His extensive experience encompasses major projects throughout Europe and Asia Pacific, providing him with a unique global perspective and a deep understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities within each market. This includes leading the delivery of capital investment programs valued up to an impressive HK$93 billion.

A chartered civil engineer with a proven track record, David possesses a comprehensive understanding of the entire project lifecycle and has successfully led individual projects valued at up to HK$20 billion, demonstrating his ability to manage large teams and navigate complex stakeholder relationships. His experience spans client, contractor, and designer perspectives, giving him valuable insights into the intricacies of project and programme management from all angles.

David leads Mace Consult in APAC, while overseeing a number of strategic accounts in Hong Kong. He leverages his experience to drive innovation and best practices across Mace Consult’s regional teams, ensuring the consistency and excellence in every project and programme.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

  1. Climate risk and resilience becoming a common topic in the board room and client conversations
  2. For everyone to embrace the Retrofit opportunity Hong Kong has at it’s doorstep
  3. To upskill and educate myself and the team on how we apply sustainable principles to every conversation and programme.

Speaking at:

Day 1

Embedding Resilience into Infrastructure Design and Delivery

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