Last Tuesday (7 September), the Development Bureau (DEVB) held with the Bureau of Territorial and Spatial Planning of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Department of Natural Resources of Guangdong Province (DNRGP) and the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province (DHURDGP) a conference for Hong Kong’s architectural, surveying, planning, landscape (ASPL) and engineering sectors to brief participants on a number of preferential policies and liberalisation measures to facilitate the starting of businesses and practising in the nine Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Qianhai and Hengqin by relevant enterprises and professionals. Over 100 representatives from relevant local professional institutions, associations and registration boards as well as enterprises participated in the conference......

The current-term Government has been making efforts to develop land by adopting a multi-pronged strategy. In particular, the development of new development areas in the New Territories North (“NTN”) (hereinafter referred to as “NTN New Development Area”) is one of the key initiatives on land and housing supply in the medium to long term. With an area spanning more than 1 500 hectares of land, the NTN New Development Area, which comprises three potential development areas (PDAs), namely the NTN New Town, Man Kam To (MKT) and San Tin/Lok Ma Chau Development Node (STLMC DN), is expected to provide not less than 100 000 housing units for accommodating a population of not less than 280 000. Meanwhile, about 200 000 job opportunities will be created in tandem with the development of innovation and technology. Situated at a strategic boundary location in proximity to a port economy belt in Shenzhen, the NTN New Development Area can tap into the opportunities brought about by the rapid economic growth of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) with unlimited development potential.....

At Sung Wong Toi Station, we often see passengers take a break from their journey to appreciate the Song-Yuan heritage exhibition. Treasures from Sacred Hill: Song-Yuan Archaeological Discoveries at Sung Wong Toi is the first heritage exhibition at a public transport station in Hong Kong. On display are artefacts specially selected by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) from over 700 000 pieces of archaeological finds, including ceramic sherds from the Song-Yuan period and coins from the Song period. This time, I have invited colleagues from AMO to share with you the preparation and research done behind the scenes......

Walking along Bonham Road, have you noticed the white school premises with a curved facade? Despite the simple silhouette, the aesthetic school premises are full of distinctive features. With 80 years of history, this pre-war building has all along been serving education purposes. Having once been the premises of a post-secondary college, it is now home to the Bonham Road Government Primary School. In July this year, the Government declared the school premises as a monument. This time, I have made a special invitation to have colleagues from the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) tell us about the building’s architectural features and history......

The construction industry is an important driving force behind Hong Kong’s economic and social development. With a view to attracting more new blood to the industry, the Government has been collaborating with the Construction Industry Council (CIC) as well as the industry in providing diversified and systematic training, to help young people with their career ladder, and facilitate the passing down of skills and craftsmanship. The CIC organised the “Construction Industry Outstanding Young Person Award” (CIOYPA) again this year to commend and honour the outstanding young practitioners in the industry, and encourage them to strive for excellence and continuous improvement. This time, I have invited two of the young awardees to tell us their stories......