This collaboration is dedicated to accelerating Hong Kong's progress towards its sustainability and climate resilience ambitions by integrating cutting-edge academic research with proven industry expertise.
Officiated by Ir Dr Otto Poon, founding chairman of the Hong Kong Climate Change Forum, the signing ceremony formalized a partnership that will drive joint research projects in sustainability, climate adaptation and environmental innovations. A key initiative will be the exploration of a dedicated AECOM–SEE joint laboratory to advance climate-related research. The collaboration will also encompass knowledge exchange, innovation and solution development, capacity building programs, student internships, and joint academic supervision, strengthening the bridge between industry and academia-related research.
"This strategic partnership with CityUHK SEE is a catalyst for transformative solutions addressing critical environmental challenges," said Dr Johnny Cheuk, senior vice president and Hong Kong Executive Leader at AECOM. "By uniting CityUHK's renowned research capabilities with our industry-leading technical excellence in sustainable infrastructure and on-the-ground experience, including integrated shoreline management, flood management and nature-based solutions, we can fast-track the development of resilient, future-ready solutions for Hong Kong."
"Collaborating with AECOM is not just a partnership, it's a commitment to shaping a sustainable future together with industry leaders on various initiatives, all aimed at translating research into real-world impact," said Prof. Benjamin Horton, Dean of the School of Energy and Environment at CityUHK. "Partnerships between academia and industry are essential for accelerating innovation, scaling solutions and building resilience. Universities bring together diverse fields under one roof, making them ideal hubs for innovation and collaboration. We are excited to work closely with the industry partners, including AECOM, to foster scalable solutions for global sustainability."
Following the MoU signing, AECOM and CityUHK SEE co‑hosted a Climate Change Symposium, facilitating in-depth dialogue between academia, industry and the government. The symposium featured expert discussions on coastal resilience, sustainable water management and climate risk disclosure, highlighting pathways to address Hong Kong's specific environmental challenges.
Key insights were provided by distinguished speakers representing government, academia, and industry, including:
- Government and real estate sector: Chan Wai Tak, Principal Assistant Secretary (Works), Development Bureau, HKSAR Government; Prof. Wong Kam Sing, GBS, JP, Chairman of Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation; and Hazel Cheng, Project Manager for Sustainability, Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd.
- CityUHK SEE: Prof. Benjamin Horton, Dean; Prof. Jung Eun Chu, Assistant Professor; Prof. Ping Han, Associate Professor
- AECOM: Robert Chan, Vice President, Water, Asia; Stanley Liu, Executive Director, Ports & Marine, Transportation; Delton Ng, Executive Director, Environment
Hashtag: #AECOM #CityUHK #ClimateResilience #IndustryAcademiaPartnership #SustainableLegacies
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About AECOM
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of US$16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
About CityUHK
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), recognised as the Most International University in the World for 2024 and 2025, stands as a young, innovative, and leading global university dedicated to research excellence and professional education. We rank among the top 100 universities worldwide across major rankings and are placed within the top 10 in Asia. Rooted in Hong Kong and publicly funded, CityUHK provides a dynamic platform for global talents through 11 Colleges and Schools, supported by advanced research institutes spanning Artificial Intelligence (AI), biomedicine, computing, and material sciences, among others. We are committed to promoting sustainability and are actively pioneering a green future. Our mission is to nurture students into future leaders equipped to tackle critical challenges and drive social progress.
For more information about CityUHK, please visit: www.cityu.edu.hk.
About CityUHK SEE
CityUHK was the first university in Hong Kong to establish a School of Energy and Environment to lead groundbreaking research and practical applications, underscoring its commitment to addressing global environmental issues and advancing sustainable development.
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