Viva Blue House Good Neighbour Scheme Thoughts Behind “Co-Living”

YPG

ISSUE 

2017 APRIL

COVER STORY Viva Blue House Good Neighbour Scheme Thoughts Behind “Co-living”

YOUNG PLANNERS GROUP THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS Contents

INTRODUCTION OF YPG COMMITTEE MEMBERS P02

WELCOME MESSAGE P03

COVER STORY P04

HIGHLIGHTS OF RECENT EVENTS P11

UPCOMING EVENTS P18 INTRODUCTION OF YPG COMMITTEE MEMBERS

BENSON LAU VIDYAN NG JUNIOR HO Co-chairperson Co-chairperson Co-chairperson (External) (External) (Internal)

ALICE WONG JAIME CHAN CHARLOTTE KO AMANDA YU Secretary Treasurer Publicity Secretary Publicity Secretary

KEITH WU CLARICE HO FELIX KU JESSIE LAU Community Community Community Community Outreach Team Outreach Team Outreach Team Outreach Team

JENNY NGAN GRACE CHEUNG OPHELIA WONG SHEREN LEE Community Community Community Events Team Outreach Team Outreach Team Outreach Team

JENNY LAI MATTHEW NG SIMONE TANG JEFF LEUNG Events Team Events Team Professional Professional Development Team Development Team Introduction of YPG Committee ANGELA LO PEGGY TSUI Professional Professional Development Team Development Team Members 02 WELCOME MESSAGE Welcome Message

REVIEW OF PAST EVENTS missions to planners. We also believe that all The Young Planners Group (YPG) achieved a individuals in Hong Kong shall have equal successful year with the committed participation of opportunities to enjoy their lives regardless of who our members. We carried out a wide variety of they are. As a result, we would like to promote the initiatives striving to promote the professional importance of enhancing an inclusive society. In development, engagement with the community, this coming year, we will further look into and and the social network of our members. analyze the e ectiveness of existing policies, regulations, schemes and projects and explore Last year, with a series of career workshops and the critical elements for building and maintaining an Mentorship Programme, our experienced members inclusive society. We hope our contribution in the were invited to share their exposure and insights coming year would raise the awareness of the gained throughout their planning careers. Mingling importance of inclusive society among planners. events such as Happy Hour 2016, Squid Fishing Night and War Game were well received by our FUTURE EVENTS members with an overwhelming participation. In a We will endeavor to continue o ering a wide range bid to promote community planning, we were of events and professional development happy to get involved in plenty of community opportunities to our fellow members. To facilitate events including DVRC Community Planning the professional development of our members, Workshop for Family and Kids and an array of technical visits to various places of interest, career Future Camps organized by the Hong Kong Council workshops, membership sharing, etc. will be of Social Service (HKCSS). arranged. We will be participating the Annual National Planning Conference 2017 later this year In particular, we participated the Annual National and deliver a presentation to our mainland Planning Conference 2016 in Shenyang and counterparts to exchange and share ideas on some delivered a presentation to our mainland of the planning issues which are increasingly counterparts regarding our views on Hong Kong’s important with more intimate cross-boundary harbourfront development. We also took part in cooperation. In terms of community outreach, we several joint-institute events e.g. Joint Professional will liaise and collaborate with NGOs and local Architectural Tour in Central and Networking Drinks groups to o er planning inputs in initiatives which and Joint Professional Nam Sang Wai Tour and could improve the living environment of the local Networking Dinner to engage ourselves with other community. Last but not the least, a large variety of professions. healthy leisure events will be held for our members to relax and build up network in the field and with YEAR THEME other friends of di erent professions. This year’s YPG theme is “Inclusive Society”. We believe maintaining a sustainable and high quality of life for people from all walks of life is one of the

03 Cover Story

VIVA BLUE HOUSE GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME

Thoughts Behind “Co-living”

04 COVER STORY

Interview committee takes the tenants' a ordability of paying the membership fee (rent) into consideration. The rent is from YOUNG PLANNERS GROUP (YPG) : HKD11,540 to HKD 31,664. What are the details and objectives of Viva Blue House Good Neighbour YPG: What are the vetting criteria? Scheme (“Good Neighbour”)? SJS: Besides the financial ST. JAMES’ SETTLEMENT ability, the applicant's' willingness in (SJS) : Trace back to 2009, the idea of engaging and contributing to the “Good Neighbour” was proposed in community is also one of the vetting the conservation management plan criteria. “Good Neighbour” members for Viva Blue House under the Blue are expected to attend general House Cluster Revitalization Scheme. activities such as monthly residents’ At that time, the Government meetings and stand by for emergency provided two options for the a ected phone call once a month. tenants. They might opt to stay in the Blue House Cluster (the “Cluster”) or YPG: How is community engagement move to public rental housing flats as proposed by “Good Neighbour”? compensation. Since some of the SJS: “Good Neighbour” tenants opted to move out, there promotes a participatory democratic were a number of flats available for mechanism. To inherit the traditional renting. As one of the major objectives culture of Tong Lau, we hope the of the revitalization scheme is to residents can build an open platform retain and sustain the social network for communication and seek and traditional lifestyle of the local compromises on every issue by community, “Good Neighbour” is to themselves without our intervention. bring new blood -- those who are All residents are encouraged to interested in “co-living”, community actively build a community, for engagement and would willing to instance, to help organise and contribute to the community, into the promote community activities such as Cluster. BBQ and monthly dinner at the Cluster on their own, as well as to YPG: Who are the target tenants of share the management responsibility. “Good Neighbour”? We have received SJS: YPG: Is “co-living” the main reason for applications from di erent age groups the applicants to join this scheme? and background. Since “Good SJS: Interest in Tong Lau Neighbour” is not a welfare scheme, culture and “co-living” are the two we need capital to support the main reasons attracting the operation and maintenance of Viva applicants. They are interested in Blue House in the long run. When experiencing the traditional lifestyle of vetting the applications, our vetting Tong Lau and developing community

05 COVER STORY bonding with the neighbours. participants? SJS: Our workshop is like an YPG: From your perspective, how can orientation for the participants to the Government help to facilitate the taste the atmosphere of Blue House community to grow or become and Wanchai’s community, as well as inclusive? to learn how to participate in the SJS: The concept of decision-making process when “co-housing” or “co-living” is still very dealing with di erent potential issues new in Hong Kong. Take Tai Tung in real life. We believe communication Co-housing Scheme (大桐共宅) as an among the neighbours is important example, the scheme is not legally for community building. permitted to be a housing medium. If there is any policy support initiated by YPG: Will you give priority to the the Government, it will be more disadvantaged for participating in feasible to implement the concept of “Good Neighbour”? co-housing in Hong Kong. From a SJS: As mentioned before, planning perspective, we hope the “Good Neighbour” is not a welfare Government could provide su icient project. Therefore, we will treat every ancillary facilities to meet the applicants equally and will not give demand and needs of the community. priority to the deprived groups. Taking care of these groups is not our YPG: What do you do in “Good ultimate goal at this stage, but Neighbour” community workshops? building a community is. And what are you expecting from the

(Source: www.heritage.gov.hk)

06 COVER STORY

(Source: SJS) oughts Behind “Co-living” A New Perspective to Understand Sustainable Community and Inclusive Society

Exorbitant rent, skyrocketing importance of sustainability, might housing prices, pocket-size living wish to play a role in solving the space and unsatisfying living community concerns by looking quality are some of the common into the feasibility of implementing buzzwords we hear when we talk ‘co-living’ in our community for about our community in this era. As achieving an inclusive society. a planner, who asserts the

07 COVER STORY

Before jumping into the case study, it is necessary Criteria of an ‘inclusive society’: poor conditioned and high-densed community CONCLUSION for us to get an idea on what the world says about accommodated tenants with di erent backgrounds Inspired by the quote from the United Nation and ‘inclusive society’. According to “Creating an 1. Embrace all members of the society; and needs. Tenants used to resolve problems within the "Good Neighbour" scheme, an inclusive society Inclusive Society: Practical Strategies to Promote 2. Provide equal opportunity for all members their own community and thus strengthened the shall not just tolerate and provide resources for the Social Integration”, a report released by the United of the society to determine an agreed set of bonds among neighbours. This also explains why ‘identified-vulnerables’ but to build a society that Nations in 2009, social institution; SJS endeavour to revive this lost intangible cultural shall encourage equal participation and is flexible to 3. Respect fundamental rights of all members asset through the “Good Neighbour” Scheme. accommodate people of di erent backgrounds, “An inclusive society is a society that over-rides of society; di erent interest, strengths and weakness di erences of race, gender, class, generation, 4. Reduce inequality; and physically, socially and even financially. The SJS’s and geography, and ensures inclusion, equality 5. Create flexible and tolerant societies for all e ort in promoting the “Good Neighbour” Scheme of opportunity as well as capability of all members. could perhaps provide a glimpse for us to examine members of the society to determine an agreed and evaluate the feasibility of putting ‘inclusive set of social institutions that govern social The essential catalysts required: society’ into practice and whether this form of living interaction.” In particular, “such an inclusive could really achieve what it advocates. society must be based on respect for all human I. High motivation and proactive from all rights and fundamental freedoms, cultural and members/spectrums of the society in “The point of cities is multiplicity of choice" religious diversity, social justice and the special contributing to the discussion for an agreed set bathrooms with others. ‘Co-living’ could reduce the Without seeds, having the best soil will never bear — Jane Jacobs needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, of social institution. construction cost or rent and could allow fruit. As mentioned earlier, the catalyst to bring such democratic participation and the rule of law. It II. To reach a consensus aer the discussion for an dormmates to build a strong bond with each other theory into reality relies on the motivation and level Planners, let’s dream bigger and plan better. is promoted by social policies that seek to agreed set of social institution. from interaction. But in the Blue House case, of participation from the stakeholders. In the “Good reduce inequality and create flexible and related tenants live in their own unit (one large Neighbour” Scheme, the biggest challenge would tolerant societies that embrace all people.” To understand ‘inclusive society’ more, it is room with a living room/bedroom area, a kitchen be to allow the residents to understand their necessary to put theories into practice as we all and a bathroom) but share the common area and participation could make a di erence and to In general, the level of inclusiveness of a society is know, challenges and di iculties in reality are the manage the Cluster with unrelated tenants. cooperate and manage the living area collectively judged on how well established the administrative obstacles where planners or the society as a whole, and continuously. This brings the significance of and policy structure to embrace people of the have to breakthrough. In this sense, the Viva Blue TENANTS ARE INVOLVED IN THE DECISION equal participation and shared responsibility when MAKING PROCESS widest spectrum in the society. House “Good Neighbour” Scheme by St. James’ shaping the betterment for our community. To take The monthly residents’ meeting in the Blue House Settlement (SJS) is a local case study which worth another step further, perhaps it is a prime time for “Good Neighbour” Programme requires regular The World Summit for Social Development in exploring. The scheme provides a new perspective us to rethink how the public participation participation from all residents. Unlike the ‘Owners Copenhagen in 1995 substantiated such definition to understand how all members of the community mechanism could be enhanced for bringing in a Corporation’ we have in most buildings nowadays by highlighting the importance of individual’s contribute to the discussion for an agreed set of sustainable and inclusive society into reality. (where representatives were elected to sit within responsibility to participate in the discussion and institution, as well as how ‘co-living’ could allow the managing committee of the residence and betterment of the society. An ‘inclusive society’ was ‘sustainable community’ and ‘inclusive society/ ‘TONG LAU’ CULTURE surrounding areas), the residents’ meeting ensures Switching away, the “Good Neighbour” Scheme understood as “a society for all in which every community’ in practice. all stakeholders get to know each other, discuss, embraces the Tong Lau culture and aims at individual, each with rights and responsibilities, has decide and even implement solutions on issues conserving such values through the scheme. Tong an active role to play”. ‘CO-LIVING’ AND TENANTS RESPONSIBILITIES related to the management of the whole building Lau was one of Hong Kong’s oldest residence OF BLUE HOUSE: cluster. The meeting provides a platform for equal building forms. Back in 1950s, because of the From the above, the general criteria of an ‘inclusive ‘Co-living’ occurs when unrelated people live participation and shared responsibility to commit post-war population boom and the influx of society’ and the essential catalysts are outlined together in the same flat or building and share for the betterment of their own living area. immigrants from mainland, most of the Tong Lau below: common residential structure . It is very common in flats were subdivided and rented to families. The dorms that dormmates share kitchens and 08 COVER STORY

Before jumping into the case study, it is necessary Criteria of an ‘inclusive society’: poor conditioned and high-densed community CONCLUSION for us to get an idea on what the world says about accommodated tenants with di erent backgrounds Inspired by the quote from the United Nation and ‘inclusive society’. According to “Creating an 1. Embrace all members of the society; and needs. Tenants used to resolve problems within the "Good Neighbour" scheme, an inclusive society Inclusive Society: Practical Strategies to Promote 2. Provide equal opportunity for all members their own community and thus strengthened the shall not just tolerate and provide resources for the Social Integration”, a report released by the United of the society to determine an agreed set of bonds among neighbours. This also explains why ‘identified-vulnerables’ but to build a society that Nations in 2009, social institution; SJS endeavour to revive this lost intangible cultural shall encourage equal participation and is flexible to 3. Respect fundamental rights of all members asset through the “Good Neighbour” Scheme. accommodate people of di erent backgrounds, “An inclusive society is a society that over-rides of society; di erent interest, strengths and weakness di erences of race, gender, class, generation, 4. Reduce inequality; and physically, socially and even financially. The SJS’s and geography, and ensures inclusion, equality 5. Create flexible and tolerant societies for all e ort in promoting the “Good Neighbour” Scheme of opportunity as well as capability of all members. could perhaps provide a glimpse for us to examine members of the society to determine an agreed and evaluate the feasibility of putting ‘inclusive set of social institutions that govern social The essential catalysts required: society’ into practice and whether this form of living interaction.” In particular, “such an inclusive could really achieve what it advocates. society must be based on respect for all human I. High motivation and proactive from all (Source: SJS) rights and fundamental freedoms, cultural and members/spectrums of the society in “The point of cities is multiplicity of choice" religious diversity, social justice and the special contributing to the discussion for an agreed set bathrooms with others. ‘Co-living’ could reduce the Without seeds, having the best soil will never bear — Jane Jacobs needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, of social institution. construction cost or rent and could allow fruit. As mentioned earlier, the catalyst to bring such democratic participation and the rule of law. It II. To reach a consensus aer the discussion for an dormmates to build a strong bond with each other theory into reality relies on the motivation and level Planners, let’s dream bigger and plan better. is promoted by social policies that seek to agreed set of social institution. from interaction. But in the Blue House case, of participation from the stakeholders. In the “Good reduce inequality and create flexible and related tenants live in their own unit (one large Neighbour” Scheme, the biggest challenge would tolerant societies that embrace all people.” To understand ‘inclusive society’ more, it is room with a living room/bedroom area, a kitchen be to allow the residents to understand their necessary to put theories into practice as we all and a bathroom) but share the common area and participation could make a di erence and to In general, the level of inclusiveness of a society is know, challenges and di iculties in reality are the manage the Cluster with unrelated tenants. cooperate and manage the living area collectively judged on how well established the administrative obstacles where planners or the society as a whole, and continuously. This brings the significance of and policy structure to embrace people of the have to breakthrough. In this sense, the Viva Blue TENANTS ARE INVOLVED IN THE DECISION equal participation and shared responsibility when MAKING PROCESS widest spectrum in the society. House “Good Neighbour” Scheme by St. James’ shaping the betterment for our community. To take The monthly residents’ meeting in the Blue House Settlement (SJS) is a local case study which worth another step further, perhaps it is a prime time for “Good Neighbour” Programme requires regular The World Summit for Social Development in exploring. The scheme provides a new perspective us to rethink how the public participation participation from all residents. Unlike the ‘Owners Copenhagen in 1995 substantiated such definition to understand how all members of the community mechanism could be enhanced for bringing in a Corporation’ we have in most buildings nowadays by highlighting the importance of individual’s contribute to the discussion for an agreed set of sustainable and inclusive society into reality. (where representatives were elected to sit within responsibility to participate in the discussion and institution, as well as how ‘co-living’ could allow the managing committee of the residence and betterment of the society. An ‘inclusive society’ was ‘sustainable community’ and ‘inclusive society/ ‘TONG LAU’ CULTURE surrounding areas), the residents’ meeting ensures Switching away, the “Good Neighbour” Scheme understood as “a society for all in which every community’ in practice. all stakeholders get to know each other, discuss, embraces the Tong Lau culture and aims at individual, each with rights and responsibilities, has decide and even implement solutions on issues conserving such values through the scheme. Tong an active role to play”. ‘CO-LIVING’ AND TENANTS RESPONSIBILITIES related to the management of the whole building Lau was one of Hong Kong’s oldest residence OF BLUE HOUSE: cluster. The meeting provides a platform for equal building forms. Back in 1950s, because of the From the above, the general criteria of an ‘inclusive ‘Co-living’ occurs when unrelated people live participation and shared responsibility to commit post-war population boom and the influx of society’ and the essential catalysts are outlined together in the same flat or building and share for the betterment of their own living area. immigrants from mainland, most of the Tong Lau below: common residential structure . It is very common in flats were subdivided and rented to families. The dorms that dormmates share kitchens and 09 COVER STORY

P12 ANNUAL NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE 2016

P15 COMMUNITY OUTREACH: DREAMSTARTER

P16 EVENTS: TRAM PARTY

P17 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

11 HIGHLIGHTS OF RECENT EVENTS

Annual National Planning Conference 2016

THE REVELATION OF VICTORIA In this article, YPG will take you through the HARBOR: THE YOUNG PLANNERS’ struggles and e orts of two young planners who NIGHTMARES AND DREAMS were frustrated by their respective nightmares in planning a vibrant harbourfront and how they could In September 2016, 10 YPG members went to finally find a way out to turn their nightmares into a Shenyang for the Annual National Planning good dream. The drama contained 4 parts: A Conference 2016. 2016 was the 60th anniversary of Harbour with Miracles, When Protection Becomes the Urban Planning Society of China (“ 中國城市規劃 Restrictions, The Struggle between di erent ”), which is a milestone of China’s planning 學會 Stakeholders, and The new era of Victoria Harbour. history. The theme of the Conference in 2016 was

“Achievement and Challenge” (“ ”), and 成就與挑戰 A HARBOUR WITH MIRACLES YPG performed a drama on the topic “The Revelation of Victoria Harbor: Young Planners’ The drama started with a video introducing to our Nightmares and Dreams” (“ mainland counterparts the history of Victoria 維多利亞港啟示錄：青年 ”). Harbour and the iconic buildings along the 規劃師的噩夢與美夢 harbourfront of Victoria Harbour. It also showed the

current condition of the harbourfront area as well With a stretch of 73-kilometer along the coastline of as perceptions of the public towards Victoria Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, Victoria Harbour. Harbour has witnessed the transformation of Hong

Kong from a small fishing village into nowadays international financial centre. In terms of political, WHEN PROTECTION BECOMES RESTRICTIONS economic and social aspects, the harbour is of great The second part of the drama introduced how the significance to the development of Hong Kong. Protection of Harbour Ordinance (PHO) was Nevertheless, harbourfront planning in Hong Kong adopted and how the PHO created a nightmare to a has always been confronted by di erent kinds of young planner (young planner A). The story started challenges. With the increasing public awareness as by introducing a dream of the young planner: to well as numerous interlocking vested interests in the create a vibrant, attractive and accessible harbourfront areas, every stakeholder is very world-class waterfront for Hong Kong. She had a lot concerned about how harbourfront planning may of creative proposals to make her dream came true. a ect their expectations on the harbour. With Nonetheless, she bursted when she figured out the constraints and conflicts ahead, harbourfront PHO was a nightmare to her. She recognized from planning can be a nightmare for every town planner. her supervisors at work that her proposals would 12 HIGHLIGHTS OF RECENT EVENTS

involve reclamation and would have implications grievances and disappointment on their on the PHO. What would be the nightmare was that powerlessness in implementing their plans which she might have to put forth the proposals to the could achieve their common dream of creating a Court for approval. Even if the proposals got vibrant waterfront. Feeling that their career had just approved, the public could also file a judicial review hit a bottleneck, the two young planners took a to oppose the Court’s decision. As a young stroll and entered the 4th part of the drama. planner, she did not know what to do next in order to make her dream come true. THE NEW ERA OF VICTORIA HARBOUR In the 4th part of the drama, a way forward of which THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN DIFFERENT it could materialize the dream of the two young STAKEHOLDERS planners (young planner A&B) and to resolve the In the 3rd part of the drama, the YPG presented obstacles along the way was introduced. As they another nightmare facing planners in Hong Kong – wandered through a vibrant Kwun Tong the conflict of interests among stakeholders which Promenade, they met the other two planners who overrides the design merits of a scheme. With worked at the Energizing Kowloon East O ice reference to the public upheaval arose from the (EKEO) and have understood from them the history case of “Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Revitalisation and measures the EKEO have adopted to revitalize Plan” in end 2015, a drama depicting the dilemma and transform Kowloon East including the of another young planner (young planner B) who promenade area into the CBD2 of Hong Kong. hardly found a way to accommodate the interests Understanding the worries and nightmare facing the and concerns of several major stakeholders which two young planners, the EKEO planners introduced includes the Harbourfront Commission, hotel the mechanisms how the planning dream of the owner, media and the public. In the last scene of Kowloon East area could be achieved – by having a this session, the two young planners who handled centralized liaison o ice to co-ordinate among the cases of Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront di erent stakeholders and by place-making respectively, met each other and expressed measures in a community-based approach.

13 HIGHLIGHTS OF RECENT EVENTS

At the end of the drama, the young planners CONCLUSION realized their respective nightmares on Overall speaking, the YPG session was a success not harbourfront planning in Hong Kong do have a only do all of the taskforce members gained deeper silver lining. A specialized o ice which acts as a knowledge in harbourfront planning during our facilitator and mediator among di erent preparation work, but also showed our mainland Government departments as well as local counterparts a new way of presenting complicated stakeholders on a district-based basis is of the planning issues in an interesting but yet utmost importance in the future harbourfront professional way. Last but not the least, on behalf of planning in Hong Kong and realize the vision of the taskforce members of the Annual National planners. Planning Conference in 2015 and 2016, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. K.K. Ling, In the subsequent discussion session, the YPG had a Dr. Eunice Mak, Mr. Raymond Lee, Ms. Erica Wong, very fruitful sharing with the audiences who were Mr. Tak Wah Ng, and all the others who have very eager to share their thoughts on topics assisted us in the course of preparation and have including public engagement in the planning showed their kind support which kept us motivated. process, the livability of Hong Kong, As always, the young planners will continue to strive implementation of a plan, etc. for improvement and we can’t wait to see all of you again in the Conference next year!

14 HIGHLIGHTS OF RECENT EVENTS

DreamStarter

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics essence of community planning by understanding (STEM) education has become a new direction for the needs of di erent stakeholders and continuously schools to nurture students with the foundational review whether their potential routing would cause skillsets catering various professional and career inconvenience and danger to certain groups of development needs in the future. In January 2017, people. Aer the event, we are delighted to know YPG was invited by Baptist Rainbow Primary School from the teacher that the students would still recall in Wong Tai Sin to o er a two-day community the knowledge acquired from the workshop when planning workshop for a group of P4-6 students. they advanced the route planning and trial testing Under a school-based program “DreamStarter” which aerwards. The team hopes the workshop and the is to educate students with the idea of project design project itself could bring new perspectives to the in STEM context, these students were tasked to students and allow them to appreciate the vibrancy develop a solar-powered shopping cart to facilitate and diversity of a community. the elderly in carrying out daily shopping activities.

Members from YPG appreciate the great intention behind the project and gave a lecture on the first day before undertaking a site visit in the following day at Chuk Yuen (South) Estate community. Throughout the workshop, we were pleased to see that the students were proactive and able to grasp the

15 HIGHLIGHTS OF RECENT EVENTS

Tram Party

ONE NIGHT IN HONG KONG On 20 January 2017, YPG orga- everyone in the party. A big ISLAND nized the “Timeless Tram Party” congratulations to our best-dress Savoury food and wine, meander- ( ). With the awardees and Bingo winners! 「叮叮·可否不要老」 ing along the captivating cityscape overwhelming response, our of neon signs and historical enthusiastic riders enjoyed a remains and down the memory two-hour tram tour along the lane… Dressed in vintage dresses Hong Kong Island, from Witty (signature dots and colorful skirts Street Depot, through Central and and blouses), our young planners Causeway Bay to Happy Valley. submerged into the romantic and Heritage-themed games were nostalgic atmosphere to the old specially designed for riders to 60s of Hong Kong. get along and socialize with

16 HIGHLIGHTS OF RECENT EVENTS

Mentorship Program

The Mentorship Programme 2017-18 was kicked WORDS FROM MENTOR started by our Kick O Event held on 11 February Looking back, when I first met my mentor, Mr. 2017 at Uptown Co Workshop. This year, over 50 Joseph Chan, I had no idea which direction my mentee applications have been received. Taking this career should go in. Joseph just shared and opportunity, we particularly wish to thank all Lead discussed a lot of his work-related experiences as a Mentors and Peer Mentors, without their kind help way of helping me think about and carefully exam- and involvement, the Mentorship Programme ine my career path. Of course, throughout the years would not be able to be rolled out. he also shared some of his personal life stories with me, like what is the best time to buy a flat (though I am still unable to buy one now!). Having a mentor WORDS FROM MENTEE and a friend in one person is very special indeed. I am glad to be part of the mentorship program as a Hopefully I can do the same for the incoming young mentee. As a young planner, I think this program is planners. This year, I became a peer mentor again a good opportunity for me to know more about because I realize how important this can be to planning practices in both public and private somebody who is starting in a new career and sectors. I would like to have more gatherings with things are always a little easier when you have a my mentors and other mentees in the future. On the shoulder to lean on. I am excited to get to know my other hand, I hope YPG can recruit other group, be there to help them and learn from them non-planning professionals like architects and during the coming years! surveyors as mentors next year to explore other possible career developments for planners.

17 Upcoming Events

P19 COMMUNITY OUTREACH: THE URBAN LAB: AN INCLUSIVE URBAN PARK

P20 EVENTS: ARTS JAM WITH YOUNG LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT’S GROUP YPG HAPPY HOUR

P21 OTHERS: YPG DRAGON BOAT TEAM

18 UPCOMING EVENTS

(Source: JACOPO GENNARI FESLIKENIAN) e Urban Lab- An Inclusive Urban Park

In the coming May to July 2017, the Community Outreach team is going to hold a district-based school event - "The Urban Lab - An Inclusive Urban Park". The activity comprises a school talk and a design workshop. The purpose of the event is to let secondary school students understand the planning of open spaces in Hong Kong and the concept of inclusive public space as well as to create a model showcasing creative ideas for an ideal urban park near their school. 19 UPCOMING EVENTS Art Jam with Young Landscape Architect’s Group

The art jam event is a social event where members could unleash their drawing potentials and creativity in a relaxing atmosphere and get to mingle with di erent professionals in the field and within the built environment industry. The art jam will be held on 13 May 2017, at our outdoor public space to draw our cityscape through discussing with our professional friends on urban design in the drawing process, participants get to brainstorm and learn more on drawing and design technique with regards to our urban environment.

YPG Happy Hour

(Source: Heartroom Gallery) Feel drained aer work? Desperate to have some fun and laugh out loud? The happy hour is a great way to relax and recharge aer work. YPG is going to organise a happy hour on 21 April 2017. Grasp the great opportunity to socialise with our fellow members and meet new friends.

20 UPCOMING EVENTS

YPG Dragon Boat Team

In 2016, YPG Dragon Boat Team took part in a few is equally important as dragonboat is a sport where tournaments including races in Aberdeen, Repulse teamwork is the key to success. During the race, the Bay and Tuen Mun. They did exceptionally well drummer keeps the team paddle in rhythm along while competing against the best dragon boat with the drumbeats, on the other hand, paddlers teams in Hong Kong of other background, ranging have to exert 120% strength and e ort to make sure from Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries the boat travel without meandering. Steersman to local fishermen. Our strong paddlers were highly then uses his experiences to guide the boat to the motivated and enjoyed with excitement. finishing line. Though without professional training, our passionate YPG paddlers always give their best Given the number of paddlers we have got last year, endeavors in every race without hesitation. Aerall, the team participated in the “Small Dragon” enjoying the process of training is the ultimate goal. tournaments in the year 2016. One might wonder what are the requirements of a “Small Dragon” On behalf of the YPG Dragon Boat Team, we tournament. It’s a boat race requiring a total of 12 cordially invite you onboard and join us for this members (ten paddlers plus one drummer at the year’s training and unleash your potential! front and a steersman at the back). Every member