Featuring Ms Winnie Ho, Secretary for Housing of the HKSAR (5th from right) and Mr Sima Xiao, Chairman and Chief Planner of the Urban Planning and Design Institute of Shenzhen Company Limited (5th from left), the Forum was also attended by Prof. Wing-tak Wong, PolyU Deputy President and Provost (centre), Prof. Ling Kar-kan, Director of J.C.DISI (1st from right) and guests.Zoom In

The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) hosted the “Social Innovation Regional Forum (SIRF) 2023 – Main Forum” on 8 December, gathering industry leaders and experts from Hong Kong and Shenzhen to share insights into building age-inclusive communities through appropriate housing policies, urban facilities, transportation and community living space for improving public well-being.

 

In her keynote speech, Ms Winnie Ho, Secretary for Housing of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, introduced the age-inclusive strategies adopted in the Housing Bureau’s “Well．Being” project, which will impact the design of current public housing facilities as well as the future planning of public housing.

 

The other keynote speaker Mr Sima Xiao, Chairman and Chief Planner of the Urban Planning and Design Institute of Shenzhen Company Limited, discussed the transformation of Yitian Community Child-friendly Playground in Shenzhen, enlightening the audience about Shenzhen’s practical experience in creating child-friendly spaces.

 

SIRF 2023, themed “Social and Technology Innovation to Shape Community Integration for All Ages”, was held under the “PolyU Jockey Club Operation SoInno” project funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. In addition to the Main Forum, four thematic events including an exhibition, site visit and panel discussions were held, from September to December this year.