Keynote 1: Prof Paul Chu
Prof Paul CHU is currently Dean of Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Professor at the Department of Architecture at Hong Kong Chu Hai College. He holds M.Sc (Arch & UD) of Columbia University, M.Arch (Distinction) and B.A.(A.S.) (Hons) of HKU. He is Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Member of Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, Hong Kong Registered Architect and holds PRC Class 1 Registered Architect qualification.
A former Convener of Hong Kong Urban Design Alliance, his research interest lies on how informality of contemporary urbanism contributes to social and cultural sustainability. These are reflected in the writings in ‘Factory Towns of South China- An Illustrated Guidebook’ (HKU Press), ‘Villages in the City- A Guide of South China’s Informal Settlements’ (HKU Press and University of Hawai’i Press), ‘The Emerging Public realm of the Greater Bay Area- Approaches to Public Space in a Chinese Megaregion’ (Taylor & Francis/ Routledge) and ‘In-formal Market Places, Experiments with Urban Regeneration’ (nai010 publishers), etc.
He was awarded Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar (New York), Contemporary Construction Expert of China, Hong Kong Young Architect Award, 20 for 21st Century Emerging Hong Kong Architect, Hong Kong 10 Outstanding Designers, Champion in ‘In Search of Diversity in School Design’, amongst other awards he obtained. He was Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and Council Member of HKIA, and was Official Delegate and Council Member at Architects Regional Council of Asia (ARCASIA) in 2013 and 2014.
In terms of public services, he currently serves as Member of Museum Advisory Committee (History), Appeal Board Panel (Town Planning), Appeal Tribunal Panel (Buildings) and Urban Renewal Authority District Advisory Committee. He served as a part-time member of HKSAR Government Central Policy Unit, and was member of Council for Sustainable Development, Antiquities Advisory Board, Architects Registration Board, Appeal Panel (Housing), Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures, etc.
Keynote 2: Prof. Ar. Dr Lim Chin Haw
Prof. Ar. Dr Lim Chin Haw is a Full Professor at Taylor’s University School of Architecture, Building and Design. A registered architect with the Board of Architects Malaysia and a corporate member of PAM. Specializing in passive and low-energy design, he brings over two decades of experience bridging professional practice, research, and academia.
Prof. Lim has played a pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s energy efficiency landscape, contributing to key national standards including MS 1525, MS 2680, and MS 2095. He previously chaired the MalaysiaGBC Academic Standing Committee and served as the UNIDO National Evaluator for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Initiatives, underscoring his commitment to policy-level impact.
Prof. Lim research explores the integration of artificial intelligence in architecture to enhance design processes and building performance. Recipient of the ASEAN Energy Awards and the MalaysiaGBC Best Research Award, Prof. Lim’s collaborations with Fraunhofer Institute (Germany) reflect his dedication to advancing solar innovation and sustainability in the built environment.