Date/Time
Date(s) - September 4, 2025 - September 6, 2025
8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Categories

• HSW
• LU
• Seminar
• Tour

Dear Members and Friends of AIA Hong Kong

Last chance to sign-up for the AIA Hong Kong x UAP Manila Annual Exchange, with added programs including: welcome address by Michael Ward of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; keynote speech by Nicholas Medrano of SOM; tours of Ayala Tower One & Exchange Plaza; and Leandro V. Locsin Partners office visit.

AIA Hong Kong x UAP Annual Exchange | Sept 4 – 6 | Manila

2025 Regional Forum
Archipelago and Metropolis: Design Dialogue Between Hong Kong and the Philippines
AIA Hong Kong and United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) are inviting architects and design practitioners for our annual exchange between Hong Kong and the Philippines.
Filipino participants will discuss how they address climate change, urban density, and resource scarcity with a number of Hong Kong practitioners who have also done work in the Philippines.

Building on the rich history of collaboration between architects in the Philippines, Hong Kong, and the US, the Forum will foster dialogue on how to leverage shared expertise to strengthen resilience and sustainability across regions. Through site visits and networking, it aims to build a stronger foundation for a sustainable future.

The event is sponsored by the American Hardwood Export Council and supported by the RAIA and the RIBA Hong Kong Chapter.

Details

Date
Sept 4 – 6, 2025 (Thursday – Saturday)

Venue
UAP Headquarters, Manila – and Project Visits

CES
9.0 LUs / HSW

Fees
[In-person Attendance]
$360 for AIA members
$480 for supporting organisation members
$720 for non-members
(Fees include admission to all events but exclude air tickets and accommodation; registrants must book their own flights and lodging)

[Online Attendance for Sept 5 afternoon Forum only – 4.0 LUs/HSW]
$100 for members
$200 for non-members

Program

Sept 4 (Thursday)
Guest arrivals

7:00 – 10:00 PM
Welcome Party

A special occasion with UAP NBD, AIA Hong Kong Committee and Delegates, UAP VIPs, PDC, District A3 Council, UAP HK Chapter Delegates, Industry Partners and Guests (direct transportation from Manila airport to UAP headquarters has been arranged)

Sept 5 (Friday)

7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Project Visit
University of the Philippines Diliman

1:00 – 7:00 PM
2025 Regional Forum

Opening Remarks & Keynote

– Jonathan Manalad PhD FUAD PIEP, UAP National President FY25-26
– Eric Ho AIA, AIA Hong Kong 2025 President
– John Chan Greater China and Southeast Asia Regional Director, AHEC
– Michael Ward, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Counsellor for the Philippines
– Nicholas Medrano AIA LEED AP, Design Principal, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Panel I: Reinterpreting Traditions

– Winston Shu Int’l Assoc AIA, Founder IDA, Hong Kong
– Royal Pineda Founder Royal Pineda+ Architecture+Design, Manila
– Edgar B. Saavedra Founder, Chairman and CEO Megawide Construction Corporation, Manila

How can contemporary architecture and design honor the past while shaping the future? In this insightful panel, industry leaders from across Asia will explore the evolving relationship between tradition and innovation in the built environment. Winston Shu will join Royal Pineda and Edgar Saavedra to discuss how cultural heritage, materials, and craftsmanship combine to inspire new approaches in architecture, construction, and urban development. The conversation will delve into the creative process of reimagining traditions for modern contexts, the challenges and opportunities of integrating legacy with technology, and the social impact of design that bridges the past and the present.

Moderators

– Shannon Ho AIA, AIA Hong Kong 2025 Vice President
– Rufino Cantos Jr., UAPHK Chapter President

Panel II: From Design to Sustainability – Regional Perspectives

– Paul Tse AIA, Co-founder & Design Director New Office Works, Hong Kong
– Kwanho Li, Co-founder MLKK Studio, Hong Kong
– Ronnie Yumang, President and CEO Maka Land, Manila

This panel will bring together leading architects from Hong Kong and the Philippines to discuss how sustainability is woven into architectural practice across different Asian cities and regions. Paul Tse and Kwanho Li will share insights with Ronnie Yumang on integrating sustainable thinking from the earliest design stages. They will address region-specific challenges such as working in dense urban environments, climate considerations, and the importance of cultural contexts. The panelists will also highlight practical strategies, from utilizing local materials and traditional construction methods to adopting new technologies and promoting adaptive reuse. Through case studies and collaborative experiences, they will illustrate how environmental responsibility, innovation, and design excellence can coexist.

Moderators

– Gianfranco Galagar UAP, UAPHK Chapter Treasurer FY25-26
– Yee Tak Lau AIA, Director, Kohn Pederson Fox

Closing Remarks
– Joan de Leon-Tabinas UAP, Executive Director, Professional Development Commission

7:00 – 10:00PM
Dinner & Fellowship Night

Sept 6 (Saturday)

9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Project & Office Visits
– Ayala Triangle Gardens
– Ayala Tower One & Exchange Plaza
– Leandro V. Locsin Partners Office
– Kenneth Cobonpue’s Showroom

Attendees are urged to book their flights and accommodation early

Suggested Flights

Sept 4 (Thursday) HKG – MNL
CX919 – 14:05 departure, 16:25 arrival < suggested for those joining Sept 4 events
CX903 – 16:40 departure, 19:10 arrival < suggested for those joining Sept 5 events
CX913 – 20:30 departure, 22:55 arrival < suggested for those joining Sept 5 events

Sept 6 (Saturday) MNL – HKG
CX902 – 20:20 departure, 22:55 arrival

Suggested Accommodation

The Westin Manila
Barangay, San Miguel Avenue corner Lourdes Drive, Ortigas Center, East,
Mandaluyong City, 1552 Metro Manila, Philippines
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mnlwp-the-westin-manila/overview

Edsa Shangri-la
1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines
https://www.shangri-la.com/manila/edsashangrila/

The regional forum venue is UAP Headquarters at 1103 53 Sct. Rallos St, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Manila
https://maps.app.goo.gl/C8hAdNUikXDGL2Xr5

RSVP early to guarantee your spot. Registration deadline is August 31, 2025.
Sign up HERE (priority for AIA Members)