University of the Built Environment launches in Hong Kong

Posted on: 2025-10-23

The University of the Built Environment celebrated the launch of its new name in the Hong Kong region with a glittering cocktail reception on Wednesday 22 October, bringing together leading figures from across the built environment sector.

Around 200 guests from industry, academia, and professional bodies gathered at the Grand Ballroom of the New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel to celebrate the University’s new identity (it was formerly known as the University College of Estate Management) and ongoing mission — to be the centre of excellence for built environment education across the world.

Attendees from the UK included Professor Nick Braisby, Trustee of the Board of the University of the Built Environment; Mr Stephen Bartle, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commercial); Professor Malcolm Todd, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic); Professor Samer Bagaeen, Head of the School of Town Planning; Mr Tim Bennett, Dean – International; and Mrs Kim Davies, Director of Marketing, Communications and Brand.

Vice-Chancellor Ashley Wheaton, unable to attend in person, opened the evening with a recorded video, welcoming guests to the Hong Kong launch of the new name and thanking guests for their continued support of the institution.

In his absence, Mr Bartle delivered the keynote speech, describing the event as not just a celebration but an “invitation to join us in this new chapter, to work together to shape the future of Hong Kong, Macau, and the wider region, and to ensure our cities are places where communities thrive for generations to come”.

Guest speaker Professor Ling Kar Kan SBS, Chairman of the Hong Kong Housing Society amongst other prestigious titles, said: “Renaming UCEM to the University of the Built Environment signifies such a commitment of the present generation to shape a better built environment for our future generations. The University will continue its mission of built for life, built for people and built for the future. I believe a better world can be built with our collective wisdom and efforts.”

A new chapter for built environment education

Mr Bartle described the University’s expansion into the APAC region as a defining step in its evolution: “This is a time of significant growth as we work with industry to broaden our support for the professional disciplines across the built environment.”

He highlighted recent developments including the incorporation of the London School of Architecture into the University, the establishment of a new School of Urban Planning, and the forthcoming introduction of research degrees.

Making education locally relevant

Mr Bartle emphasised that innovation in education “is not only about technology or delivery methods, it is about how we listen, how we adapt, and how we ensure programmes are genuinely relevant to the places where we teach”.

He spoke of designing postgraduate programmes that reflect the realities of Hong Kong and Macau, embedding local course content that addresses regional priorities and ensuring students can apply their learning to the challenges they face in their careers.

Sustainability at the heart of our mission

Sustainability featured prominently in the evening’s discussions. Referencing Hong Kong’s green building initiatives and Macau’s drive to diversify its economy, Mr Bartle said the University of the Built Environment “will bring our global expertise to support these goals, equipping graduates and professionals with the skills to deliver projects that are future-ready and community-centred”.

Connecting to Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis

Mr Bartle announced that the University will be an official sponsor of the Northern Metropolis Future Forum Season 2, hosted at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in November. He said: “By supporting this initiative, we are embedding the University directly into one of Hong Kong’s most significant policy and development conversations.”

Honouring leadership and collaboration

Professor Braisby presented honorary awards, recognising exceptional contributions to the built environment. Honorary Fellowships were awarded to Mr Andrew Keung, celebrated for his leadership and advocacy for sustainable practices, and Mr Dick Kwok, a pivotal figure in Hong Kong’s property management sector.

Mr Marcelino Wong was named Associate Fellow and inaugurated as the University of the Built Environment’s first Macau Ambassador.

A toast to shared ambition

Concluding his speech, Mr Bartle invited guests to raise their glasses: “Here’s to the future of the University of the Built Environment in Hong Kong, in Macau, and across the APAC region – to new partnerships, to shared ambition, and to a built environment that is sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.”

Networking and community

The evening was also marked by vibrant networking and inspiring conversations, particularly among students who took the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and alumni. One standout moment saw a current student reconnect with an alumnus who was his inspiration to pursue a career in surveying. Throughout the room, there was a sense of community and ambition, with everyone actively engaging in discussions about career pathways, regional challenges, and the future of the built environment.

With thanks

Following the event, Professor Braisby, said: “I am delighted to have represented the Board of Trustees at the Hong Kong launch of the University of the Built Environment. The launch encapsulates the University’s ambition and commitment to addressing the complex problems facing those working in the built environment professions, and its commitment to working with our partners in Hong Kong. On behalf of all on the Board of Trustees, I send my thanks to all who attended and who were involved in making the launch such a success.”

 

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More photos from the evening will be posted on our Facebook Page and LinkedIn in the coming weeks. Please do not forget to tag us and add #BuiltForFuturesHK if you share any posts about the event!