Professional Institutes Unite to Shape Hong Kong’s Future City: Northern Metropolis Forum Draws 500+ Industry Leaders
The NM 4.0 Forum a hybrid event attracted over 500 attendees in total from around the world with 170 in person participating at the City Gallery in Hong Kong on Saturday, Sep. 5, 2026. The Northern Metropolis Forum (NM 4.0) brought together planning, design and development professionals, academics, lawmakers, and government representatives for an event focused on driving progress for Hong Kong’s largest strategic development project.
The NM 4.0 Forum was jointly organized by six leading professional institutes: the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design (HKIUD) as lead organizer, alongside the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists (HKICON), Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA), Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP), and Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS).
A Pivotal Moment for Strategic Growth
The NM 4.0 Forum coincides with critical milestones for the project. Following the close of the Government's consultation on Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan—which places the Northern Metropolis at its core—a major land parcel in Hung Shui Kiu was awarded for HK$1.03 billion, demonstrating strong market confidence.
Discussions centered on leveraging cross-boundary synergies: combining Hong Kong's finance, education, and professional services with Shenzhen's high-tech industry and spacious living.
Key Insights from Forum Speakers:
Sr. Nicholas Brooke advocated for a co-investment model where government leads infrastructure and branding, while the private sector drives investment.
Prof. K.K. Ling revealed preliminary designs for the 210-hectare San Tin Technopole, with Phase One tendering targeted for year-end.
Ms. Sam Lam emphasized that community building must occur in parallel with urban planning rather than as an afterthought.
Prof. Edward Ng cautioned that future housing design must urgently adapt to projected climate shifts.
Prof. Zhu Jingxiang highlighted Shenzhen’s successful design competition models in attracting renowned international design professionals while nurturing young local talent.
Mr. James Wong urged NM should do what Hong Kong does “make stuff” and become the super connector to China and the rest of the world.
A panel discussion stressed the importance of focussing on NM development but not lose sight of the Harbour Metropolis as both can complement each other for the future Growth of Hong Kong.
Defining the NM Guiding Principles:
A dedicated workshop of 60 industry leaders collaborated to draft new Guiding Principles for the Northern Metropolis, modeled after the 2005 Harbour Planning Principles. Key proposals included higher housing and open space standards, radical mixed-use zoning, human-centric mobility and streetscapes, nature-positive environmental solutions, and safeguarding the existing built, cultural and ecological heritage of NM with sensitive urban rural integration strategies. Participants unanimously called for strong proactive leadership with data driven decision making and a dedicated design council to ensure high quality development and implementation to result in faster delivery of NM to improve the quality life of Hong Kong people.
The official NM Guiding Principles will be formally released at the next forum on 24 October 2026.