LaDA Newsletter 7th Issue: 2021 Review
Visit to Hong Kong Airport Authority
LaDA visited the Hong Kong Airport Authority on 9th of February 2021, tapping into HKAA’s latest round of development scheme. The meeting focused on the development of infrastructures encircling the Hong Kong Airport, such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, SkyCity and North Lantau New Town. The transportation and logistics anchoring these facilities are among the focal points of discussion, including the proposed driverless shuttle bus schemes.
LaDA Talk on 14th Five-Year Plan and Greater Bay Area Development
LaDA has invited Dr. Joe Fang, Director of research at the One Country Two Systems Research Institute, to host a talk for LaDA members, introducing the outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the forthcoming development policies of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Dr. Fang offered presented a comprehensive outlook and exposition of the Five-Year Plan, and pinpointed several key opportunities in Lantau, providing insightful views on how members can take advantage of these opportunities and develop prescient post-pandemic strategies. The 14th Five-Year Plan sets the blueprints for the development of Lantau. Our members are often kept updated, staying one-step ahead through Dr. Fang’s astute observations and inputs. |
11 SKIES Show Visit
On 16th June 2021, LaDA members paid a visit to the 11 SKIES showroom located at North Point’s K11 Atelier. Situated near the Hong Kong Airport at Chek Lap Kok, 11 SKIES will become Hong Kong’s largest hub for retail, dining and entertainment, serving locals and visitors from Hong Kong, Greater Bay Area and the rest of the world. As the core business centre of GBA’s “One-hour living circle”, 11 SKIES will be a major force driving Lantau’s economy forward. The visit provided our members with a clear outlook of 11 SKIES’s development blueprint, as well as a demonstration of the facial mask production technology developed by New World Development, which is then hosting an exhibition celebrating the corporation’s 50th anniversary. The establishment of this major infrastructure has presented a golden opportunity for organisations operating on Lantau. Tourism and transport stakeholders ought to work together to achieve the synergy effect and develop the “Bridgehead Economy” that LaDA has been promoting since the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. |
Meeting with Islands District Officer
LaDA’s meeting with the Islands District Officer, Ms. Amy Yeung proceeded smoothly on 30th June, 2021. LaDA members visited the office building located in Harbour Building at Central and engaged in meaningful conversations and discussions with the officials, focusing on Lantau’s future development and planning.
MTR Talk on Tung Chung Line Extension Project
On 3rd September 2021, MTR Corporation hosted a talk for LaDA members on the upcoming Tung Chung Line Extension Project. Tung Chung East, Tung Chung West and Siu Ho Wan Stations are introduced as forthcoming transport facilities catering the projected population bloom in the North Lantau New Town. The extension scheme aims to provide the Tung Chung community with an upgraded railway transportation network, improving the neighbourhood’s livelihood, employment, and sustainable economic development.
LaDA Annual General Meeting 2021
LaDA’s 2021 AGM took place on 17th of September 2021. Despite the pandemic, the event received tremendous support from our members. Apart from the year-end review session, Chairman also presented the latest LaDA positioning document.
Held at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, LaDA worked closely with the Disney event team, in an effort to ensure that the meeting and dining arrangements met the requirements under the pandemic protocol issued by the Hong Kong Government.
Meeting with the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Transportation Department
On 25th November 2021, LaDA Chairman, Vice-Chairwoman and Treasurer attended a meeting with the Commissioner of Transportation Department, Ms. Rosanna Law, and Assistant Commissioner, Ms. Stella Lee. The discussion focused on the internal and external transportation landscape of Lantau. LaDA representatives drew attention to the public transport issues on Lantau, which have deterred both local residents and outsiders from seeking employment in the region. They have also raised the ideas about establishing special touring bus routes and introducing smart carpark systems on Lantau.
The future development of Lantau requires the support of a convenient and efficient transportation system. LaDA will continue to work and collaborate with concerned government bureaux and departments, in order to reflect the views of the industries and communities on Lantau for consideration by the policy makers in Government.
Meeting with Islands District Council Chairman
On 21st December 2021, LaDA invited Mr. Randy Yu, Chairman of Islands District Council to host a sharing session with our members. Mr. Yu offered valuable insights on the upcoming development schemes and windows of opportunities surrounding Lantau Island and established a solid foundation for future cooperations and exchanges between LaDA and the Council.
The event took place at Regala Skycity Hotel, the latest luxurious accommodation situated at the heart of SkyCity. Ms. Renee Kim, General Manager of the hotel, took our members on a tour around the facilities. Footbridges directly connect the hotel with both 11 SKIES and Asia-World Expo, creating synergy and catalytic effects that will surely bring prosperity and opulence to the Lantau area.
LaDA Positioning Document
Since mid 2021, LaDA Chairman and the Secretariat have been setting up interviews and meeting sessions with each of our members, in an effort to compile and publish a positioning document that consolidate the views, expectations and suggestions from various Lantau stakeholders.
The positioning document has summarised all the information and discussions into four major categories: tourism , transportation, community development, and employment. During the consultation period of the 2021 Policy Address, the document has been sent to the Chief Executive’s Office, relevant government departments and officials.
The strategic location of Lantau Island is a key factor which allows it to capitalise on the development of the Greater Bay Area. LaDA should act as a driving force in shaping Lantau’s future development blueprints. With a refreshed and redefined mission and vision, the positioning document will provide the Alliance with clearer directives for its future works.