Tale of Two Cities: Shanghai Experience and Hong Kong Practice of Community Building [CU:SU 2026 Extension Activity]

Highlights

As an integral part of CU:SU 2026, this event serves as a platform for cross-city dialogue to explore innovative practices in community building. In dense urban environments like Shanghai and Hong Kong, how can community gardens bridge the gap between residents, professionals, and civil organizations to create resilient public spaces? This session focuses on "Dialogue, Collaboration, and Coexistence" to rethink community planning.

Program

Led by Yin Keluan, General Manager of Clover Nature School, the seminar will draw on over a decade of experience in Shanghai’s community gardening projects, demonstrating how gardens serve as vital mediums for urban interaction. The subsequent roundtable discussion will feature Leung Ka-yan, Senior Innovation Officer at Make a Difference, and Chan Pui-yin, General Manager of Very Hong Kong. The panelists will compare practices, analyzing the potential for Shanghai’s models to be adapted to the local Hong Kong context. Topics include:

• Engagement of diverse stakeholders in community building
• The role of grassroots governance and community work
• Shifting public perceptions of placemaking
• Challenges in fundraising and scaling community initiatives

Speakers

• Yin Keluan: General Manager, Clover Nature School
• Leung Ka-yan: Senior Innovation Officer, Make a Difference (MaD)
• Chan Pui-yin: General Manager, Very Hong Kong

Venue & Access

The event will take place at HKAPA Classroom 2. Attendees are advised to arrive on time and allow for entry procedures.

Ticketing

• Standard: HKD 200
• Student: HKD 140 Note: All tickets are non-refundable. The event will be conducted in Putonghua. Attendees must abide by venue rules and regulations.