On May 8, 2025, the "International Planning Forum 2025," hosted by The Hong Kong Institute of Planners, was successfully held in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Themed "Urban Horizons: Shaping the Future of Global Cities," the forum attracted government representatives, industry leaders, and professionals from 10 countries and regions, including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Mainland China. They gathered to discuss hot topics such as cultural space planning, AI-driven urban transformation, and smart transportation development.

Mr. Sheng Xuefeng, Dean of our institute, was invited to attend the forum and delivered a keynote speech titled "The Trend and Path of Shanghai’s Future AI City."

This forum marks the largest international planning exchange event hosted by The Hong Kong Institute of Planners in the past decade. In her opening remarks, Ms. Cheung Yee Wai, President of the Institute, stated: "As a vibrant international metropolis, Hong Kong is at a critical stage of urban transformation amidst the rapid changes in the global and internal landscape. We hope to build a more livable and resilient city for the next generation through international and regional cooperation and innovative thinking."

In his keynote speech, Dean Sheng Xuefeng focused on the new round of urban digitalization and intelligent development plans for the Yangtze River Delta and Shanghai. From the perspective of fully embracing AI, he elaborated on the development vision and strategies for Shanghai's "AI+ City." He pointed out that digital and intelligent technologies, represented by AI, are reconstructing the underlying architecture of smart cities. "Data + Intelligence" will be the path leading to super-intelligent scenarios. He also emphasized the need to fully consider institutional and mechanism reforms regarding "digitalization" and to actively address challenges such as digital equality and the digital divide.