URA's new Role as Facilitator in Redevelopment On 23 March 2011, representatives of GPD attended a presentation by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) concerning their new role, as a facilitator, in property redevelopment. Following the new Urban Renewal Strategy (URS) promulgated by the Government in February this year, framework of the "facilitator" in redevelopment was introduced by URA. The URS proposed several new initiatives in dealing with urban renewal. In accordance with the URS, redevelopment will take more diverse forms with URA as the "implementer" or "facilitator" to help tackling urban decay problems in Hong Kong. This new initiative would provide an alternative channel for owner-participating in redevelopment. URA would act as an independent party to assist property owners to go through the technical and complicated process of joint sale. URA will also assist the owners to select and appoint extemal professional consultants in the process of seeking independent advices on valuation and joint sales matters. We would envisage that GP surveyors would play an active role in this "facilitating" process. Under this initiative, owners of old premises might join together in the sale of their combined interests to investors or developers. We would anticipate more job opportunities in valuation and joint sale. At the meeting with URA, GPD representatives expressed views on the proposal. GPD welcomed this new initiative. WAVO Meeting As reported earlier on the WAVO Meeting in Hong Kong, it was successfully held in the HKIS Office on 30 April 2011. Members from 9 different countries and regions attended the Meeting followed by its AGM. Hon Treasurer Mr Edward Au actively co-ordinated with the WAVO Secretariat in arranging this international meeting. Taking his opportunity, SISV and HKIS also signed the MOU in the presence of WAVO members at the end of the meeting. Thereafter, a technical visit was arranged for the delegates. Members may refer to the separate message on the WAVO Meeting and MOU Signing Ceremony written by Edward. APC REFORM Coping with the HKIS APC Reform, GPD is now reviewing its APC process. The proposed APC/ATC reform by HKIS is intended to open a way for non-cognate degree holders working in the property industry, with appropriate training arrangement, to become full members of the HKIS. A GPD Working Group, led by Mr Louie Chan, is reviewing the process with a view to match with the reform and also to streamline process in order to assist and facilitate Probationers to get through the assessment. WAVO 2011 Meeting in Hong Kong and the Signing of MOU with SISV (By Edward AU Hon Treasurer GPD Council HKIS GPD WAVO Meeting Coordinator) For details, please refer to Divisional News & Activities-GPD on April 2011.