Infrastructure firm AECOM and the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) have established a strategic partnership. The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 13 February 2026. This agreement aims to support Hong Kong’s sustainability goals by combining industrial experience with university research.

The official ceremony was overseen by Ir Dr Otto Poon, the founding chairman of the Hong Kong Climate Change Forum. Under the new agreement, the partners will work on joint research projects regarding environmental innovation and climate adaptation. One major goal is the potential creation of a dedicated AECOM–SEE joint laboratory. The partnership also covers student internships, joint academic supervision and capacity building programmes.

The collaboration will focus on practical solutions such as flood management, nature-based infrastructure and shoreline management. Following the signing, both parties hosted a Climate Change Symposium. This event brought together figures from the government, the real estate sector and academia to discuss coastal resilience and water management.

“This strategic partnership with CityUHK SEE is a catalyst for transformative solutions addressing critical environmental challenges,” said Dr Johnny Cheuk, senior vice president and Hong Kong Executive Leader at AECOM. “By uniting CityUHK’s renowned research capabilities with our industry-leading technical excellence in sustainable infrastructure and on-the-ground experience, including integrated shoreline management, flood management and nature-based solutions, we can fast-track the development of resilient, future-ready solutions for Hong Kong.”

“Collaborating with AECOM is not just a partnership, it’s a commitment to shaping a sustainable future together with industry leaders on various initiatives, all aimed at translating research into real-world impact,” said Prof. Benjamin Horton, Dean of the School of Energy and Environment at CityUHK. “Partnerships between academia and industry are essential for accelerating innovation, scaling solutions and building resilience. Universities bring together diverse fields under one roof, making them ideal hubs for innovation and collaboration. We are excited to work closely with the industry partners, including AECOM, to foster scalable solutions for global sustainability.”

Speakers at the symposium included Chan Wai Tak from the Development Bureau and Prof. Wong Kam Sing of the Wu Zhi Qiao Charitable Foundation. Representatives from Henderson Land Development and various AECOM directors also shared insights. The event highlighted the need for cooperation to move climate-resilient technology from the lab into the wider community.