Message from the President of HKIS, Mr. Raymond CHAN

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) and the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) I have the pleasure to welcome you to the FIG working week 2007.

The theme of the conference, ¡§Strategic Integration of Surveying Services¡¨, is linked to the role of FIG in building bridges between surveyors from different regions and cultures. The theme also reflects how professional surveyors in Hong Kong have closely worked together to make our city a sustainable place to live in. With Hong Kong¡¦s strategic geographical position as a gateway to the Mainland China and South-east Asia, we endeavour to foster closer working relationship with professional surveyors world wide. This conference will also provide an excellent opportunity for integration between international participants and Chinese counterparts.

Hong Kong, an Asia¡¦s World City, has a lot to offer for the global surveying community. The City can offer showcases of expertise for all professionals in surveying. We also hope that you will enjoy our informative technical tours together with interesting social programme here and make your stay in Hong Kong a memorable experience.

Mr. Raymond Chan
President of HKIS

Message from FIG President, Prof. Stig ENEMARK

It is my great pleasure to invite you to the FIG Working Week 2007 in Hong Kong SAR, China in May 2007. This event is very special because it is the first Working Week under the new FIG "global" administrative structure and for the new Council. Therefore I am happy that we can offer an excellent venue and a high profile programme. This will indeed be the case in Hong Kong.

This FIG Working Week is essential for the development of the Federation. We have to decide on the FIG policies for the next four years, including the Council and Commission work plans. These plans are under preparation but they will surely further strengthen FIG's role as a key global player on issues related to modern technologies, land administration and environmental issues. FIG will become a major partner in promoting sustainable development and Millennium Development Goals. FIG and the global surveying community have already made significant contributions in this regard, but we still have a lot to offer. We should be really proud of our profession.

The theme of the working week "Strategic Integration of Surveying Services" is linked to the role of FIG in building bridges between surveyors from different cultures and between different surveying disciplines. This theme matches also well with the overall theme of the new Council - "Building the Capacity". Other issues to be highlighted at the conference are disaster risk management and management of metropolitan areas also in relation to real estate management and valuation, which are issues particular relevant to many parts of Asia. The immense change in the economy and construction in China and Hong Kong will offer an additional flavour to the conference.

I am sure that Hong Kong's strategic geographical position as a gateway to the mainland China and Asia, will offer visitors from overseas unforgettable memories and a taste of the warm Chinese hospitality.

Welcome to Hong Kong!

Message from the Chairman, Mr. Hak CHAN, BBS

The FIG Working Week 2007 will be the first FIG Working Week to be held in Hong Kong. Every endeavour is being made to ensure the event will be conducted in the most exact and glamorous manner befitting as a FIG event as well as commensurate with the tradition of the Hong Kong Surveyors, and most important of all, a most enjoyable and rewarding time for all participants coming from far and near.

To begin with, the venue chosen is a top rated hotel. All functions, except those technical and social visits, will be held under one roof thereby providing the most comfort to the participants. Full and quality catering will be provided, such as, tea and coffee break with abundant of snacks and buffet lunches with large variety of food throughout the event, two receptions and one FIG Foundation Dinner, which are all inclusive for Full Delegates, and a value for money Gala Dinner with a taste of the fabulous Chinese cuisine.

In addition to the many quality technical papers to be presented by learned experts from various fields of surveying, in the same venue, there will be exhibition area for world renowned surveying equipment manufacturers and software and services providers to display their latest technology and products, and participants will have the chance to have the first glimpse and touch of these state-of-the-art master-pieces.

Hong Kong is a vibrant and lively mega city. Perhaps to some of you from afar the city is no strange place, but you will definitely find something new and extraordinary that will fascinate you each time you come. On behalf of the Organising Committee, I extend my warmest welcome to you. See you in the FIG Working Week 2007.

Message from the Congress Director, Ms. Winnie SHIU

I have much pleasure to be the Congress Director of the FIG Working Week 2007. My primary role is to maintain a close dialogue with FIG Council on matters related to the Working Week with a view to directing the Working Week in meeting its goals and the expectations of all the stakeholders, such as you, the valuable participants. An equally important role is to take part in the work of the Organising Committee to ensure that essential facilities and logistics are provided for the smooth operation of the event.

The plenary and technical programme sessions are planned to facilitate maximum participation. Whilst quality technical papers are being selected by the Commission Chairs with the co-ordination of the FIG Council, effort is being made to identify prominent persons to deliver the keynote and plenary speeches. Technical tours will be available to visit some of the finer examples of surveying work in Hong Kong.

There will be ample well equipped rooms for the various activities, such as, the Annual Commission Meetings, General Assembly, Exhibitions, and Plenary and Technical Sessions, all in the same premises. Quality catering in abundance will be provided to freshen up participants in between tense technical sessions as well as receptions and dinners for everyone to relax and enjoy in the evening.

Every effort will be put in to make the FIG Working Week 2007 a rewarding and memorable occasion for all participants. Hong Kong is always a lovely place to visit, for leisure or business. I look forward to seeing you in the Working Week.