May Lam-Kobayashi, Deputy Director, Public Affairs at Swire Properties, noted that the Company is not simply a developer but also a placemaker that aims to build vibrant communities.

Lam-Kobayashi shared that the Company has been nurturing the young generations by passing on its placemaking expertise through the Swire Properties Placemaking Academy (SPPA), which was founded in 2019 as part of the Company’s commitment to Hong Kong. SPPA annually attracts over 100 applications from local university students. Recruited students receive a six-month apprenticeship and the chance to organise the Company’s annual flagship community celebration White Christmas Street Fair. Students were inspired by SPPA lecturers, with some alumni joining the Company upon completing their studies. She highlighted that the "Re-poinsettias" at this year’s Street Fair – upcycled Christmas flowers made from recycled fabrics such as Cathay Pacific cabin crew uniforms and bedsheets from Swire Hotels – originated from an idea from the SPPA students, and a demonstration of the Company’s ongoing sustainable development efforts.

Additionally, Swire Properties and The Hong Kong Palace Museum are collaborating to launch the two-year “Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme to nurture a new generation of cultural talents from Beijing and Hong Kong. Lam-Kobayashi said the Company expects the programme to strengthen the exchange between young talents from the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, and promote Hong Kong as a cultural hub. The programme aims to provide a platform for young people in the two cities to connect, share and exchange cultural ideas through an array of hybrid learning activities.