East and Southeast Asian Heritage Month Celebration Social

This September, we’re celebrating East and Southeast Asian Heritage Month with an in-person event for planning professionals from all backgrounds.

We’ve invited top industry leaders to share their professional journeys, making this a great opportunity to meet like-minded professionals.

Whether you’re of East or Southeast Asian heritage or simply interested in learning more about the unique contributions of this community in a relaxed setting, we warmly invite you to join us!

We are excited to present inspiring panel discussions featuring these speakers:

Dr. Wei Yang FAcSS    FRTPI    RIBA Client Adviser  MCIHT

Dr Wei Yang is an internationally renowned town planner and urban designer who champions a place-based, whole-systems approach to tackle the grand challenges of our times. She is an influential thought leader and a powerful advocate for climate action, nature-based solutions, health and well-being, and social equality.

Currently, Wei is the CEO, Digital Task Force for Planning and the Chair, Wei Yang & Partners. She also serves as Chair of the Construction Industry Council (CIC). She was President for 2021 of the RTPI and was named a Net Zero Hero by Digital Leaders in 2022.

Wei is the Chairman of Wei Yang & Partners, an award-winning master planning firm in London, and also, co-founder and CEO of the Digital Task Force for Planning - an innovation led not-for-profit social enterprise with the mission to unlock the full potential of spatial planning in the digital era.

Through her leadership in various areas, Wei builds a bridge between research, development, and policy. Wei is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, a Fellow of the RTPI, and an Honorary Professor at University College London.

Wei also holds several board-level and advisory roles across different sectors. Currently, a board member of the British Library, a representative of the Global Planner Networks (GPN) at the UN Habitat Profession Forum, and Professional Co-chair of the UN Habitat World Urban Campaign Steering Committee.

May Hope MRTPI

With over two decades of experience in town planning, May brings extensive expertise in delivering high-quality sustainable development and strategic planning initiatives. As the Head of Strategic Planning and Design at Enfield Council, May has played a pivotal role in preparing the Council’s Local Plan, leading negotiations, and ensuring alignment with sustainability and climate goals. Her experience spans both public and private sectors, with notable projects including large-scale mixed-use developments and award-winning design guides. May is dedicated to fostering collaborative relationships, driving regeneration, and shaping vibrant communities.

Michael Chang MRTPI

Michael is a chartered fellow town planner and currently works as a Programme Manager  in the Department of Health and Social Care leading its Planning and Health programme as part of the Housing, Planning and Environments for Health team. He started his education and career in New Zealand before moving to the UK to pursue a Master's degree. He worked at the Town and Country Planning Association and co-founded the Health and Wellbeing in Planning Network.

Registration is required to attend, and spaces are limited. Reserve your spot today!