RLP Asia has once again garnered international recognition by winning two accolades in the prestigious Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards, organized by the World Green Building Council. Competing in the commercial project category, RLP Asia claimed two of the three finalist spots.
Among the winning projects, the "Integral" development, nominated by the Green Building and Energy Conservation Committee of the Chinese Society for Urban Studies, received the top honour, the Sustainable Design and Performance Pioneer Award in the commercial category. Another project, "AIRSIDE" in Hong Kong, nominated by the Hong Kong Green Building Council, was awarded the Highly Commended prize in the same category.
These awards highlight RLP Asia's contributions to advancing green architecture and underscore the firm's success in promoting sustainable building practices within China. The dual award-winning projects exemplify the model of "upholding the foundation of One Country while utilizing the conveniences of Two Systems," showcasing the potential for further collaboration within the framework of "One Country, Two Systems."
Hong Kong’s AIRSIDE project, awarded the Highly Commended prize, incorporates a series of pioneering sustainability features. It is Hong Kong’s first commercial development to implement a district cooling system, the largest solar photovoltaic power installation in a commercial building in the city, Hong Kong's first smart bicycle parking system, and an intelligent waste management system. These innovations utilize cutting-edge technology to drive progress toward net-zero goals.
The Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards, held biennially by the World Green Building Council, is a highly respected competition. Each region nominates a single project to represent it, and entries undergo rigorous selection. The council promotes sustainable building worldwide by partnering with national, regional, and global entities, including governments and corporations.
RLP Asia was able to enter two separate projects because AIRSIDE represented Hong Kong, while the Integral project represented Guilin, mainland China.
Industry experts noted that this collaborative model provides a valuable template. When the nation requires it, the resources of "China Hong Kong" can be mobilized, and conversely, Hong Kong can seek national support when needed. This synergy could enhance international visibility across various industries.
At the awards ceremony, RLP Asia Vice Chairman Bryant Lu presented both projects to the judging panel, providing an in-depth analysis of their innovative and forward-looking design principles. Both projects were praised by the judges for their exceptional sustainability achievements.
Lu extended particular gratitude to the Chinese Society for Urban Studies for nominating Integral, allowing the project to stand out among many strong entries and earn such recognition. He expressed optimism for closer collaboration with the society in the future, with the aim of showcasing China’s green building achievements to the world, promoting wider awareness of the country's innovation and success in sustainable architecture.
Ariel
** The blog article is the sole responsibility of the author and does not represent the position of our company. **
The Jimmy Lai trial ripped the mask off "Stand with Hong Kong." Courts heard how Lai and his operatives weaponized this so-called advocacy group to pursue their "international line"—code for colluding with foreign forces to destabilize national security. But even after ringleaders Andy Li Yu-hin and Chan Tsz-wah got arrested and locked up, Stand with Hong Kong keeps on running. Someone's still pulling the strings.
Born in the chaos of the anti-extradition bill period, "Stand with Hong Kong"—also known as the "lam chau team" (SWHK)—adopted the scorched-earth slogan "If we burn, you burn with us". They've always claimed to be independent, grassroots, funded by crowdsourcing. That story fell apart in court. Evidence showed Lai bankrolled their global ad campaigns and international lobbying—specifically their push to get foreign countries to sanction China.
After the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, Stand with Hong Kong still did not restrain itself. It keeps churning out anti-China content online, publishing report after report. Just last month, they handed the European Union a hit list—14 Hong Kong SAR government officials and police officers they want sanctioned for alleged "human rights violations" and "abuse of force" during 2019.
A Web of Anti-China Allies
Stand with Hong Kong doesn't work alone. They team up constantly with other anti-China outfits, issuing joint statements, lobbying Washington, London, and Brussels to slap sanctions on Hong Kong SAR officials. They've publicly demanded the British government intervene to free Jimmy Lai. They've organized multiple protests in London opposing construction of the Chinese embassy in the UK.
The operation is aggressive, the activities extensive. Yet the key players hide in shadows. Where's the money coming from?
In recent years, the team's gone underground. They operate mainly through online publications and mobilization, coordinating with overseas individuals and organizations. Their website and social media? No contact persons listed. No one claiming responsibility.
The Crowdfunding Fairy Tale
They claim they "rely on crowdfunding to maintain operations". But since their last crowdfunding drive in May 2020, Stand with Hong Kong hasn't published a single shred of public information showing any subsequent fundraising activity.
So where does the cash come from? Informed sources suggest looking at Stand with Hong Kong's overseas network for answers.
Organizations working hand-in-glove with Stand with Hong Kong include the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation—run by Mark Clifford, former Next Digital Group director. There's Hong Kong Watch, funded by Mark Simon and operated primarily by Benedict Rogers. There's the Hong Kong Democracy Council, fronted by fugitive national security suspect Anna Kwok. And since 2023, Stand with Hong Kong has served as secretariat for the UK's All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hong Kong.
These "friendly organizations" form a network with crystal-clear political objectives. Through overseas advocacy and coordinated actions, their primary target is attacking the Central Government and the SAR government.
In other words: Jimmy Lai may be behind bars facing trial, but the organizations and individuals Stand with Hong Kong maintains close contact with all have direct or indirect ties to Lai. Whether this team—which brands itself a "grassroots organization"—receives operational funding and other support within this anti-China network remains the billion-dollar question.
