Social Engagement | Shirley Chen

Going Above & Beyond

Shirley allows her design practice to escape the confines of the office and effect more change in society. Her influence extends outside through public lectures and university talks, which she has consistently carved out time for since she was a young designer. All these efforts have the same essence: to coach, inspire, and share her expertise.

ACTIVITIES

Inspiring the Next Generation

Visiting universities to share her wealth of ideas and experience with aspiring designers is something she has consistently done. During these talks, students can ask her questions on her values in design and more technical aspects of project delivery. These talks motivate others to pursue careers that help shape and transform the built environment.

Workshop and project review with Chinese University of Hong Kong
Tourism & Hospitality 101 Lecture at Shenzhen University
Tourism & Hospitality 101 Lecture at South China University of Technology
Lecture at Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering
Industrial Forum and Lecture at South China University of Technology
Lecture at Central South University
Lecture at Guangzhou University
Speech and Career Talk in Shenzhen University

Engaging the Public

Another avenue Shirley reaches out is through lectures. Attended by the public or guests with non-design backgrounds, these lectures are a means to educate others on why landscape environments matter and sharpen their senses to recognize quality design.

Longfor Public Forum in Chengdu
Speech for OCT Public Event in Wuhan

Sharing Her Expertise

She has also been invited to be part of expert review panels for a major park and streetscape project in Shenzhen and represented AECOM in the National Exhibition of China and Germany.

Expert Review for Shenzhen Ganken Parks Design.

Organizer: OCT, Shenzhen Center For Design, Shenzhen Public Art Center

Expert Review for Shenzhen Qianhai Streetscape Design Guideline

Organizer: Shenzhen Qianhai Investment Management

Building Collaboration

Lectures, panels, and roundtable discussions are organized for the different offices and business lines to learn from one another with the ultimate goal being to enhance collaboration among different offices and technical practices.

Lecture for AECOM Luohu Office – GDC (outside of U+P) about high-end hotel landscape design

Lecture on high-end hotel landscape design philosophy for Shenzhen Nanshan Office (U+P, Architecture, MEP, Structure)

Speech for AECOM Luohu Office about high-end hotel landscape design

Mentoring Women Leaders

Every year, The Women’s Foundation Mentoring Programme for Women Leaders matches 50 women leaders and executives from various sectors in Hong Kong with 50 mentees who exhibit leadership potential and the passion to spark change.

Despite coming from different industries, they are all similar when it comes to their drive and dedication to women’s growth in the workplace. Shirley was selected as a mentor for the 15th cycle of the programme which runs from 2023-2024.