Theresa Yeung, Managing Principal for Arup in East Asia, has been awarded the Social Impact Award at the Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD) Awards for Director Excellence. This recognition celebrates her outstanding leadership and longstanding contributions to social sustainability, inclusive urban development, and professional excellence.
Building on this achievement, Theresa is widely regarded as an influential voice in sustainable urban design and planning, known for her human-centred approach to city making. She has been a pioneer in reshaping planning practice in Hong Kong, introducing participatory planning methodologies that integrate public engagement from the earliest stages of project development.
At Arup, she has cultivated a dynamic, multidisciplinary planning team responsible for some of the most complex and significant projects across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Her work seamlessly blends strategic vision, technical excellence, and community needs to create vibrant, liveable, and resilient urban environments.
Beyond her work within the firm, Theresa's leadership extends across the wider profession. In recognition of her decades-long commitment to the field, she was elected President of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP) in June 2025.
Her contributions also reach into Arup’s global initiatives. As a key member of the firm’s Global Engagement Steering Committee, she plays a vital role in shaping the community engagement strategy, spearheading transformative social impact initiatives across East Asia.
Theresa’s dedication to social advancement is equally evident in her commitment to nurturing the next generation. She is actively involved in educational initiatives, engaging with school programmes to inspire young minds and cultivate future leaders. This work complements her longstanding dedication to public service, where she continues to contribute across various capacities to help build a more equitable society for all.
Throughout her career, Theresa has exemplified leadership grounded in vision, integrity, and purpose. Her achievements — from embedding social sustainability into industry standards, to fostering cross-sector collaboration and strengthening frameworks for public engagement — reflect a lasting impact on both communities and the systems that support them.
Organised by the HKIoD, the Social Impact Award is designed to recognise and promote exemplary achievements in board governance that advance social sustainability, advocating best practice among directors who contribute meaningfully to positive social impact.