In his welcome speech at the forum, the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Edwin Tong, said, "Apart from performing the primary function of flood control, new large-scale drainage improvement works of the Government integrate the concept of revitalising water bodies by incorporating ecological features and environmental improvement measures. To successfully carry out these challenging tasks, innovative ideas, advanced technologies and collaboration among professional organisations are most essential."

In his keynote speech entitled "Living Beside Water", another keynote speaker, the Under Secretary for Development, Mr Eric Ma, said, "This year's Policy Address put forth the application of the concept of revitalising water bodies in large-scale drainage improvement works and drainage planning for new development areas. At present, several iconic revitalisation projects are under planning or construction. I believe there will be more opportunities for revitalising water bodies in the planning of new development areas in the future."

At the forum today, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Professor Onyx Wai; Associate Professor of the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Hong Kong Dr Lam Kit-ming; Associate Professor of the Department of Geography of the University of Hong Kong Dr Ng Cho-nam; the Vice President of the Shenzhen Water Planning and Design Institute, Mr Zhu Wenbo; and the Senior Environmental Consultant of Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited, Mr Gary Chow, delivered speeches on river revitalisation, ecological restoration and stormwater management.

The DSD has organised the Research & Development Forum annually since 2006. Aiming at creating a better and sustainable living environment, the forum invites leading industry practitioners and noted experts to deliver keynote speeches, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange views and learn about the latest technologies as well as explore opportunities for collaboration. The two-day forum this year attracted more than 500 local academics, professionals and industry representatives.