Nicholas Brooke, an acclaimed authority on land administration and planning matters, and one of Hong Kong’s most widely recognized champions of innovation and technology, has received dual recognition from ULI in being selected as the new chairman of the Asia Pacific region and the first ULI Life Trustee from Asia Pacific. The announcement was made in June at ULI’s Asia Pacific Summit in Hong Kong.
Brooke, who developed vast experience in the public and private sectors through more than three decades of service in Asia, is chairman of the Hong Kong Harbourfront Commission, which advises the government on how to deliver a world-class waterfront for public enjoyment. Brooke is also the principal adviser to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) on the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology, and Innovation, and chairman of specialist real estate consultancy Professional Property Services Group. He is a member of the Commission on Strategic Development and the Working Group on Manufacturing Industries, Innovative Technology, and Cultural and Creative Industries of the Economic Development Commission in Hong Kong.
Brooke has been involved with ULI for many years, playing a major part in its growth across the Asia Pacific region. He is on the Asia Pacific Executive Committee and is chairman of the Nomination Committee. He has chaired the ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence jury as well as both ULI/World Economic Forum Leadership Symposiums. He has been a mentor to members of the ULI Young Leaders Group since the program’s inception in Hong Kong and has been a ULI trustee since 2014.
Brooke’s long commitment to ULI led to his selection as both a Life Trustee and the chairman of ULI Asia Pacific. As a Life Trustee, he joins a prestigious group of fewer than 20 members who have received the honor during the Institute’s 80-year history. Life Trustees are among ULI’s most dedicated and respected members whose service to the organization has been meaningful, distinctive, and extraordinary. As chairman of the Asia Pacific region, Brooke will begin his two-year term starting July 1, serving in the volunteer position held for the past two years by Ngee Huat Seek, chairman of Global Logistic Properties Limited.
Brooke’s service as an engaged, thoughtful leader in Asia Pacific makes him an “excellent choice” to serve as ULI chairman of the region and to be designated a ULI Life Trustee, says Thomas W. Toomey, ULI global chairman.
“Nick is a quintessential ULI member, giving back selflessly to improve our organization and expand ULI’s reach,” says Toomey, who is chairman, chief executive officer, and president of UDR Inc. in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. “His commitment to improving our communities through the work of our members is a true inspiration. Nick’s recognition as a Life Trustee is well deserved, and his chairmanship of Asia Pacific will greatly benefit ULI globally.”
Toomey noted that Brooke’s leadership of Asia Pacific will be instrumental in implementing ULI’s new Global Strategic Plan, which was approved by the Institute’s Board of Directors on May 1. The multiyear plan strives to strengthen member engagement and expand member impact in each of the three regions in which ULI has a presence—Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. “Nick has been instrumental in the growth of ULI in Asia Pacific, and he has a solid understanding of how to build on the progress ULI has made in the region and further expand ULI’s impact,” Toomey says.
As Asia Pacific chairman, Brooke sees his primary objective as raising awareness of the role and capabilities of ULI around the region. In addition, he hopes to create education programs and initiatives, such as building alliances with key universities, to help the next generation of real estate and land developers gain access to industry best practices.
“I am proud and honored to become ULI’s chairman in Asia Pacific,” Brooke says. “For many years I have acted as an ambassador for ULI in the region, and so I am delighted to be given the opportunity to advance the organization’s mission of creating and sustaining thriving communities. I am equally honored to be named a ULI Life Trustee. I truly believe that ULI has the unique ability to shape and influence the design and planning of the urban fabric for the benefit of future generations, and I look forward to addressing the current and future challenges facing Asia’s cities.”
“We are excited to welcome Nick as our new chairman and as a Life Trustee,” says John Fitzgerald, ULI Asia Pacific chief executive officer. “He brings extensive expertise from both the private and public sector that will greatly benefit our members throughout the region. Having Nick in these roles suggests a bright future for ULI in Asia Pacific.”
