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Andrew Chapman AM, Deputy Chairman and Chief of Marina Management of GBAYCIA, President of the Marina Industries Association

Leadership Philosophy
"A marina is not a car park for boats. It is a community asset, an economic engine, and a gateway to the water. The standard you set for it determines everything that follows — the operators, the investment, the culture."

Andrew Chapman AM

Deputy Chairman & Chief of Marina Management

Andrew Chapman has spent over three decades building the professional and institutional infrastructure of the global marina industry. As President of the Marina Industries Association (MIA) of Australia, he drove the development of the 5 Gold Anchors accreditation programme — now the internationally recognised benchmark for marina quality, service standards, and environmental management. The MIA under his leadership represents over 340 businesses and a workforce of more than 21,000 people. As Chairman of Gulf Marina Management (GMM), he has applied 34 years of Australian marina design and management expertise to emerging markets in mainland China and the wider Asia-Pacific. In 2024, he was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to the marina industry and its communities. At GBAYCIA, he serves as Deputy Chairman and Chief of Marina Management, bringing the accreditation frameworks, training standards, and policy advocacy experience that the Greater Bay Area's marina sector will need as it scales.

The Professional Pillars

  • Deputy Chairman & Chief of Marina Management, Greater Bay Area Yacht & Cruise Industry Association (GBAYCIA)

  • President, Marina Industries Association (MIA), Australia

  • Chairman, Gulf Marina Management (GMM)

  • Recipient, Member of the Order of Australia (AM)


Industry Impact

  • 5 Gold Anchors Accreditation: Drove the development and international expansion of the 5 Gold Anchors programme, now the globally recognised standard for marina quality, service, and environmental stewardship — adopted from Sydney to Shanghai.

  • Workforce Development: Established professional training modules and quality assurance frameworks through the MIA that have become the industry's primary blueprint for marina management education, covering a workforce of 21,000+ people across 340+ businesses.

  • Economic Research: Commissioned landmark studies quantifying the marina industry's economic footprint, providing the data required to engage government bodies and influence pro-investment maritime policy.

  • Asia-Pacific Expansion: Through Gulf Marina Management, exported Australian marina design and management expertise to mainland China and emerging Asia-Pacific markets, building local operational capacity alongside international standards.

More Than Just a Résumé

The Bridge King: Engineering Hong Kong’s Icons 
From 1996 to 2002, Dr. Lau Ching-kwong spearheaded a golden era of infrastructure development in Hong Kong. As Chief Engineer of the Tsing Ma Bridge, he oversaw the delivery of a world-record suspension bridge that became an enduring symbol of the city’s engineering prowess. His leadership extended to the Kap Shui Mun Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge, collectively forming the critical Lantau Link. These achievements solidified his reputation as the "Hong Kong Bridge King," fundamentally transforming the city’s connectivity and iconic skyline. 

The Regional Integrator: Connecting the Greater Bay Area 
Dr. Lau’s influence extends significantly beyond Hong Kong, encompassing pivotal roles in major infrastructure initiatives across the Greater Bay Area and Mainland China. As a technical consultant for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge’s island-tunnel project, he provided invaluable expert guidance on one of the world’s most complex sea-crossing systems. His contributions to projects like the Shenzhen Metro, Shanghai’s Yangtze River crossings, and various Guangzhou bridge developments underscore his role as a key architect of regional integration, fostering seamless connections across the dynamic economic zone. 
 
The Crisis Authority: The Expert They Call 
When Hong Kong’s most high-profile infrastructure projects encounter significant challenges, Dr. Lau is the indispensable expert sought by authorities. In 2015, MTR appointed him to conduct a comprehensive review of the Express Rail Link following cost overruns and delays. Subsequently, in 2018, he was brought in to strengthen management for the Shatin to Central Link project amidst construction controversies. His consistent ability to provide calm, technically sound guidance during crises has established him as an unparalleled authority in Hong Kong’s infrastructure discourse, restoring public and stakeholder confidence. 

Dr. Lau’s 36-year career in government service, from 1966 to 2002, exemplifies a profound dedication to public service and technical excellence. Rising through the ranks from Assistant Engineer to Director of the Civil Engineering Department, he has not only overseen monumental projects but also passionately mentored generations of engineers. He remains a fervent advocate for young people pursuing engineering careers, articulating his belief that "Professional engineers make significant contributions to social development – the satisfaction from completed projects far exceeds the efforts invested." His work has spanned four continents, from Hong Kong’s iconic bridges to feasibility studies for cross-sea bridges in Malaysia and Indonesia, earning him international recognition as the "Hong Kong Bridge King."

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