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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."

Washington Zhou, China Regional Chairman and Founder of GBAYCIA, Key China Collaborator for Informa Markets

Leadership Philosophy
"Building a market from nothing requires you to earn trust before you ask for business. The relationships I built in Monaco, Miami, and Guangzhou over twenty years were not a strategy. They were the work."

Washington Zou

Founder & President

Washington Zhou has spent over two decades building the commercial and institutional infrastructure of China's modern yachting industry. As a Key China Collaborator for Informa Markets — the organiser of the Miami Yacht Show and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show — he has been the primary conduit for Chinese shipyards and operators entering the international exhibition circuit. He holds a parallel strategic partnership with the Monaco Yacht Summit, connecting the Greater Bay Area's manufacturing and investment community to the European superyacht market. As Founder of GBAYCIA and now serving as China Regional Chairman, he applies this cross-market network to the association's mandate of developing the GBA into a credible international yachting destination.

The Professional Pillars

  • China Regional Chairman, Greater Bay Area Yacht & Cruise Industry Association (GBAYCIA)

  • Founder, Greater Bay Area Yacht & Cruise Industry Association (GBAYCIA)

  • Key China Collaborator, Informa Markets (Miami Yacht Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show)

  • Strategic Partner, Monaco Yacht Summit

  • 20+ Years, China Yacht Industry Development


Industry Impact

  • International Exhibition Access: As Key China Collaborator for Informa Markets, significantly expanded the footprint of Chinese builders and operators at the Miami Yacht Show and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, creating direct commercial access to the North American market.

  • Monaco Partnership: Established a strategic partnership with the Monaco Yacht Summit, building a formal channel between the GBA's maritime investment community and the European superyacht industry's most concentrated annual gathering.

  • Industry Education: Co-created the first Mandarin-language IYT (International Yacht Training) modules, extending internationally recognised maritime training to mainland Chinese sailors and technicians.

  • Manufacturing Standards: Developed certification frameworks for technology transfers between Chinese and European shipyards, elevating the manufacturing standards of domestic yards to meet international expectations.

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