***There is an explicit language warning for this mini-season of Business Edge. The thoughts and opinions of our interviewees do not reflect the thoughts and opinions of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity.
From designing Olympic stadiums, metro transit systems to entire city masterplans, HY William Chan is an urbanist and futurist innovating for social inclusion and climate resilience in our urban communities. A dual Convocation and University Medallist, William is a headline TEDx speaker and recent UN Fellow. William led the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers community in Sydney. His team drives next-gen solution building, policymaking and systems change as part of the Davos Lab.
William's innovative practice showcases the future of cities: co-living affordable housing to solve homelessness in Sydney, smart infrastructure to address food security in Milan, and the circular economy in refugee camps to upcycle plastic waste into 3D-printed construction elements in Athens. In 2019, he was the only architect recognised by Forbes magazine on their '30 Under 30' list globally.
His executive leadership includes serving on Cox Architecture's Board of Management Design Committee, University of Sydney Academic Board and School of Architecture, Design and Planning Board, Executive of Climate Emergency Australia, National Council of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC), and City of Sydney's Expert to the Sydney 2050 Citizens Jury.
William has shared his expertise on the global stage from the Venice Architecture Biennale to the UN General Assembly, addressing world leaders on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Honoured by TED as among "the world’s greatest TEDx speakers", he features with Greta Thunberg on the new TED podcast series.
William is named in the top 20 on the Qantas Centenary '100 Inspiring Australians' list, top 25 most influential people in the social sector by Pro Bono Australia, and GreenBiz top 30 young global sustainability leaders by the World Business Council for Sustainable Business. An avid surf lifesaver and past UNICEF Ambassador, William was inducted into the Australian of the Year Awards Honour Roll in 2020.
This season of Business Edge is sponsored by Montclair Flowers and Gifts. They have been hand-delivering premium floral arrangements and gift baskets to celebrate life’s special moments since 1972. Visit their website at montclairflorist.net.