Project Professionals Meet-Up: Strengthening Connections for Continuous growth

The APM Greater Bay Area (GBA) Network successfully hosted its first face-to-face event of 2025, “Strengthening Connections for Continuous Growth,” on 13 May 2025 at YMCA Hotel Hong Kong. Over fifty project professionals gathered for an evening of networking, knowledge exchange, and strategic dialogue aimed at advancing project management excellence across the region.

Event Highlights

Opening Speech & Key Announcements

Jim Pippin, APM GBA Network Lead, opened the event with updates on the Network’s 2025 priorities. A standout announcement is the upcoming Chinese Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Pilot scheduled for Test, launching in Fall 2025. This initiative aims to gain access to APM certifications in the GBA. Project professionals and corporates are encouraged to join the pilot and provide feedback on the performance review. “This pilot reflects our commitment to creating inclusive, localized pathways for career growth,” Jim emphasised.

PM Learning & Development: Building Skills for All Levels

Jackie Martin, APM Director of Education & Lifelong Learning, showcased APM’s structured qualification pathway. She detailed how certifications—from the foundational PFQ to the advanced Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)—align with APM’s 29 core competencies. This aims at ensuring progressive skill development. Jackie also unveiled the updated Project Management Qualification (PMQ), now enhanced with agile methodologies, risk management strategies, and benefits realisation frameworks. “These credentials empower professionals to drive tangible results and align with global standards,” she remarked.

Panel Discussion: Insights from Industry Leaders

Moderated by Marcel Ekkel, the panel featured Jackie Martin, Andrew Baldwin (APM Head of Policy and Public Affairs), Jim Pippin (APM GBA Network Lead), and Mark Lomas (Gowan Projects), who explored critical themes details being:

1. Projects as Engines of Strategic Change
   Organisations leverage projects to deliver innovation and compliance, balancing regulatory demands with commercial goals. Andrew Baldwin stressed, “Projects enable controlled transformation—they’re the backbone of strategic progress.”
   
   
2. PM as a Standalone Discipline
   The panel affirmed project management’s distinct role, separate from fields like engineering. Mark Lomas reiterated, “PM is not a subset of other professions. Project success demands collaboration, the main driven of innovation, among stakeholders. It is crucial for delivering complex programs.”
   
   
3. APM’s Capability Framework & Chartership
   Jackie Martin highlighted APM’s Capability Framework as the gold standard for PM excellence, guiding role definitions, career paths, and skill development. She also emphasized the value of Chartership (e.g., ChPP) in validating expertise, exceptional project capabilities, and boosting credibility.
   
   
4. Advocating for PM Recognition
   Jim Pippin shared the Network’s efforts in engaging Hong Kong Government and corporates to recognise the PM’s elevated strategic role. “This is a collective effort—we shall hear  voices from all sectors,” he urged.
   
   
5. Call for Committee Volunteers
   With ambitious plans for 2025, the panel called for volunteers to join the APM GBA committee. Mark Lomas rallied the audience: “Your expertise can shape the future of PM in the Bay Area.”

Closing Reflections & Call Action

The event reinforced APM GBA’s vision to position PM as a catalyst for regional growth. By combining globally recognised credentials, advocacy, and collaboration, the Network is focused on the need for bridging skill gaps and driving innovation.

Join the Movement

• Participate in the Chinese PFQ Pilot Test (scheduled for Fall 2025).
• Pursue certifications like PMQ or ChPP to advance your career.
• Volunteer with the APM GBA committee to amplify your impact.

Together, we can turn ambition into action.

Contact the APM GBA Network for details on qualifications, advocacy, or volunteer opportunities.