About us

WHO WE ARE

About Us

Building Bridges Across Cities and Nations

The Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) is focused on bringing business, industry and cities together to enable them to build relationships and effectively contribute to the success and sustainability of our cities into the future.
With a history of 28 years, the APCS continues to be a powerful hub for cities in the region to share ideas and solutions, to collaborate internationally and enable city and business leaders to improve their regions.

World Leading Speakers and Sessions

Meet@APCS Business Program

Mayors’ Forum and Mayors’ Accord

APCS Market Square Exhibition

Young Professionals’ Forum (YPs@APCS)

Social and Networking Events

"Cities are catalysts for investment, community wellbeing and the productive exchange of ideas, and we are embracing innovative solutions to make cities more liveable, efficient, and resilient. In this way, Expo City Dubai is playing an essential role in the advancement of future cities in the region and far beyond."



His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti
Secretary General of
The Executive Council of Dubai

"Expo City Dubai is proud to have been selected from a competitive bid of global cities to host the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit… We draw upon a decade of key insights and lived experience, from the successful World Exhibition that was Expo 2020 Dubai, delivered with 192 nations, to hosting COP28, to our urban development journey that has seen us transform into a city of opportunity and knowledge creation and exchange."

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority

"Driven by innovation, Expo City Dubai is the pioneering legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai… This event will bring together mayors, city leaders, policy makers, business leaders and young professionals from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond to discuss and shape the future of our cities."




Adrian Schrinner
Lord Mayor of Brisbane

History

History of the APCS

The APCS, founded in 1996, is Brisbane City Council’s signature, biennial, international event for driving economic growth for Brisbane, South East Queensland, Australia and the wider Asia Pacific region. The Summit is an integral part of Council’s economic development agenda for the city to foster international networks and forge new business relations throughout the region. Brisbane City Council is the Secretariat of the APCS.

MESSAGE

OUR LEADERS

Message From Our Leaders

John Carter

Chief Executive Officer

Driving Vision and Strategic Growth

The APCS, founded in 1996, is Brisbane City Council’s signature, biennial, international event for driving economic growth for Brisbane, South East Queensland, Australia and the wider Asia Pacific region. The Summit is an integral part of Council’s economic development agenda for the city to foster international networks and forge new business relations throughout the region. Brisbane City Council is the Secretariat of the APCS.

Sophia Liang

President

Leadership and Policy Advocacy

Sophia Liang, President of the Asia Pacific Cities Summit, is a renowned urban policy expert and advocate for sustainable development. With over 15 years of experience in diplomacy and global city networks, Sophia leads APCS in curating impactful programs that address critical urban challenges, including climate action, smart city innovations, and social equity. Her dynamic leadership and expertise in building partnerships have been instrumental in positioning APCS as a leading voice in urban transformation. Sophia is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for cities across the Asia Pacific region.

Michael Tan

Founder

Visionary and Catalyst for Urban Collaboration

The APCS, founded in 1996, is Brisbane City Council’s signature, biennial, international event for driving economic growth for Brisbane, South East Queensland, Australia and the wider Asia Pacific region. The Summit is an integral part of Council’s economic development agenda for the city to foster international networks and forge new business relations throughout the region. Brisbane City Council is the Secretariat of the APCS.