HONG KONG’S BEST ATTENDED AND MOST AMBITIOUS BUSINESS EVENT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT #OnlyWayForward

BEC Business Transformation Theatre

BEC Business Transformation Theatre

Day 1 – Thursday 12 Sept

 

The sustainability agenda has evolved over time, from pollution control and social compliance to actively addressing climate change, circular economy, and liveability issues. The conventional linear economy model does not factor into environmental costs properly, and we count on governments with major responsibility to consider policy changes to meet sustainability challenges. In the past decade, corporates have started to reconsider their business models, explore if they can sustain business growth while reducing resource depletion, or even co-create wider environmental and social benefits in their operations. The latest ESG trends have prompted more businesses to embark on their sustainability journey.

This programme aims at highlighting the role of business and policy in accelerating circularity and improving liveability in our world with limited resources. A closer look will be taken at latest sustainability challenges in Hong Kong and the wider region that BEC and other partners are trying to tackle, such as the unprecedented volume of waste, nature depletion and barriers of energy transition. We will explore how business initiatives and policy instruments could contribute to solving crisis and decoupling economic growth with resource consumption. The business-policy interdependence, synergy, and very often, misalignment will be discussed in depth.

In partnership with

Supported by

11:00 – 11:10

Opening Welcome: Business-Policy Nexus for Circularity and Sustainable Living

11:00 – 11:10

Supported by

11:20 – 12:10

Sustainable Urban Development: Promoting Business and Policy Innovation

11:20 – 12:10

Supported by

12:10 – 13:00

The Business Case for Nature with Policy Drivers

12:10 – 13:00

Supported by

14:00 – 14:50

Business-Policy Nexus for Circularity and Sustainable Living: Session Details Coming Soon

14:00 – 14:50

14:50 – 15:40

Waste Charging: from Implementation Challenge to Waste Reduction Success

14:50 – 15:40

Hong Kong is facing significant challenges in waste management, with high waste generation rates and limited landfill capacity. In this session, we will explore the landscape of waste charging implementation in Hong Kong after the enforcement of the MSW charging. We will invite corporates to share their practical approaches, discuss challenges, and identify enabling factors for waste reduction. Additionally, the session will explore the need for innovative solutions to handle increased recyclables resulting from waste charging.  

Learnings: 

  • Systematic and effective approaches to reducing wastage in various aspects of business operations. 
  • Key principles for businesses to mainstream circular economy practices in their operations. 
  • The potential positive impact of circular economy practices by businesses on the environment and society. 

Post-event Actions: 

  • Gain an understanding of the importance of integrating circular economy principles into business plans and sustainability strategies. 

Supported by

15:45 – 16:35

Fostering Ecodesign for Sustainable Production and Consumption

15:45 – 16:35

In this session, we will explore the importance of ecodesign in promoting sustainable production and consumption. We will delve into circularity and the design principles that can help extend the product lifecycle. The session will also focus on strategies for better repair and maintenance of products, as well as facilitating end-of-life treatment. Additionally, we will discuss international policy developments such as the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and its implications for businesses.  

Learnings:  

  • Understanding the role of ecodesign in driving sustainable production and consumption. 
  • Exploring circularity and design principles for extending the lifecycle of products. 
  • Strategies for improving repair and maintenance practices. 
  • Facilitating effective end-of-life treatment for products. 
  • Insights into the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and its impact on businesses. 

Post-event Actions: 

  • Incorporating ecodesign principles into product development and manufacturing processes. 
  • Collaborating with relevant stakeholders to promote sustainable production and consumption. 
  • Staying informed about regulatory developments related to ecodesign and sustainable products.

Supported by

16:35 – 17:25

Strengthening the Repair and Reuse Economy with Businesses

16:35 – 17:25

Supported by

Day 2 – Friday 13 Sept AM

九月十三日 (第二天) (上午)

 

Cross-sector stakeholders are investing into under-resourced neighbourhoods, such as Kwun Tong and Sham Shui Po to uplift residents and the communities. Apart from nonprofits, public agencies and philanthropies, businesses and residents themselves have also taken the mantle up to become neighbourhood contributors, forming public-private-people partnerships (4Ps) in creating thriving communities. How might businesses operating in these neighbourhood play an active role in energizing neighbourhood development, thereby reinforcing their commitment to the “S” in ESG?

Rethinking Communities will highlight the role of unusual partnerships in anchoring a co-creation and co-caring spirit in neighbourhoods, as well as developing innovative social solutions to tackle urban challenges across Asian cities.

In partnership with

10:30 – 10:40

Opening Welcome: Rethinking Communities

10:30 – 10:40

Supported by

10:50 – 11:40

Reimagining our Third Sector: Building Cross-Sector Sandboxes in Neighbourhoods

10:50 – 11:40

How has the third sector – in particular nonprofit organisations (NPOs) – evolved to respond to increasingly complex social challenges in the city? Through in-depth case sharing from NPOs, we will understand how NPOs have leveraged partnerships with the private sector to develop prototypes that respond to community needs, combining NPOs’ strength in synthesising community intelligence and corporates’/families’ capital.

Learnings

  • The importance of community-centric innovation: rooted in communities, these cross-sector sandboxes correspond to community needs
  • An inspiration for talent engagement: by harnessing cross-sector talents’ expertise, we can forge new pathways for talents to contribute to social causes
  • Empowering our stakeholders: by engaging community stakeholders, social solutions developed through cross-sector sandboxes will not only tackle community needs but also empower the community stakeholders involved, ensuring long-term success

Post-event Actions

  • Breaking silos: how can businesses proactively engage third sector organisations for community solutions? How could parties align their interests and objectives in developing mutually beneficial partnerships?
  • Rethinking businesses’ relationships with local communities: In what ways does my business contribute to a locality’s wellbeing?

 

Supported by

11:40 – 12:30

Sham Shui Po by Design: Can We Go Beyond Philanthropy?

11:40 – 12:30

With support from businesses and community stakeholders, Sham Shui Po has become an exemplar of resilient neighbourhoods. Breaking away from the beneficiary-giver dichotomy, gaaifongs are empowered to shape their livelihoods and be champions of their neighbourhoods. How did the systematic shift come about, and how could it be realised?

Learnings

  • Community support system being put in place: how gaaifongs have stepped up to lead and contribute to the neighbourhood
  • Measuring “S” in ESG: capturing social progress with rigorous research support
  • Mobilising different forms of capital for impact: leveraging unusual partnerships between philanthropists, corporates, gaaifongs, and community organisers to respond to evolving community needs

Post-event Actions

  • Community mapping: what are the existing community stakeholders that my business can collaborate with in the neighbourhood?
  • Moonshot goal: what are the long-term changes you hope to see in the community?

 

 

Supported by

12:30 – 13:20

Kwun Tong 2.0: What’s the Recipe For a Central Social District?

12:30 – 13:20

Kwun Tong is undergoing rapid transformation as urban renewal projects move to completion and new recreational spaces are open to the public. Public agencies have played an active role throughout the process, yet how might businesses and community stakeholders harness the synergy brought by these opportunities to create a vibrant district for all?

Learnings

  • Central Social District: a hub for urban social interactions and community participation
  • Public-private partnerships: how could business complement with policy directions and public initiatives to co-create a vibrant district
  • Creating linkage between anchor spaces: how could different landmarks collaborate together to address diverse community needs and wants?

Post-event Actions

  • Aligning your interest with the neighbourhood’s unique development goals
  • How can we leverage the different geographic locations to offer different activities in the neighbourhood?

 

Supported by

Day 2 – Friday 13 Sept PM

九月十三日 (第二天) (下午)

 

Hong Kong’s SME sector is a vital and dynamic force with over 360,000 companies. As sustainability becomes an increasingly crucial aspect of business operations, SMEs have a unique opportunity to rethink their approach and harness its potential for tangible business value.

Rethinking Sustainability for SMEs aims to explore the transformative power of sustainable practices for SMEs in Hong Kong. This forum, conducted in Cantonese with English interpretation, will delve into the reasons behind the importance of adopting sustainable business models and how they can drive long-term success and create value for the communities they serve.

By showcasing real-world examples and best practices, this forum will empower SMEs to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability, seize new business opportunities, and build resilient supply chains. It will also shed light on meeting the changing expectations of customers and investors, while highlighting the benefits of integrating sustainability into every aspect of operations.

In partnership with

14:20 – 14:25

Opening Welcome: Rethinking Sustainability for SME’s

14:20 – 14:25

Supported by

14:35 – 15:25

Unlocking Value: How SMEs Can Thrive in the Circular Economy

14:35 – 15:25

In today’s world, sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity for SMEs. Join industry leaders and environmental experts in this engaging seminar as we delve into the concept of circular economy and its transformative potential for small and medium-sized enterprises. Learn firsthand from pioneers in the recycling industry, discover cutting-edge waste reduction technologies, and be inspired by compelling case studies where waste is turned into valuable resources. Don’t miss this essential opportunity to unlock new avenues of growth, enhance value, and reduce waste through innovative and sustainable practices.

Leanings

  • Explore the opportunities and challenges that SMEs may face when implementing circular economy practices.
  • Share successful case studies and practical strategies that SMEs can adopt to integrate circular economy principles into their business models.
  • Identify the obstacles that SMEs might encounter when transitioning to a circular economy, such as lack of awareness, financial constraints, and technological limitations. Discuss solutions and support mechanisms that can help SMEs overcome these barriers.
  • Collaboration and partnerships: Emphasize the importance of collaboration between SMEs, government, academia, and other stakeholders to create a supportive ecosystem for circular economy initiatives.

Post-Event Actions

  • Create a detailed action plan based on the insights and knowledge gained from the forum.
  • Connect with other participants, speakers, and experts from the forum to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
  • Identify any areas where they may need further assistance or support in implementing circular economy practices.
  • Share the key insights and learnings from the forum with their colleagues, employees, and business networks.
  • Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of their circular economy initiatives.

Supported by

15:25 – 16:15

Building Resilient Supply Chains: From Sourcing to Success

15:25 – 16:15

Staying ahead of the game in a world of increasing regulatory pressures and sustainability expectations is crucial for SMEs. In this informative seminar, we’ll explore effective strategies that will empower SMEs to establish resilient and sustainable supply chains from sourcing to delivery. Discover how integrating environmental considerations at every stage of the supply chain can enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. Join us and position your business as a pioneer in sustainable practices, driving operational excellence and capturing the attention of conscious consumers.

Learnings

  • Discuss the key vulnerabilities and risks faced by supply chains, including disruptions from natural disasters, geopolitical factors, and pandemics. Explore case studies and examples of how these vulnerabilities have impacted businesses and industries.
  • Share best practices and strategies for building resilient supply chains. Discuss the importance of diversification, redundancy, and flexibility in sourcing and distribution, as well as the adoption of technology and data-driven approaches to improve visibility, planning, and risk management.
  • Discuss the role of collaboration and partnerships in enhancing supply chain resilience. Explore how businesses can work together with suppliers, customers, logistics providers, and other stakeholders to share risks, resources, and information to minimize disruptions and enhance overall supply chain performance.
  • Discuss the role of technology and innovation in building resilient supply chains. Explore how emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things can enhance visibility, traceability, and decision-making in supply chain operations. Highlight successful use cases and potential barriers to adoption.

Post-Event Actions

  • Conduct a thorough assessment of their supply chains to identify vulnerabilities and potential risks.
  • Seek out collaboration opportunities with suppliers, customers, and logistics providers to enhance the resilience of their supply chains. Initiate discussions and partnerships to share risks, resources, and information, fostering a network of support to navigate future disruptions.
  • Explore the use of emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and IoT to improve visibility, traceability, and decision-making in their supply chains.
  • Establish processes for continuous improvement and agile decision-making in their supply chain operations, including reviewing and updating risk management strategies, demand forecasting methods, and inventory management practices to stay resilient and adaptable in the face of evolving challenges.

Supported by

All sessions are subject to change.