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

People & Purpose Theatre

People & Purpose Theatre

Day 1 – Thursday 12 Sept AM

 

Rethinking Shared Value is an interactive learning experience presented by Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong. Participants will deepen their understanding of shared value, a business strategy that reinvents value creation and aligns profit and purpose. We will explore how social and environmental impact can drive financial value, and how partnerships across private, public, and civil sectors play a key role in creating shared value. Get ready to challenge business as usual and unlock new possibilities for changemakers across sectors to amplify their impact.

In partnership with

11:00 – 11:05

Opening Welcome: Rethinking Shared Value

11:00 – 11:05

Speakers

Virginie Ostrowski

Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong

Chief Executive Officer

Virginie has dedicated her career to purpose-driven organisations, fostering collaboration between corporations, government, and civil society to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

Originally a journalist, Virginie turned to communications to leverage her professional skills in addressing society’s needs. From e-health to sustainable development, she helped raise awareness and drive change on critical issues as a Communications and Marketing professional. Before joining SVIHK, she played a pivotal role in fostering a shared value cluster that brings together academics, public bodies, and private companies to spearhead sustainability initiatives in transport and energy infrastructure.

Passionate about impact and innovation, Virginie brings her strategic and operational expertise to Shared Value Initiative.

Supported by

11:15 – 12:05

Beyond Boundaries: Catalysing Cross-Sector Collaboration for Sustainable Change

11:15 – 12:05

This session aims to delve into the emerging trends of sustainable partnerships and collaborative innovation in the corporate world. It will provide insights into the importance of cross-sector collaboration, the benefits of unlikely partnerships, and the role of individuals in driving sustainable change.

Learnings:

  • What is the importance of sustainable partnerships in addressing sustainability challenges?
  • What are some examples of unlikely partnerships between local NGOs and MNCs in the context of sustainability?
  • How can non-profits, grassroots social enterprises, startups and big companies cross-fertilise to ensure effective collaborations?

Post-event Actions:

  • Know better and engage with your company’s stakeholders – the community within you operate; the organisations who intersects with your business.
  • Foster a culture of curiosity and openness to allow partnerships beyond the usual company’s ecosystem
  • Connect with organisations or platforms that nurture a vivid ecosystem of partners

Speakers

Jenny Leung

World Kitchen Club

Co-Founder

Jenny Leung started to offer cultural tourism in Mexico in 2009 and is now the co-founder of a global culinary cultural-sharing platform – World Kitchen Club. The company offers live, global food & beverage events and virtual food tours, featuring chefs and mixologists, to foodies from all over the world. World Kitchen Club was founded for foodies during the 2020 at-home lockdowns. It currently advances Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by hosting educational food workshops for NGOs, corporates, schools and universities.

She embraces and delivers on sustainability. She has been a voluntary “Development Director” for the NGO “The Hummingfish Foundation”. Together, with the late founder Daniel Groshong, they used their creativity and relentless effort to help the people at Timor-Leste maintain sustainable well-being without damaging the environment. She also works on spreading the SDGs message through TEDx talks, SDG programs, and interactive sustainable culinary experiences. She is now a lecturer at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and external advisor for Hong Kong Metropolitan University.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

  • Increase social awareness of SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption) in Hong Kong.
  • Promote diversity and inclusion through the exchange of culinary cultures globally, in support of SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Andy Russell

JEB Group

Group Strategy & Growth Director

Strategic Growth & Sustainability Advocate

Having spent 25 years in the office furniture industry in the United Kingdom, Andy has recently joined the team at JEB Group, where he will based at the head office in Hong Kong office.

Andy is a passionate advocate for transformative change in the office interiors sector, consistently developing business strategies that align purpose with profits. Whilst his expertise primarily revolves around commercial furniture projects – delivering some of the UK’s flagship installations – he has also pioneered innovative solutions to promote sustainability within the built environment.

Andy developed a bespoke SaaS platform that tracked embodied carbon and its movement, whilst establishing a comprehensive circular furniture recycling facility that housed over 20000 items of second-hand office furniture. These initiatives were designed to simplify the adoption of circular practices, providing meaningful data insights to customers and highlighting the positive impacts of choosing circularity over traditional linear procurement models.

In addition to his professional achievements, Andy holds executive certifications in Business Sustainability Management from the University of Cambridge and Strategic Leadership from INSEAD.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

  • Circularity – Emphasise design for disassembly and the principles of the circular economy through keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems.
  • Fostering a culture of sustainability – Education is at the heart of sustainable change. Increase exposure to climate related topics across the built environment sector so that we can shift mindsets to thinking differently about decisions we make.
  • Improve waste management – with a focus on circularity, reuse. We need to make a ‘circular shift’ to focusing on reusing products and materials. Identifying what we really need at the outset, with regard to, what we already have.

Johnny Wei

OCBC

Head, Wholesale Banking, OCBC Hong Kong

Johnny Wei is the Head of Wholesale Banking for OCBC Hong Kong, overseeing the Bank’s corporate and commercial banking as well as financial institutions business franchise.
In 2016, Johnny joined OCBC Bank as Head of Corporate Banking. Following the management integration of OCBC Hong Kong Branch and OCBC Wing Hang Bank in 2021, Johnny was appointed as Head of Wholesale Banking for OCBC Hong Kong; and has further expanded his role as General Manager of OCBC Hong Kong Branch and Alternate Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Hong Kong in 2023.
A seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Johnny’s career includes a spell of over 20 years with Standard Chartered Bank; holding various senior positions including Managing Director & Head of Commercial Clients.
Johnny holds an MBA degree from Monash University, Australia, and a Bachelor of Social Science degree (majored in Economics) from University of Hong Kong and is a CPA Australia.
My Sustainability Goals for 2024:
For greater collaboration in Hong Kong to allow much needed capital to help sectors most in need with their transition to a sustainable low-carbon world.

 

Natalie Wu

Hongkong Land Limited

Head of Corporate Social Responsibility

Natalie Wu has joined Hongkong Land Limited since 2020. As the Head of Corporate Social Responisbility, she is responsible for the development and implementation of the Company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy and policy.

A seasoned CSR practitioner, Ms Wu has more than 25 years’ experience in managing CSR and communications functions at multinational firms in the APAC region. Prior to joining the Company, she was APAC Head of Global Inclusion and Corporate Citizenship at State Street, overseeing grantmaking, volunteering and community sponsorship programmes. Before then, she held senior positions in UBS’s Community Affairs team and at AIA where she managed the company’s corporate communications function and charitable foundation.

Supported by

12:05 – 12:55

CSV Showcase: Unlocking the Power of Shared Value

12:05 – 12:55

Are you eager to align profit with purpose, but you don’t know where to start? Wondering how to mobilise your organisation and overcome roadblocks to turn your ideas into concrete impact? Join us for an enlightening session where business case presenters unveil the behind-the-scenes from initiatives that have successfully embraced shared value principles in Hong Kong. This is your chance to gain practical knowledge and inspiration from real-life examples of the transformative power of shared value. Join us as we explore innovative strategies and approaches that empower you to make a lasting difference.

Learnings:

  • What are the key factors that enable shared value success?
  • What are the challenges on the shared value journey and how to overcome those?

Post-event Actions:

  • Be able to identify and seize opportunities at the intersection of your business expertise and user needs
  • Articulate the business case, and craft compelling pilot programs
  • Learn the art of building strong and collaborative partner networks that ensure sustainability and long-term impact

Speakers

Virginie Ostrowski

Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong

Chief Executive Officer

Virginie has dedicated her career to purpose-driven organisations, fostering collaboration between corporations, government, and civil society to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

Originally a journalist, Virginie turned to communications to leverage her professional skills in addressing society’s needs. From e-health to sustainable development, she helped raise awareness and drive change on critical issues as a Communications and Marketing professional. Before joining SVIHK, she played a pivotal role in fostering a shared value cluster that brings together academics, public bodies, and private companies to spearhead sustainability initiatives in transport and energy infrastructure.

Passionate about impact and innovation, Virginie brings her strategic and operational expertise to Shared Value Initiative.

Emily Li

Nan Fung Group

Manager – Sustainability and Shared Value, SEWIT Department

Emily drives corporate sustainability, communications strategies and implementations for Nan Fung Group. She advocates for Creating Shared Value (CSV) in the Group’s business lines.

Prior to joining Nan Fung Group, she was Assistant Manager, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at The Coca-Cola Company. She supported corporate sustainability strategies and plans; led policy responses and executed engagement programs with partners, NGOs, industry leaders and other stakeholders to deliver sustainability goals.

From tackling the single-use plastics crisis to achieving net-zero, Emily has a passion for working with cross-industry players to embed corporate sustainability in the core of the business and contribute to the community.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

– Driving meaningful impact with tenants through the Group’s tenant-landlord engagement initiative Net Positive Lease

– Formulating “Sustainability as-a-service” model to our tenants and community partners

– Connecting with like-minded industry players to continuously exchange new ideas and collaborations

Mei Sze Tsang

TMS.SITE Limited

CEO & Founder

Mei Sze, an entrepreneur and performance wear designer from Hong Kong, founded TMS.SITE in 2021. Growing up in a blue-collar family with her father working in construction, she deeply understands the challenges faced by the heavy duty workers.

TMS.SITE is a human-centered business that improves workers’ lives by providing high-performance, sustainable workwear designed for hot conditions. Their globally available products have been tested and proven effective.

Mei Sze earned her menswear MA from the prestigious Royal College of Art and has researched PPE and workwear markets in China and the UK since 2016. She is internationally recognized for her work on workers’ safety and has been interviewed by IOSH, WWD, Vogue Business, Hypebeast and others.

Since 2023, Mei Sze’s team has conducted interviews and created videos featuring Hong Kong industrial workers, showcasing their diverse stories. These interviews have gained more than 270,000 views, turning TMS.SITE into a platform representing Hong Kong’s workforce.

Through innovative designs and a strong commitment to sustainability, Mei Sze is leading a workwear industry revolution while empowering workers worldwide.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Here are two key changes I would hope to see in Hong Kong:
Sustainability:

Goal: Implement a Circular PPE Economy One change I would hope to see is the implementation of a circular PPE economy in Hong Kong. This would involve:
Establishing PPE take-back and refurbishment programs to enable the reuse and recycling of PPE materials.

Collaborating with manufacturers to design PPE products that are easily disassembled, repaired, and recycled at the end of their useful life.
Investing in the necessary collection and processing infrastructure to effectively recover and reprocess PPE waste.

Incentivizing the use of recycled and renewable materials in the production of new PPE.
Educating workers on proper PPE care, maintenance, and responsible disposal to support the circular economy.

By transitioning to a circular PPE economy, Hong Kong can significantly reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize the environmental impact of PPE throughout its lifecycle.

Inclusive Workwear to Empower Workers:
Goal: Develop Ergonomic and Inclusive PPE Designs Another change I would hope to see is the development of ergonomic and inclusive PPE designs that empower workers. This would involve:
Conducting comprehensive user needs assessments to understand the unique requirements, preferences, and pain points of diverse workers across industries.

Incorporating ergonomic design principles to create PPE that is lightweight, comfortable, and minimizes fatigue and strain on the human body.
Providing adjustable features, modular components, and customization options to accommodate individual differences in physical characteristics and abilities.
Involving workers with disabilities and underrepresented groups in the design process to ensure their needs are adequately addressed.

Establishing inclusive design guidelines and evaluation criteria to ensure PPE designs are accessible and promote equitable access.

By prioritizing the development of ergonomic and inclusive PPE, Hong Kong can empower all workers, regardless of their physical characteristics or abilities, to work safely and comfortably, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and productivity.

Supported by

12:55 – 13:45

Reality Check: Exploring the Practical Side of Sustainability

12:55 – 13:45

Sustainably leading an organisation or a project requires a delicate balance: it entails aligning financial viability with ecological and social stewardship, while harmonising today’s needs with tomorrow’s imperatives. Success hinges on the deep comprehension of our roles—what they entail and how we should fulfill them. In this session, our speakers explore the practical side of sustainability and demonstrate how the actual experience of sustainability differs from official linear stories.

Learnings:

  • How can embracing the power of purpose convert vision into tangible outcomes and align teams across the company?
  • What are the systems thinking approach, and how does it contribute to a deeper understanding of the interdependencies and trade-offs involved in sustainability decision-making?

Post-event Actions:

  • Transform corporate purpose into a sustainability key driver
  • Create a culture fostering a sustainability mindset
  • Change the perspective from cost to opportunity by adopting a shared value strategy

Speakers

Ada Yip

Second Stage

Botanist

Ada is currently a Project Principal at Second Stage, a newly formed social venture building company which invests financial and human capital in early stage companies with specific intention to make a positive impact to society and communities. She is also one of the Founding Directors of WYNG 43 Social Investment. Ada acted as CEO in one of its invested companies, Urban Spring, from 2015- 2022. She is a Certified ESG Analyst under EFFAs. Beyond her day job, her volunteer roles include being the co-chair of the board of Social Value International (a UK registered charity), one of a leading global network that pioneers in establishing impact measurement standards and trainings and a board member of Social Value Hong Kong (formerly The Hong Kong Institute of Social Impact Analysts), as well as a member of the Advisory Committee on Enhancing Employment of People with Disabilities under the Social Welfare Department of the Hong Kong Government. Prior to the above engagements, she was the Programme Director of the i2i (incubation to investment) program at SOW Asia. In her early career, Ada worked at a number of international financial institutions in Toronto, Tokyo, and Hong Kong with regional management responsibilities for over 15 years.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Invest in 3 impact businesses and worked closely with them to scale their business model

Wilson Chan

UNIFi3D

Digital customer success lead

I currently serve as the Digital Customer Success Lead at Unifi3d, where I play a pivotal role in driving digital transformation for various fashion brands. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, I support clients in integrating cutting-edge digital workflows that enhance operational performance and reduce environmental impact.

With over 25 years of extensive experience in the fashion industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise across multiple facets of the garment sector. I have held significant roles in renowned fashion brands, garment factories, textile mills, and trading companies, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s intricacies.

Supported by

Day 1 – Thursday 12 Sept PM

 

In today’s business world, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has power far beyond buzzwords. In addition to being the right thing to do from a moral perspective, there is also a compelling business case for launching DEI programmes in our workplace.

Key discussions in Rethinking Workforce Transformation will address DEI as a business and communication strategy, and why creating a culture of respect and belonging in which all employees feel empowered to contribute their best will only serve to benefit our organisations in the long term.

We will also explore the sustainability skills gap as it relates to competence greenwashing.

In partnership with

14:45 – 14:50

Opening Welcome: Rethinking Workforce Transformation

14:45 – 14:50

Supported by

15:00 – 15:50

Creating a Safer and More Inclusive Working Environment

15:00 – 15:50

This panel aims to unpack strategies for creating safety and inclusivity in the workplace, addressing key challenges and sharing actionable insights. Our expert speakers will discuss the importance of diverse representation, equitable policies, and proactive measures to mitigate discrimination and harassment. Attendees will gain practical guidance on cultivating a culture of respect and support within their organisations.

 

Speakers

Kirti Lad

Meraki Executive Search & Consulting

Founder & Executive Director

Kirti is Founder and Executive Director of Meraki Executive Search & Consulting Limited.
Meraki has a very clear strategy and purpose, to increase and improve female participation in the workforce at the most senior levels.

Kirti’s expertise is in leadership hiring and development of both Non-Executives and Executives across the Asia Pacific region. Kirti is a Physics & Chemistry graduate from University College London and has worked in Executive Search and Leadership Consulting for over 20 years.
Kirti is the pioneer behind the Women’s Directorship Programme, a joint-venture with The University of Hong Kong Business School. Kirti also leads the Meraki Network, an Executive Women’s network in the region, is a regular speaker and contributor to conferences and media relating to gender diversity in Asia and is an active member of the Women in Business Committee at the British Chamber in Hong Kong.
Kirti was named as one of the Global Top 50 Diversity Professionals in Industry by the Economist Magazine over multiple years and awarded AmCham’s Women of Influence, Champion for Women award in 2024.
Kirti is the mother to two amazing children who have also found their purpose at such a young age by representing HK at the Children’s General Assembly in Billund.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Hong Kong has an opportunity to lead in Asia in terms of Women on Boards. The HKEX is the only exchange in the world to mandate the removal of all male boards.

HK issuers who choose to hire more than the required one female INED will benefit significantly from the amazing and diverse female talents we have in Hong Kong. In the UK for example, “one and done” appointment of female INED’s had a negligible impact on company performance. In the UK, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15% more likely to outperform their industry peers. This research also evidenced that average employee productivity growth is higher for companies that employ three or more women at board level, compared to those that have just a single female director or none at all.

This demonstrates companies with greater female representation at board level are not only able to generate higher levels of productivity and profits, as measured by returns on equity, but also higher dividend payouts to investors. Perfect reason to hire more women on boards.

Donna Buckland

Prudential plc

Senior Director, Sustainability

Donna is Senior Director, Sustainability Strategy & Operation, having appointed on 1 April 2024. Donna is part of the Prudential plc’s Sustainability team where her key responsibilities include strategic transformation of the Group’s sustainability priorities.

With over 20 years of experience, Donna joined Prudential in 2014 with focus on transformation & governance. Since 2022, she serves as a Member of the Board and Audit Committee Member for Prudential Laos.

Prior to joining Prudential, she spent over a decade in various finance management positions in major Australasian financial service companies. Donna is a Chartered Accountant where she is the Vice Chair for Hong Kong Council of Chartered Accountant Australia & New Zealand, and also Co-Chair of its ESG Committee. She is also the Strategy Chair for UNESCO Hong Kong Association GPC since 2019 and appointed as a member of the Business Advisory committee for Hong Kong Baptist University in 2022.

Donna holds a Global MBA from the University of Manchester and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Auckland and University of Otago. She received further executive education from the Oxford Saïd Business School and Cambridge Judge Business School.

Ulrike Klemm

JLL

Head of Transaction Management, Hong Kong | DEI Chair, Hong Kong | Work Dynamics Geo Chair, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan

Ulrike is a part of JLL’s APAC Transaction Management Leadership in Asia Pacific. She is based in Hong Kong, leading a growing team of Transaction Managers. She focuses on service quality to all JLL’s TM clients in Hong Kong, development of each team member and new client relationships.

She also chairs JLL’s Work Dynamics Geo Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan, working closely with the Executive team to define and deliver geo-specific strategic growth priorities and champion local product and marketing strategies.

Ulrike has in depth experience with large MNC’s across Asia, Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. She understands the corporate organization and how to manage both internal and external stakeholders to achieve their real estate goals. She has worked to create robust and efficient process and build integrated and highly motivated teams.

Throughout her career, Ulrike has successfully managed many types and levels of complexity of portfolios, strategies, and transactions. She also has successfully led Portfolio Optimization programs with ambitious glidepath savings for her clients and has participated in M&A and Divestiture programs across 3 continents.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

  • Reduce single use plastics in personal life/ situations
  • Use public transportation as often as possible
  • Pass on unused clothes

David Lee

University of Hong Kong Business School

Associate Professor

David S. Lee is an award-winning teacher at HKU Business School active in the areas of ethics, fintech, leadership, and corporate governance.

Prior to joining HKU, David worked in finance and also has experience as a lawyer, in consulting, and working with entrepreneurial ventures. He routinely engages, advises, and works with global organizations, start-ups, and government entities. He is currently engaged in a variety of book and research projects, and his commentary and writing regularly appear in a variety of publications, including the Harvard Business Review.

David earned his J.D. from UCLA School of Law, master’s degrees from the London School of Economics and Political Science and Harvard University, completed post-graduate training at Cambridge, and his B.A. from Brigham Young University.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

  • Meaningful goals and clear, effective policies related to waste management, recycling, and reuse policies
  • Greater commitment to decarbonization, especially in the area of green transport, and overall improvements to more efficient and community friendly transportation management

Supported by

15:50 – 16:40

Competence Greenwashing: Contributing to Today’s Workforce Skills Gap

15:50 – 16:40

According to a Reuters study in 2022, the number of Chief Sustainability Officers has more than tripled since 2021. And here in APAC, the number of green jobs has risen by over 30% in the last five years. Unfortunately, the skills and personnel needed to do these key jobs has not kept pace with demand, and we are experiencing global shortage of ESG talent and skills available globally to deliver on the green transition needed. This is leading to more executive playing up their knowledge, skills and experience on ESG and sustainability, a practice coined as “competence greenwashing.

Learnings:

  • Why competence greenwashing is a problem.
  • Which industries are fudging ESG skills?
  • What skills and competencies do people working in ESG need?
  • What is the future of ESG talent in Asia and in Hong Kong?

Speakers

Haily Chan

Swire Pacific

Manager, Sustainable Development

Haily has extensive experience in the field of corporate sustainability, including disclosures, strategy development, and stakeholder engagement. At Swire, she advises on key policies and developments related to sustainability and supports the implementation of the Group’s sustainability strategy, SwireTHRIVE, with a focus on managing water and supply chain impacts. She also manages the Group’s capacity building programmes and engagement strategy to further embed sustainability within the business.

My sustainability goals for 2024:

Enhance organisational sustainability fluency and literacy in support of SwireTHRIVE objectives.

Mark Cheung

Network of Environmental Student Societies

Co-Founder

Mark is a recent graduate from the University of Hong Kong and now leverages his knowledge and experience as a sustainability analyst. Beyond the corporate world, he served as a youth delegate at various UN conferences, participated in an Antarctica Climate Change expedition, and currently holds the position of UN Asia Pacific Youth Advisor on Environmental and Climate Justice.

He co-founded NESS, a youth-led climate organization focused on raising awareness and building capacity for climate action. Through NESS, Mark hopes to empower youth to become advocates for sustainability and foster young changemakers in our community.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

I hope to bridge the gap between youth and companies in the green job market amidst the rising demand for green talents and to raise youth awareness with my experience through impact-driven initiatives, sharing, and more.

Supported by

16:40 – 17:30

Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities

16:40 – 17:30

In today’s dynamic work environment, organisations are experiencing an unprecedented convergence of multiple generations in the workplace. From seasoned Baby Boomers to the tech-savvy Generation Z, each group brings its unique set of values, work habits, and expectations. This panel discussion will delve into the complexities of managing a multi-generational workforce, focusing on communication, technology adaptation, workplace expectations, and knowledge transfer. Join us as we discuss the future of work and how to capitalise on the generational diversity within our organisations.

 

Speakers

Michael Chan

Mayer Brown

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager – Asia

I am a Social Sustainability Professional with a focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I). With cross-disciplinary knowledge in psychology and public health as well as multi-sector experience in academia, non-profit, and corporate, I support organizations through consulting, research, events, and programs to facilitate discussions and develop action plans on approaching DE&I and mental well-being as a social and business issue.

Deanne Hurley

EY

Partner, Business Consulting

Deanne is a partner within the Financial Services Consulting practice at EY in Hong Kong and is accountable for leading the business transformation capability. She is particularly focused on supporting women in leadership and is co-sponsor of the Women in Technology employee group within EY Financial Services.

She joined EY from HSBC where she was most recently in a double hat role accountable for operations regionally (Asia Pacific) across the retail, wealth, cash and customer communications portfolios, in addition she was accountable for cards, loans and mortgages globally. She also enjoys being actively involved in employee advocate groups and was on the executive advisory board for ESG for Asia Pacific (2022 and 2023) and the Operations representative on the Global Diversity and Inclusion council (2021 and 2022).

Prior to HSBC, Deanne worked at Westpac Bank in Australia in a breadth of roles including front line branch management, product, operations, chief of staff, HR & Corporate Affairs, strategy and transformation. Prior to banking, Deanne worked in Pharmaceuticals, FMCG and the Medical Industry. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and trying to keep up with two very active girls (11yrs and 14yrs) who keeps her busy with their passion for a variety of sports including soccer, netball, basketball and touch football.

Yolice Wu

Hongkong Land Limited

Executive Director, People & Culture

Yolice Wu joined the Board as Executive Director, People & Culture in 2023. In this role, Ms Wu is responsible for overseeing all People & Culture functions across the organization, setting the People & Culture strategy and direction for the entire company, while also leading the team in driving new People & Culture initiatives.

Ms Wu brings over two decades of experience managing human resources across Chinese Mainland and Asia Pacific regions, with extensive experience in multiple senior leadership roles across different corporations. Prior to joining the Company, Ms Wu served as the Chief People Officer at Jardine International Motors, where she played a pivotal role in transforming and embedding a new culture during a significant merger. Before that, Ms Wu was the Director of Human Resources at Zung Fu.

Ms Wu holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Trade from Shanghai University and a Master’s degree in Training & Organization Development from Saint Joseph’s University.

Prof. Dannii Yeung

Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong

Professor

Prof. Dannii Yeung is a professor of psychology from the Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences at City University of Hong Kong. She is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of American (GSA). Her research focuses on identifying effective means to improve the psychological well-being of middle-aged and older adults, including research projects on age-related changes in work motives and conflict management, age discrimination in the workplace, retirement planning, caregiving for frail older adults, interventions to promote volunteering and improve mental well-being of older adults. She has received research funding from the RGC General Research Fund, RGC Collaborative Research Fund, Public Policy Research Funding Scheme, and other funding sources to support her projects.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

To improve job opportunities and well-being for older workers; To increase working adults’ preparation for retirement; To reduce mental health problems of older people.

Supported by

Day 2 – Friday 13 Sept AM

 

In an era where conscious consumerism and environmental awareness are paramount, the Rethinking Marketing & Communications program aims to equip business delegates with innovative strategies.

Join us to discover how to align organizational values with employee engagement, fostering a brand that resonates with purpose. As well as learn effective communication techniques to drive positive impact, engaging consumers as partners in sustainable transformation. Finally, we will explore global perspectives, leveraging marketing and communications to establish Hong Kong as a hub for sustainable practices.

Through three engaging sessions, participants will be explore, inspire and empower industry leaders to champion sustainable marketing and communications, shaping a brighter future for businesses and our planet.

In partnership with

10:30 – 10:35

Opening Welcome: Rethinking Marketing & Communications

10:30 – 10:35

Speakers

Kiri Sinclair

Sinclair

Founder & CEO

Kiri Sinclair is the Founder & CEO of Sinclair, a renowned marketing communications agency in the Asia Pacific region, and Honorary Secretary and Chair of the ESG Committee of PRHK, Hong Kong’s public relations and communications association. With 20+ years of experience, she is highly regarded for her expertise in brand marketing, corporate reputation, and issues management. She advises organisations across industry sector on their ESG Strategy, Employee Engagement and CSR Programmes. Kiri’s curiosity, passion, and dedication to positive change propel her forward. She earned her MBA at HKU and lives in her hometown of Hong Kong.

 

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Drive brand leaders to commit honest and transparent ESG communications and to create marketing programmes alongside them that engage audiences to join the movement to co-create change.

Supported by

10:35 – 10:55

Understanding Global Strategic ESG Communications

10:35 – 10:55

In this session, we explore the critical role of strategic Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) communications in a global context. We delve into how companies can effectively convey their ESG initiatives, commitments, and impact to diverse stakeholders—ranging from investors to employees. With a particular focus on what strategies are being utilised beyond Hong Kong and Asia, we will compare the unique challenges and opportunities that companies face across Europe and Australia, where ESG reporting and disclosure requirements differ from country to country. Join us as we unravel the threads of responsible business, weaving together purpose, profit, and planet—one communication at a time.

 

Learnings

  • Highlights the importance of effective communication around a company’s ESG initiatives, commitments, and impact.
  • Explores how ESG communication strategies vary across different regions, such as Hong Kong, Asia, Europe, and Australia.
  • The importance of engaging with various stakeholders, including investors and employees, and maintaining transparency in ESG reporting and disclosures.

 

Post-Event Actions

  • Craft a comprehensive ESG communications strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives and ESG commitments.
  • Improve the quality, transparency, and consistency of the company’s ESG reporting and disclosures.
  • Utilize a mix of communication channels, both digital and traditional, to reach the company’s target audiences effectively.

 

Speakers

John Pabon

Fulcrum Strategic Advisors

Sustainability Author, Consultant, and UN advisor

John Pabon has spent two decades in the business of saving our Earth. After leaving his role at the United Nations, John travelled the world studying the impacts of sustainability first-hand in factories, on fields, and in Fortune 500s.

He is an expert in sustainability with a mission to move sustainability from theory to practical strategies that help people and businesses confidentially make real impact. To get there, he shares his message through books, consulting to businesses, and keynote speaking to audiences around the world.

John’s global career has taken him from Los Angeles to New York, Shanghai to Seoul to Melbourne. He’s had the privilege of working with the United Nations, McKinsey, A.C. Nielsen, and as a consultant with BSR, the world’s largest sustainability-focused business network. A decade of experience living and working in Asia inspired him to found Fulcrum Strategic Advisors with a mission to help companies, governments, and individuals capitalise on the benefits sustainability offers.

He is a regular contributor to major publications and speaks to an array of global audiences on issues of sustainability, geopolitics, communications, and societal change. John is the Chair of The Conference Board’s Asia Sustainability Leaders Council, advises the United Nations, and serves on the board of advisors to the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. He is the author of “Sustainability for the Rest of Us: Your No-Bullshit, Five-Point Plan for Saving the Planet” and “The Great Greenwashing: How Brands, Governments, and Influencers are Lying to You.”

Kiri Sinclair

Sinclair

Founder & CEO

Kiri Sinclair is the Founder & CEO of Sinclair, a renowned marketing communications agency in the Asia Pacific region, and Honorary Secretary and Chair of the ESG Committee of PRHK, Hong Kong’s public relations and communications association. With 20+ years of experience, she is highly regarded for her expertise in brand marketing, corporate reputation, and issues management. She advises organisations across industry sector on their ESG Strategy, Employee Engagement and CSR Programmes. Kiri’s curiosity, passion, and dedication to positive change propel her forward. She earned her MBA at HKU and lives in her hometown of Hong Kong.

 

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Drive brand leaders to commit honest and transparent ESG communications and to create marketing programmes alongside them that engage audiences to join the movement to co-create change.

11:05 – 11:55

Building a Sustainable and Socially Responsible Employee Brand

11:05 – 11:55

There is growing evidence that employees increasingly take into account a prospective employer’s ESG credentials. Given this, sustainability and socially responsibility have moved into the limelight as key weapons in talent acquisition and retention so how do organisations build a brand that makes them great places to work and which can contribute positively? Our panel discussion will look at key aspects, arming attendees with the practical information they need.

Learnings

  • Do you think a sustainable / socially responsible brand is important? Why do you think that?
  • How do you build a sustainable and socially responsible employee brand?
  • Which other parts of the organisation do you need to engage with to ensure that you can deliver a brand that is authentic? How can you go about that engagement?
  • What examples can you give where you have seen those practices put into place?
  • What advice would you give others trying to build brands that appeal to employees and the talent pool?

Post-Event Actions

  • Insight on how to build a brand that is environmentally and socially responsible
  • Strategies to engage with other parts of the business to build brands that are authentic in their ESG ambitions

Speakers

Mark Jackson

Reputation Works

Managing Director

Mark founded Reputation Works to help businesses of all sizes build and enhance their reputations through storytelling with a particular focus on the complex challenge of communicating around sustainability.

Mark has more than 30 years’ experience of working with some of the world’s most renowned brands – including Google, Microsoft, Apple and American Express.

He is fluent in all aspects of communications: media relations, content creation, executive comms, employer branding and internal communications, crisis management, stakeholder engagement, activation and sponsorship.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

If our city is going to make good on the pledges it made in the Paris Agreement, it is high time the Hong Kong SAR government put sustainability at the forefront of its policy making rather than after-thought.

This will need all of us to hold the government to account, particularly when it back-tracks on flagship policies such as the waste charging scheme.

We also need to hold ourselves to account for our behaviour aiming to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible, whether that’s eating less meat, travelling less often or taking the choice not to upgrade our wardrobes each season.

 

Zoe Lau

The Bank of East Asia

General Manager and Group Head of People & Sustainability Division

Ms. Zoe Lau is General Manager and Group Head of People & Sustainability Division at The Bank of East Asia, Limited (“BEA”) in charge of formulating people, sustainability, corporate branding and communications strategies, as well as steering related policies and initiatives of the Bank Group for Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and branches in other markets.

Ms. Lau joined BEA in March 2020. With extensive experience in advertising, corporate communications, marketing, personal banking, wealth management, corporate planning, investor relations and corporate social responsibility, she has held senior positions in financial institutions such as American Express International and China CITIC Bank International. Prior to joining the Bank, she was Director of CEO Office of China CITIC Bank International.

Ms. Lau holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of Hong Kong (“HKU”), and is currently a master’s degree candidate in Sustainability Leadership and Governance at HKU.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

The success of Hong Kong’s sustainability journey is dependent on effective stakeholder engagement. Since the banking industry plays a pivotal role in driving global progress towards net zero, and given my unique position as Group Head of People and Sustainability at The Bank of East Asia, I realise the importance of communicating and collaborating with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders across geographies, who often hold different perspectives and focuses.

It is through strong stakeholder engagement that we solicit commitment and mobilise resources from all walks of life to accelerate the achievement of sustainability goals set by Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. In this way, we should not only be able to keep pace with developments in the European Union and elsewhere, but also contribute to sustainability efforts on a global scale.

Angela Wong

AXA Hong Kong and Macau

Chief Marketing And Customer Officer

Angela is a distinguished leader in marketing with extensive expertise in brand management, digital marketing, and customer engagement. Currently leading the dynamic marketing functions across multiple insurance businesses at AXA Hong Kong and Macau, she has significantly contributed to business growth and brand loyalty through innovative strategies. Angela’s notable achievements include receiving the Distinguished Marketing Leadership Award by the HKMA in 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Hong Kong and has completed advanced courses in Digital Marketing and ESG & Sustainability. Angela’s profound knowledge and dynamic approach make her a respected voice in the marketing industry.

Pia Wong

Purpose Impact Action Ltd.

Founder and Chief Impact Officer

Pia Wong, a social impact leader with 25+ years of experience, specializes in stakeholder engagement and measuring, improving, and communicating organizational impact. Pia’s passion in impact measurement stems from her 12-year tenure as Executive Director at Bring Me A Book Hong Kong, and her corporate communications experience at Weber Shandwick and Synovate.

As the Founder of Purpose Impact Action Ltd., Pia helps businesses, NGOs and social enterprises evaluate the effectiveness of their work, strengthen governance and operations, using globally recognized impact standards. Pia also advises on social impact strategies, and helps companies mitigate greenwashing through improvement tools such as the B Impact Assessment.

To address systemic challenges in the NGO sector in HK during the height of the pandemic, Pia co-founded Voice for Social Good, ensuring partnerships between nonprofits and funders are based on trust and deliver on impact.

In 2020, as part of her work for Voice for Social Good, Pia was recognized as 2020 AmCham Women of Influence nominee for “Global Issues, Local Heroes, Women Taking the Lead.”
More recently, Voice for Social Good was a 2024 finalist for the Shared Value Initiative Award for Bravery.

Pia has a BA (Hons) from University College London and received a scholarship to attend Harvard Business School (HBS) Executive Education program on Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management. Pia has also successfully obtained the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership’s (CISL)’s Business Sustainability Management Certificate and Impact Measurement and Management for the SDGs certificate from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme SDG Impact.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

I hope to see more businesses in Hong Kong partner with NGOs strategically to address many of the social issues in Hong Kong.

NGOs, with the support and guidance from their board members, invest more time and resources into impact measurement for better due diligence. I truly believe this will elevate trust between funders and NGOs, which in turn will increase operational funding (eg. staff salaries, capacity building) for the NGO’s long-term sustainability and impact.

Supported by

11:55 – 12:45

Communicating with Consumers to Co-create Change

11:55 – 12:45

In today’s dynamic marketplace, effective communication with consumers is not just about conveying messages from the brand, but also about fostering collaboration and co-creation. In this session, we will explore the power of engaging with consumers as active participants in driving change.

We will delve into strategies and best practices for building meaningful connections, leveraging different mediums, and utilizing consumer insights to co-create innovative solutions. By understanding the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, organizations can establish authentic dialogues that inspire loyalty and drive positive societal impact.

Join us to discover practical techniques and examples that demonstrate how effective communication can transform consumers into valuable co-creators of change.

Learnings:

  • The role of organizations and brands in fostering a collaborative dialogue with consumers to co-create meaningful change
  • Challenges and opportunities in the process
  • Best practices and examples of how this is put into practice

Post-Event Actions:

  • Gain insights on how collaborative dialogues with consumers can create positive impact for the brand, both on environmental and social levels
  • Explore the different formats and mediums in engaging consumers to co-create change

Speakers

Carol Yeung

Golin Limited

Managing Director

Carol is the Managing Director of Golin Hong Kong. She has 12 years’ experience building brand reputation and connecting brands with consumers. She was named Women to Watch 2021 by Campaign Asia-Pacific and has obtained Harvard Business School certification on Sustainable Business Strategy.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

I wish more brands will look into their brand purpose not only on comms level but how they can create real, meaningful change for the industry and society.

Chester Cheng

Co-founder

Chester joined MTR Corporation as Graduate Trainee in 2019, and co-founded Hong Kong’s leading one-stop green lifestyle reward platform Carbon Wallet from zero to one in 2021. He currently heads up the social innovation venture as a subsidiary of MTR Lab.
He is passionate about driving sustainable consumption for cities, and strives to transform issue-based climate communications into action-based engagement to inspire climate actions among individuals.

My sustainability goals for 2024:

  • Everyone in Hong Kong getting used to waste sorting at households and start recycling.
  • Less disposable used in the city, people supporting sustainable merchants.

Ken Or

Tam Jai International Co. Ltd.

Corporate Planning Director

Ken Or joined Tam Jai International Co. Limited (TJI) in 2021. He is the Corporate Planning Director and serves as the Chairman of the ESG Committee. Ken is responsible for developing corporate strategy, leading business transformation, and fostering the growth of new brands and ventures, in addition to managing investment strategies. As Chairman of the ESG Committee, he administers the Tam Jai Goodness Trust and is at the forefront of the company’s sustainability efforts.

Before joining TJI, Ken was a Partner at Yamato Capital Partners (YCP), co-heading the Hong Kong office and leading the Asia consumer & retail business practice focusing on principal investments and value creation. Before YCP, Ken held a position at Deloitte China as a management consultant, specializing in growth strategies and digital transformation.

Ken’s academic background includes an MSc in Management from Imperial College London and a BEng in System Engineering from the University of Warwick. His educational background complements his extensive experience in the consumer & retail sector.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

As a leading restaurant chain in Hong Kong, TamJai is committed to embodying our core values, “Will to Win, Passion to Serve,” in our sustainability initiatives for 2024-2025. We are dedicated to reducing waste and enhancing our climate disclosure practices to provide transparency and foster trust among our stakeholders. In our pursuit of sustainability, we aim to co-create behavioral changes and build a “plastic-free” community, encouraging both our staff and customers to make environmentally friendly choices. Additionally, our “Eat Healthy” campaigns will promote nutritional awareness and healthier lifestyle choices across all our outlets. Through these integrated efforts, TamJai not only leads in food excellence but also in championing environmental stewardship.

Supported by

12:45 – 13:35

How Can Marketing & Communications Professionals Contribute to Rebuilding Hong Kong’s Global Reputation?

12:45 – 13:35

Hong Kong has made global headlines over the last five years, and not often favourably. With the city now open, busy and ready to welcome both business and tourists, it’s time to discuss how we can help flip the script. Changing perceptions is what PR and communications professionals excel at. This discussion focuses on how we, as an industry and community, can build a strategy that forges a new narrative for the future.

Learnings

  • The impact that individuals can have on changing perspectives
  • Strategies for building an authentic new narrative for Hong Kong to help rebuild reputation
  • Local and international brands operating in Hong Kong can participate in change making and contribute to building brand value and therefore economic impact

Post-Event Actions

  • Insights on being an influencer and how storytelling can be a force for change
  • A new perspective on why Hong Kong’s reputational value is important to individuals and organisations in the city
  • How you can be part of rebuilding Hong Kong for the future

Speakers

Kiri Sinclair

Sinclair

Founder & CEO

Kiri Sinclair is the Founder & CEO of Sinclair, a renowned marketing communications agency in the Asia Pacific region, and Honorary Secretary and Chair of the ESG Committee of PRHK, Hong Kong’s public relations and communications association. With 20+ years of experience, she is highly regarded for her expertise in brand marketing, corporate reputation, and issues management. She advises organisations across industry sector on their ESG Strategy, Employee Engagement and CSR Programmes. Kiri’s curiosity, passion, and dedication to positive change propel her forward. She earned her MBA at HKU and lives in her hometown of Hong Kong.

 

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Drive brand leaders to commit honest and transparent ESG communications and to create marketing programmes alongside them that engage audiences to join the movement to co-create change.

David Ko

Ruder Finn Interactive

Managing Director

David Ko heads up RFI Asia, the digital arm of global communications consultancy Ruder Finn, with Asia offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

David advises regional clients on digital marketing strategy, and over the years has also trained countless senior leaders on communications and crisis management.

Supported by

Day 2 – Friday 13 Sept PM

 

The Rethinking Health & Wellbeing programme aims to bring together leaders, experts and professionals from various industries to explore the most pressing issues in the realm of health and wellbeing. By prioritizing employee well-being, embracing responsible practices in sports, andpursuing the innovation and social responsibility of food and nutrition, organisations can create supportive environments that foster holistic well-being and contribute to a sustainable and healthy future.

In partnership with

14:25 – 14:30

Opening Welcome: Rethinking Health & Wellbeing

14:25 – 14:30

Supported by

14:30 – 15:10

Enhancing Organizational Performance by Fostering Employee Well-being

14:30 – 15:10

The goal is to emphasize the importance of prioritizing employee well-being and creating a culture that supports and promotes holistic wellness. By focusing on these strategies, organisations can enhance performance, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. Join this session as wellness experts and corporate advocates discuss key topics in workplace wellness and employee well-being.

Learnings

  • What are key strategies to promote employee well-being in the workplace?
  • What are some methods that can be used to measure employee well-being in the workplace?

Post-event actions

  • Develop an action plan: Based on the assessment and employee feedback, develop an action plan to enhance wellness strategies. Set clear goals, establish timelines, and allocate resources accordingly.
  • Understand the multifaceted nature of well-being and recognize that well-being encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects.
  • Be able to take a holistic approach to wellness strategies.

Speakers

Yvonne Yeung

Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association

Chief Executive

Ms. Yvonne Yeung is the Chief Executive of Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association, and proactively explores innovative services to meet with the ever-changing social needs. Services provided by Hong Kong YWCA include youth development, women service & family service, Christian ministry, membership service, aged care and community health service, early childhood education, career development & continuing education, social business & Y Hospitality etc.

Previously she had worked as a Financial Consultant in banking industry and later established a leading social enterprise to create job opportunities for disadvantaged people. She has been actively engaging in enhancing social impact via cross-sector collaboration. Her volunteer services include Member of Executive Committee, Chairperson of Standing Committee on Sector Development & Finance, and Vice-chairperson of Strategy Committee on Talent Development of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Council Member of Hong Kong Social Welfare Sector Heart to Heart Joint Action, Non-Official Non-Executive Director of the Board of Urban Renewal Authority, Advisor of Our Hong Kong Foundation, Ex-officio Member of Advisory Committee for the Trust-initiated Project for Supporting Elderly’s Caregivers, and Ex-officio Member of the Advisory Committee of Jockey Club Community eHealth Care Project, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. She was also Associate Member of the Central Policy Unit, Member of the Women’s Commission, Member of the Corruption Prevention Advisory Committee of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and Member of Advisory Committee on Enhancing Self-Reliance Through District Partnership Programme of Home Affairs Department. She was awarded as the JESSICA Most Successful Women 2022.

Ms. Yeung holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Afterwards she completed the Executive Education “Strategic Perspective in Non-profit Management” at Harvard Business School, Harvard University and “Measuring & Improving the Impact of Social Organizations” at Singapore National University Business School.

Olivia Cotes-James

LUÜNA

Founder & CEO

LUÜNA is a B Corp-certified social enterprise working to destigmatize menstrual health in Asia and beyond.

Built by women, LUÜNA provides sustainable menstrual products in the washrooms of offices and campuses, alongside taboo-fee education around the menstrual cycle. A portion of every partnership funds the provision of free menstrual care to underserved local communities.

Today, LUÜNA services are available in over 1,500 corporate washrooms across Asia, which has helped fund the donation of over 600,000 menstrual products.

Olivia is recognized as an award-winning social entrepreneur, as well as a leading voice on gender equity. She is a winner of the 2023 Cartier Women’s Initiative Grant for impact entrepreneurship, Asia FemTech Influencer of the Year 2023, Hong Kong’s Young Leader of Tomorrow 2022 and Forbes 30 Under 30 2021. She has been featured in publications including FORBES, SCMP, Vogue, CNN and the Hong Kong Economic Journal.

 

Ching-choi Lam

Haven of Hope Christian Service

CEO

Dr Lam is a specialist in paediatric and community medicine and is currently Chief Executive Officer of Haven of Hope Christian Service.

With his extensive knowledge of local public health policies and services, Dr Lam has sat on multiple statutory and advisory bodies. He is a non-official member of the Executive Council of the HKSAR Government. He also serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, the Council for Carbon Neutrality & Sustainable Development, the Steering Committee on Review of Manpower for Healthcare Services in Residential Care Homes, the Healthcare & Wellness Training Board of the Vocational Training Council, the Industry Training Advisory Committee of Elderly Care Service and the Independent Commission Against Corruption Complaints Committee.

He is also a member of the Green Technology & Finance Development Committee, Advisory Panel on Silver Economy as well as the Supervisory Board and Nominating Committee of the Hong Kong Housing Society to provide advice to the government on various policies.

Dr Lam was honoured by the HKSAR Government with the Justice of Peace in 2003 and Silver Bauhinia Star in 2019. In 2018, apart from receiving Honorary Fellowship from Lingnan University, he also received the Ageing Asia Global Ageing Influencer Award (Special Recognitions) in recognition of his devotion to public services and his influence on policy-making for the global ageing trend.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Hong Kong’s social service sector must pursue sustainability by leveraging technology to enhance service delivery, promoting mental health and wellness, and aligning with the city’s carbon neutrality goals. Adopting innovative digital tools, providing holistic care, and implementing eco-friendly practices can streamline operations, improve accessibility and build a more resilient, inclusive community.

Fanny Lau

New World Development Company Limited

General Manager – Human Resources

Fanny Lau has more than 20 years’ experience in human resources sector, including external consulting and in-house HR partitioning. She was the consultant and provided advisory services to hundreds of corporates in different areas, not only in day-to-day HR operation management, but also organization development, recruitment, performance management, learning & development, etc. She also had corporate and strategy planning experiences and led M&A projects. Not only in Hong Kong, she also worked in the mainland China, Singapore, Vietnam as well as leading projects in Southeast Asia.

She joined the Human Resources Department at New World Development in 2020 and currently she is taking care of HR Transformation, HR Business Partner, Culture, Talent Acquisition, Compensation & Benefits and Learning & Development Teams. Throughout different projects initiated from the group level, she works closely with different business units in New World Group.

 

Supported by

15:10 – 15:50

Business Practices for Sports & Sustainability: Building Resilient, Innovative, and People-Centered Initiatives

15:10 – 15:50

The sports and fitness industry has a significant impact on the environment, society, and economy. As we strive for a more sustainable future, it is crucial to rethink our business practices within the realm of reshaping business opportunities and practices to align with the evolving needs of individuals. Explore innovative approaches to delivering services that are more resilient, person-centered, and responsive to diverse communities.

Learnings

  • What is the environmental impact of the sports and fitness industry, and how can sustainable practices be adopted to mitigate it?
  • What economic opportunities are associated with sustainable practices in the sports and fitness industry, and how can innovative business models integrate sustainability principles?

Post-event actions

  • Foster collaboration and share knowledge to encourage teamwork and collective problem-solving.
  • Develop educational programs and raise awareness to promote learning and understanding among individuals and communities.
  • Implement transparency measures and track progress to ensure accountability and monitor the effectiveness of initiatives.

Speakers

Jessica Ng

The Jessica Company

Founder

Jessica Ng
Founder, The Jessica Company

Executive Vice-Chair and Chief Executive Officer
South China Financial Holdings Limited

Non-executive director
South China Holdings Company Limited
i-CABLE Communications Limited

Jessica has over 20 years of leadership experience in the media and financial service sector. As Executive Vice Chair of South China Financial Holdings, she leads the financial services business of South China Group.

Jessica launched her namesake magazine JESSICA in 2000 which soon became the highest circulation women’s magazine in Hong Kong, with the aim of inspiring women to pursue their life dreams. Later she established the JESNetwork, a community founded on the JESSICA Most Successful Women Award, with the mission of connecting, inspiring and empowering women, to create a collaborative space for women in entrepreneurship, sustainability, technology and sport. For over two decades, JESSICA has been a beacon of empowerment for women in Hong Kong and beyond, and to further her mission and vision, ensuring that the impact remains authentic and powerful, The JESSICA Company was established as a standalone corporate entity in 2024.

The Jessica Charitable Foundation was formed in 2012 as a charitable institution under s.88 of the Inland Revenues Ordinance, with the aim of supporting social initiatives empowering women and youths. The annual JESSICA Run is the foundation’s signature fundraiser and family and amateur runners’ event, to arouse awareness on physical and mental health, to raise funds for non-profit organisations in Hong Kong.

Jessica sits on various women and youth support associations, including the position of Board Member and Treasurer of the The International Women’s Forum Hong Kong Chapter, and Ambassador of the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from King’s College London, University of London in the United Kingdom and was admitted to the Hong Kong Bar in 2006. She is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and a member of the Standing Committee of the 13th Hebei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. She also previously served as a member of the 11th, 12th and 13th Tianjin Municipality Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Howard Ling

Hong Kong Baptist University, Impact Incubator

Professor of Practice, Chief Consultant

Prof. Howard Ling is the Chief Consultant of Impact Incubator, and the Professor of Practice at Baptist University. Howard began his social entrepreneurial journey in 2004. He has consulted over 100 social enterprises and raised over HKD 300M for these enterprises. He also serves as a consultant or advisor to many foundations, and education institutions in Hong Kong and Macau. He was awarded the Medal of Honour (MH) by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and the Hong Kong Humanity Award in 2017 for his dedicated public and community services, particularly his contributions to the development of social enterprises.

Hong Kong SAR Government Committee & Macau SAR Government Committee:
Administrative Appeal Board – Panel Member (2015 to Present)
Betting and Lotteries Commission Committee Member (2019 to Present)
Transport Tribunals’ Panel – Panel Member (2019 to Present)
Social Enterprise Advisory Committee Member (2009 to 2015)
Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee Member (2013 to 2019)
Strategic Development of IT in Education Steering Committee Member (2022 to Present)
Social Welfare Bureau (Macau SAR) – Consultant of Social Enterprise Scheme

Education, NGO & Social Enterprise Responsibilities:
Community Chest – Admissions, Budgets & Allocations Committee Member
YMCA Hostel Services Committee – Board Member
Hong Kong Education City (HKEdCity) – Director of the Board
Bishop Hall Jubilee Secondary School – Director of the School Board
Kowloon Tong Primary School & Secondary School – Director of the School Board
Lok Sin Tong – Yeung Chung Ming Primary School – Director of the School Board
Direction Association for the Handicapped – Honorary Consultant
Mbaby Doula Social Enterprise – Director and Social Enterprise Consultant
Joint Publishing Cultural Charity Fund – Director of the Board
The Yeh Family Philanthropy – Grant Committee Member
Changing Young Lives Foundation – Council Member
Baptist University – Associate Director of The Centre of Entrepreneurship
Lingnan University – Chairman of the Advisory Board for Doctor of Policy Studies
& Programme Advisor of Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative
The Chinese University of Hong Kong – Consultant of Sustainable Knowledge Transfer Fund

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

1. To increase the awareness of commercial and residential recyclable collection service
2. To issue a legal-binding guideline on charity formation and charitable fund-raising

Supported by

15:50 – 16:30

Redefining Food and Nutrition Value: Exploring a Healthier Future

15:50 – 16:30

Sustainable food systems play the central role for the United Nations’ 17 SDGs. Actions taken by the international community are constantly evolving for the entire food value chain, from food production and processing to distribution and consumption. Consumers have expanded the key words of food and nutrition from food safety or healthy diet, to the environment and social responsibility, pursuing human and nature-positive and responsible food production, including “future food”, “sustainable diet” or “care food”. This session brings together key players from science, business and academia, to redefine value of food and nutrition, ranging from the aspect of food innovation, community nutrition and health, to reducing food waste, and to explore how to lead us into a healthier and more sustainable future.

Learnings

  • What opportunities would be generated from food technology in the food industry? How can food innovators integrate sustainability principles and address social need?
  • What synergies community nutrition and food innovation can create to feeding our ageing population? How reformulating food and nutrition, including gerontechnology, care food or nutrient-enriched foods, can cater healthy ageing?
  • In what way can innovative agriculture farming our future and contribute to more sustainable and efficient food reproduction? How to empower consumers to choose wisely and reduce food waste?

Post-event actions

  • Boost intra-sectoral collaboration to integrate transformative and sustainable models in consider of consumer research, nutrition and social needs, in order to find opportunities to respond to the increasing demand for new food products/ services
  • Initiate education programme or service to empower the society, from youth generation and ageing population, to choose and eat wisely with wider food choices.

Speakers

Queenie Man

The Project Futurus

Founder and CEO

Queenie is the Founder & CEO of The Project Futurus and Captain Softmeal. She is also the Managing Director at Forward Living and Culture Homes. Queenie is an appointed member of The Elderly Commission at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to provide advice in the formulation of a comprehensive policy in caring for elders. Queenie is also a Board Member at AIDs Concern.

Queenie had worked as a global brand strategist for almost a decade specializing on brand strategy, design and customer experience for Fortune 500s prior to joining the eldercare field. Combining her insights and experiences in both branding and elderly services, Queenie established The Project Futurus in 2019 to transform the way people perceive aging through advocacy, education, community service, and impact program design. Queenie established “Captain Softmeal” (軟餐俠) to raise awareness on dysphagia health and recently expanded the platform to Singapore. In addition, she created an immersive experiential dim sum program “Sensory Restaurant on Wheels” (流動五感大茶樓) serviced over 2400 elders living with dementia to deliver the joy of dim sum dining. Queenie also responsible for the rebranding of “Culture Homes” and Nordic-inspired senior community “Forward Living”, and an aging-in-place concept experience store “The Living Gallery”.

Queenie was named “Harper’s Bazaar Visionary Women Award 2023”, “Prestige Women of Power 2023”, “Tatler Gen.T 2022 Leaders of Tomorrow” and “Jessica Most Successful Women 2021” . She is also a TEDx and KODW speaker, an Enterprise Advisor at CLAP@JC, and a MingPao columnist.

Queenie holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing and Information Systems from the University of Washington (USA). She is also pursuing a Masters Degree in Dementia at the University of Stirling (UK) (2022-2025). She is also a certified Healthcare Worker and Personal Care Worker, and an Eden Alternative Associate advocating for human-centric care.

My sustainability goals for 2024:

I am committed to channelling my passion serving our elders and their well-being. By combining my experience and passion in social innovation, elderly service, and brand strategy & design, I hope to be able to create a new narrative for aging and inspire positive transformation.

Aging is one of UN’s global mega trends, I hope to be able to introduce innovative aged care practices by connecting global practices and knowledge exchange. My sustainability goals for 2024-2025 are to continue to champion for elders’ well-being through meaningful engagements, provide dignified dining solutions for those with swallowing difficulties, raise awareness on positive ageing and promote social inclusion, and to support WHO’s UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.

Dr Karen Cheung

Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies at Lingnan University

Dr. / Adjunct Professor

Dr. Karen CHEUNG Siu-Lan is Adjunct Professor in Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies at Lingnan University, Adjunct Associate Professor of Practice in WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Fellow in Sau Po Centre on Ageing at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Director of Mindlink Research Centre, the Member of Service Development and Management Committee in The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong, the Honorary Director of the 2024-2025 Lantau Island District the Senior Police Call Scheme (SPC) and the Executive Committee Member of the 2024-2026 South China Athletic Association.

After completing her PhD at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in 2003, she awarded with the European Commission’s fellowship to conduct post-doctoral research in Europe. She was the recipient of Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships in 1999/2000 & 2000/2001. She was awarded “Best Teaching Assistant Coordinator” at HKUST in 2002. She was also the scholarship recipient of the Croucher Foundation, RAND/NIA, Wellcome Trust Fund & IUSSP. Returning from Europe, she joined the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at HKU in 2009 and took up the position of Honorary Assistant Professor in 2012-2017. During her time in HKU, she has led the team to conduct “Hong Kong Centenarian Study” and “Reaching out Dementia Caregiver Support Project (REACH-HK).” Both studies are for the first time in Hong Kong. From 2018 to 2020, her team also developed and piloted the smart version of the “REACH-HK” (REACH-HK II). She has been involving with international networks of Réseau Espérance de Vie en Santé (REVES) and International Centenarian Consortium (ICC), and International Centenarian Consortium-Dementia (ICCD) and collaborating with Centre for Genomic Sciences at HKU to examine variants at healthy longevity candidate genes, as well as developing a global comprehensive model and indicators to assess successful ageing and frailty with a multi-dimensional and inter-disciplinary approach.

In 2021, she launched a new book “Healthy Longevity: Evidenced-based Study of Hong Kong” and partnered with Yan Chai Hospital (Social Services Department) (YCHSS) to carry out a pilot study of “Holistic Healthy Life Education” non-pharmaceutical intervention for middle-aged elders with psychosomatic and cardio-metabolic symptoms. From 2021 to 2022, she and her team completed “Hong Kong Centenarian Study II” which was funded by the University Research Grants Council. In 2023, she cooperated with the Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club Madam Wong Chan Sook Ying Memorial Care & Attention Home For The Aged to conduct a pilot project of “the Digital Version of Memory Treasure Hunt” (eMemory Kits). It aims to improve cognitive function and quality of life of older adults with mild cognitive impairment and/or dementia. eMemory Kits include two electronic devices for memory and cognitive training: (1) tablet (APP) and (2) set-top box and software (VR).

In 2024, she cooperated with YCHSS again to officially launch “The Digital Version of Holistic Healthy Life Education” (e2HLE) intervention for community-dwelling older adults aged 50 years or above with psychosomatic symptoms, and hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia. The program is a holistic health-based, person-centric and multi-component intervention, combined with the World Health Organization Integrated Care for the Elderly (ICOPE) model, and provides older adults with a self-monitoring bio-signal system “Hera Leto”, through gerontech and diverse lifestyle modification measures. The content includes a 3-month intervention, including self-care, fitness training, self-acupressure, stress and emotion management, a whole-food plant based diet, and meditation and mindfulness training. The goal is to achieve weight loss, enhance intrinsic capacities (i.e., mental and psychological wellbeing, vitality, and nutritional health), and improve cardiometabolic characteristics (e.g., blood pressure and lipid profile) among older adults.

Since 2001, she has delivered more than 140 research outputs, including books, consulting or contract research reports, working and conference papers, and peer-reviewed journal articles. She has published prolifically in top-specialty or top-generalist journals such as Demography, Population Studies, Demographic Research, European Journal of Ageing, Asian Population Studies, Genus, International Journal of Geriatrics and Psychiatric, Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, Achieve of Geriatric and Gerontology, Aging and Mental Health, BMC Geriatrics, BMC Neurology, Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Healthcare, Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, Innovation in Aging, International Journal of Aging & Human Development, among others. Her research has been widely cited and generously funded by the RCG and various private foundations.

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