Shifting Mindsets and Practices: Embedding Sustainability into In-House and Business Education

Currently the Programme Director for the Master of Social Science in Sustainability Leadership and Governance, in the Centre for Civil Society and Governance at the University of Hong Kong. Margaret has developed this Master programme to enhance learning, grow deeper understanding, and enable professionals to implement sustainability initiatives across all roles. Empowering both students and clients to integrate sustainability into personal and core organizational decision-making processes as this is time critical and, the focus the programme. She is often a guest speaker, and partners with organizations to provide support to their in-house sustainability strategies, currently through the lens of climate change related factors, and mechanisms for greater stakeholder engagement.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

For leaders, at all levels, to put into action significant changes to their operating environment given the tools at their disposal, and a greater level of authentic collaboration that truly seeks human-centric solutions. Let’s be on the right side of the climate change battle!

Keith is an Assistant Professor of Green Finance at the HKUST, where he is responsible for teaching three core courses: ESG Reporting and Management, Economics for Environmental Policy and Management, and Green Business Strategy. Keith obtained his PhD in Economics from University of Cambridge. He is a Co-Principal Investigator of Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) 2021/22 by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of the Hong Kong Government, entitled ”Developing Hong Kong as a Global Green Finance Centre” (HKD 10,858,000). He is currently developing a research program on applying micro-economic and game theories to study the optimal design of green finance policies, including credibility assessment of corporate net-zero transition pathways. His work on green finance taxonomies has been cited by policy thinktanks. Keith also helps the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals (HKIQEP) to develop educational materials on corporate sustainability and ESG reporting.

My sustainability goals for 2023:

• To have its green classification framework (taxonomy) recognized and endorsed by international regulators.

Summer is a Principal Consultant of Corporate Sustainability and Climate Change (CSCC) Team with ERM based in Hong Kong. She leads the CSCC work across Greater China and currently serves as the APAC Technical Community Lead. Summer’s focus is on advising her Clients on their transition to a low carbon economy and working with their teams to ensure that a robust strategy is in place so they can meet their climate, nature and ESG goals.  Summer has significant experience in climate risk assessment projects in the Asia region and depth knowledge around power & renewables including emerging clean technologies such as hydrogen, EV.

Prior to Hong Kong, Summer has worked for the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office for over 5 years on climate change energy policy through the delivery of projects to support regional energy transition. She has previously lived and worked in Malaysia, Mainland China, Kenya and the UK, frequently collaborating with large multi-disciplinary teams throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and APAC. She is passionate about promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment and was nominated as Champion for Women in Renewables Asia.

Derek works as the Lead Consultant at AXA Climate to bring AXA’s risk expertise onto the topics of climate and nature and advise big corporations, financial institutions, and non-profits in the APAC region.

Throughout his career, Derek has supported clients across various sustainability fronts, including climate and biodiversity risk assessments, scenario analysis, sustainability and business resilience strategy development and ESG engagements and due diligences. His guidance has enabled operation teams, management, and boards to navigate the increasing scrutiny and uncertainty posed by climate change.

Derek’s academic background in environment management and technology has provided him with a strong foundation for his work, as he continues to deepen his knowledge in this ever-evolving field. Outside of work, Derek is an avid scuba-diver and mountain climber, which you will find him either out in the wild or indoor planning for his next liveaboard or hiking trip.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Having witnessed first-hand how plastics are affecting the nature, both land and ocean, a big goal I wish to make happen is to reduce single-use plastics, personally and among colleagues (to make the daily pile of single-use plastics disposed after lunch disappear!)

Justin Yeung is the Co-Founder of 2041 Hong Kong, a youth organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable development and climate action. In this role, he oversees strategic implementations and management across internal functions and provides mentorship to a growing team of young professionals and university students working on various projects.

At Techtronic Industries (TTI), Justin holds the position of Senior Sustainability and Communications Executive. He has played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s sustainability efforts. Starting his career in the Leadership Development Program (Management Trainee), Justin has gained extensive experience across various functions within TTI. Currently, he leads the social sustainability function for the region, collaborating closely with other regions on strategy, communications, reporting, and impact engagement. Justin also contributes to sustainable product design and manages the sustainability department’s budget. He launched the Youth Development Program, an internship initiative aimed at nurturing talent in the industry. Additionally, he coordinates employee engagement efforts and manages the partnership with Habitat for Humanity for regional projects.

In his previous role, Justin supported the establishment of supply chain memberships, conducted climate risk assessments, and managed ESG data and ratings.

Justin has been recognized for his achievements, being selected as one of the AmCham Future Leaders in 2023. Recently, he received the UBS Award at Melofest 2024 with IMPACT41 for a Nature-based Solution (NbS) addressing marine biodiversity loss and decarbonization. Beyond his professional commitments, Justin volunteers with the United World College Graduates Organization (UWCGO), where he advocates for cultural diversity and exposure in education, while strengthening alumni connections, and engagement with the UWC movement.

His contributions to sustainable development, climate action, and social initiatives have established him as a young leader driving positive change in both local and global communities.

My sustainability goals for 2024:

• Promote youth engagement in sustainable development initiatives and foster inclusive thought leadership and influence.
• Encourage widespread adoption and recognition of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Foster community building and collaboration to empower individuals, organizations, and industries in driving sustainable development efforts.