Key Visual for Net Zero and Nature Positive Theatre
co-Headline Theatre Sponsor
announcing the 2023-24 projects of

Net Zero & Nature Positive Theatre (Keynote)

Net Zero & Nature Positive Theatre (Keynote)

co-Headline Theatre Sponsor
announcing the 2023-24 projects of

Day 1 – Thursday 14 Sept AM

Opening Ceremony & Keynote Address

09:20 – 09:50

Opening Ceremony

09:20 – 09:50

Speakers

Chris Brown

Founder & Director

Chris has 20 years of experience working on large-scale business events. Originally from the UK, Chris has lived and worked in Hong Kong since 2015. Chris moved to Hong Kong to establish a North Asia office for a London-based trade expo organiser and launch a series of digital transformation events. The challenges of living sustainably and a developing concern around the exponential threats of the global climate emergency compelled Chris to “rethink” his own personal contribution to Hong Kong and how he could best make a positive impact on a city he now proudly calls home.

Chris conceived, designed and launched the ReThink HK event during the first part of 2019 – undeterred by the challenges faced by live events at that time, due to civil unrest, the new event concept for uniting the full business and sustainability ecosystem, championing positive action and shared responsibility received excellent support. The inaugural 2020 event was, unsurprisingly, delayed due to COVID but finally ran, in-person, at the K11 Quarry Bay with 450 attendees and all delegate fees were donated to local charities.

Chris’ experience in hosting content-led expo-style healthcare events in the UK, where partnerships and collaboration were crucial to scale and success, provided the foundation for Chris to widen the supporting-network of organisations and sponsors for ReThink HK. The event was moved to the HKCEC for the 2021 edition and resulted in Hong Kong’s best attended event dedicated to the business of sustainability, with over 2,200 attendees. Chris is proud to have maintained the event’s impact pledge; with all delegate fees contributing to impact projects with local Hong Kong charities.

Working alongside the Business Environment Council, Consulates and trade promotion offices, Chambers of Commerce, specialist industry associations, NGOs and action groups the collective ambition for ReThink HK is to accelerate change in Hong Kong – the event returns for its fourth edition this September at the HKCEC, will host over 6,000 attendees and aims to be at least carbon neutral.

All proceeds from delegate fees will be redirected to the newly incorporated Rethink Foundation, a not-for-profit focussed on helping registered NGOs build capacity and operate more sustainably.

Chris received a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Italian from the University of Plymouth (UK). Chris is a member of the British Chamber of Commerce’s Social Sustainability Committee, sits on the Executive Committee and the Sustainability sub-committee of the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

  • Greater action from businesses to contribute towards a more sustainable HK
  • Encourage other event organisers to commit to sustainable solutions
  • Demonstrate that businesses can be operated profitably and with purpose

Wallace Lam

Managing Director, Head of Institutional Banking Group

Mr Wallace Lam joined DBS in August 2021 as Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group, Hong Kong.

Mr Lam is responsible for managing and growing the bank’s Hong Kong corporate and institutional banking franchise, including the corporate finance advisory as well as the syndicated finance businesses.

Before joining DBS, Wallace had over 26 years of experience and held numerous senior management positions at HSBC, including Head of Corporate, Commercial Banking, Hong Kong; Co-Head of Global Banking, Hong Kong; Head of Client Coverage, Mainland China; and Managing Director and Head of High Yield Capital Markets and Commercial Banking Debt Origination, Asia Pacific.

Wallace is a member of the Supervisory Board, the Audit Committee, and Taskforce on Financing of the Hong Kong Housing Society; member of the Funds Management Sub-Committee of the Hong Kong Housing Authority as well as Executive Committee Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers.

Simon Ng

Chief Executive Officer

Mr Simon Ng is Chief Executive Officer of Business Environment Council (BEC). He works closely with BEC Board of Directors in setting and implementing organisation goals and strategies conducive to supporting BEC members and the wider business community in the transition towards net-zero economy and a sustainable Hong Kong.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Support more corporates in Hong Kong to embark on their net-zero journey.

Supported by

With thanks to

09:50 – 10:00

Opening Address

09:50 – 10:00

Speakers

Mr Tse Chin-wan

Secretary for Environment and Ecology

Mr Tse joined the former Environmental Protection Agency in 1985 which was subsequently reorganised in 1986 to become the current Environmental Protection Department (EPD). Throughout the service with EPD, Mr Tse had taken up a wide range of duties at professional and senior managerial levels. He was appointed as a Deputy Director of Environmental Protection in 2013 and subsequently as the Under Secretary for the Environment in August 2017.

Mr Tse possesses a broad spectrum of experience in various areas of environmental protection, including law enforcement, computer modelling, environmental impact assessment and cross-boundary cooperation with the Mainland.  During his tenure as the Under Secretary for the Environment, he helped spearhead the formulation of policies on air quality, waste management, climate actions and conservation.

10:00 – 10:50

Hong Kong’s Net-Zero Pathway: Coming Together for Our Decisive Decade

10:00 – 10:50

We are in the decisive decade for climate action. The push for net zero is driving businesses to come together and deliver on ambitious pledges to reduce their carbon footprint. In face of escalating climate risks, how are industry players in Hong Kong joining forces for an urgent, coordinated response with policymakers, investors, innovators and the wider society?

Learnings

  • How are some of Hong Kong’s most complex organisations working to engage internal and external ecosystems to navigate climate action across multiple industries and geographies?
  • What systemic changes and partnerships are needed to help us execute climate commitments, and turn transition risks to opportunities? How can we work together to tackle challenges, while maintaining growth ambitions and shareholder value creation?
  • How can leadership companies leverage innovation to inspire ambition and drive solutions to reduce our carbon footprint over the next five to ten years? What are our biggest barriers?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain insights on leading organisations’ carbon reduction approaches and cross-industry solutions.
  • Rethink actions that your company and industry should focus on over the next ten years to turn risks into leadership opportunities, and make meaningful impact at the scale needed to address today’s most pressing climate challenges.
  • Understand why business leaders have a compelling and common interest to work along each other and ensure the transformation of every aspect of industry to contribute to a net-zero economy by 2050.

Speakers

Anne Kerr

Chair

Dr Anne Kerr, Managing Director Greater China, at Mott MacDonald is actively involved in the British Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong where she chaired the Environment and Energy Committee, created the Smart City Forum, was Vice Chair and now Chair of the General Committee having been appointed in September 2022.

Patrick Healy

Chairman

Patrick Healy is Chairman of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited and Swire Coca-Cola Limited. He is also a Director of John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Limited, an Executive Director of Swire Pacific Limited and a Non-Executive Director of Air China Limited.

Mr Healy has been with the Swire Group for more than 30 years. He joined John Swire & Sons in 1988 as a management trainee. After six years with the Group’s Industries Division in Hong Kong and Germany, he transferred to the Beverages Division in 1994, where he worked in various roles across the Group’s Mainland China Coca-Cola bottling operations in Beijing, Nanjing, Xian and Xiamen until 2012. He was General Manager of the Shaanxi bottler from 2001-2005 and General Manager of the Fujian bottler from 2005-2008. In July 2008 he was appointed CEO, HAECO Xiamen. Mr Healy returned to Hong Kong in 2012 to take up the role of Managing Director, Swire Coca-Cola. He became Chairman of Swire Coca-Cola and Cathay Pacific on 1st October and 6th November 2019 respectively.

Mr Healy is a Member of the Task Force on External Relations chaired by The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.  In addition, Mr Healy is an Advisory Board Member of the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) and a Member of the Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong General Committee.

Mr Healy was born in 1965 and graduated in 1988 from St. John’s College, Cambridge University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages. He is married with three children.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Driving the rollout of the group sustainability strategy SwireTHRIVE and associated targets.

Luanne Lim

Chief Executive, Hong Kong

Luanne Lim was appointed Chief Executive, Hong Kong, HSBC, in 2022, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer, Hong Kong, HSBC, a role that she has held since 2017.
Ms Lim has more than 25 years of banking industry experience. Since joining HSBC in Singapore in 1999, she has held leadership roles and spearheaded strategic initiatives across HSBC’s key markets, including mainland China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. She is currently a board member of HSBC Bank (Vietnam) Ltd.
She is a Vice Chairperson of HK Association of Banks, and sits on the Banking Advisory Committee and Financial Infrastructure and Market Development Sub-Committee of HK Monetary Authority. She is also a council member of Treasury Markets Association, and a member of Academy of Finance, Financial Education Coordination Committee of the Investor and Financial Education Council, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Taskforce on Trade and Investment of the HK Trade Development Council.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

The global climate crisis requires global solutions. As Hong Kong’s global bank, we are committed to partnering with our customers, including those in heavy emitting sectors, to support their transition.

Albert Wong

CEO

Mr. Albert Wong has 30-plus years of commercial, industrial and leadership experience through roles with various multinationals that have provided him with deep China and Asia-Pacific insight, plus critical understanding of building companies and investment networks, and solving market needs. Prior to HKSTP, he spent 15 years in total with GE at its US headquarters, Asia-Pacific and China. He served as CEO, GE Oil & Gas China, as well as CEO, GE Industrial Solutions Asia Pacific.

YU Ching Yan, Johnny

Head of Sustainability

Mr Yu Ching Yan, Johnny joined the Company in 2020 as the advisor to Chairman. Prior to joining the Company, Mr Yu held various senior positions with UBS, Credit Suisse and Price Waterhouse in both Hong Kong and London. He brought 28 years of extensive experience covering multiple disciplines including sales and marketing, investment advisory, accounting, tax and risk management and control. He leads the sustainability development of the Company and won the prestigious Business Leadership in Sustainability Award at the Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards 2022, organised by the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC). He also provides strategic advisory on property sales and marketing, policy formulation, digital transformation and innovation. Mr Yu graduated from The London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London with a bachelor’s degree in Management Science and attained his MBA degree in Finance with City University of London. He is a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and Chartered Financial Analyst Institute.

My sustainability goals for 2023:

  • Henderson Land Development Company Limited’s 2030 Sustainability Vision, ‘G.I.V.E.’, has four primary drivers: Green for Planet, Innovation for Future, Value for People and Endeavour for Community, aligning with our commitments to the UNSDGs.

Supported by

With thanks to

11:00 – 12:05

Beyond the Scope: Accelerating Decarbonisation Across the Value Chain

11:00 – 12:05

Measuring and managing supply chain emissions plays an integral role in realising our net-zero ambitions. As companies and governments look to reduce their carbon footprints and meet ambitious climate goals, it is vital to consider the broader scope of emissions, including those from upstream and downstream activities.

One of the struggles associated with addressing carbon footprints is the challenges posed by Scope 3 emissions. Hear from leaders in this space on how they try and move beyond Scope 1 & 2, as a key opportunity for emissions and cost reduction as well as positive engagement with all stakeholders. They will also explore the value chain process as we explore the path to net-zero.

Learnings

  • While companies are in a unique position to influence supplier behaviours, operations and investments, competing priorities and supply chain complexity have led to delayed action in this space. What are some trends and challenges that leaders are seeing in the Scope 3 reporting and management landscape?
  • What opportunities and challenges are there on the path to net-zero?
  • How are leadership companies scaling up collaborations and articulating holistic engagement plans with investors, clients, suppliers and teams?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain insights on concrete steps companies are taking to assess and address Scope 3 emissions hotspots in their value chains, and building and maintaining positive relationships with investors, clients, suppliers and teams.
  • Understand how you can equip your company with the insights and tools it needs to identify energy efficiency and cost reduction opportunities relevant to Scope 3 in its supply chain.
  • Understand that the global nature of many supply chains allows companies to support decarbonisation beyond our borders.

Speakers

Robin Hicks

Associate Editor

Robin has lived and worked in Asia Pacific since 2006, in Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore. He has 20 years’ experience in journalism. Robin is associate editor of Eco-Business, where he reports on the latest trends in sustainability in Asia Pacific. He has a particular interest in biodiversity, plastic pollution, the palm oil trade, and Southeast Asia’s energy transition. He spends weekends rescuing snakes, birds, monkeys and lizards as a volunteer for Singapore animal welfare charity ACRES.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

I would hope to see conservation of the pink dolphin, biodiversity in Lantau and press freedom.

Giuliana Auinger

Head of Sustainability Business APAC

Giuliana Auinger is the Head of Sustainability Business APAC at Schneider Electric. She is responsible for managing the region’s Energy & Sustainability Services and Sustainability Consulting organization, with the mission to help large enterprises deliver climate mitigation actions and reduce carbon emissions using technological solutions.

Prior to joining Schneider Electric, Giuliana was a strategy consulting Partner at KPMG, practice leader at Axiom and management consultant at Diamond Management & Technology Consultants and Booz & Company.

Giuliana has an MBA from the University of Hong Kong and a BSc in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Bristol.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

A complete transformation to being a truly Sustainable city – accelerated transition to renewable energy, wholly circular economies, advanced conservation of energy and resources, pioneering approach to investment and economic policies….to name a few.

John Haffner

Deputy Director — Sustainability

John Haffner is Deputy Director – Sustainability, Hang Lung Properties, where he is responsible for formulating the Group-wide sustainability strategy and driving its execution. He has more than two decades of experience in cleantech, infrastructure and sustainability in Asia and North America, and is proficient in Mandarin. John was a World Fellow at Yale University, and has more than 20 publications on various topics including the environment, energy and international affairs.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

To make significant progress against defined sustainability goals both professionally and personally.

Michael Long

Group Head of Sustainability

Michael joined New World Group as the Head of Sustainability leading the Group in shaping the next evolution of their ambitious sustainability agenda. Michael enjoys many aspects of the role and its challenges, from advising on responsible investment approaches and sustainable finance options to reimagining business products and services in a climate changed world and aligning social value creation to business decision-making.

Michael possesses over 28 years of experience in sustainability and environmental management across a range of industry sectors in Asia, Australia and the United Kingdom. In his prior role, Michael was the Head of Sustainability and Foundation in Asia at Lendlease and more recently delivered its first Mission Zero Roadmap, WELL Health Safety Rating across its office portfolio and helped secure its Regional and Sector leadership in GRESB across its REIT and Funds portfolio.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Hong Kong has a unique opportunity to become a regional leader through accelerating its transition towards a leading sustainable city. Transforming our real estate sector and built environment relies on us focusing on our most carbon intensive construction materials, increasing collaboration between landlords and tenants on circular economy, realizing greater efficiency in our existing and new building stock and further integrating climate risk into our design thinking and master planning.

Dedy Mahardika

Senior SBT Engagement Manager, Southeast Asia & Oceania

Dedy is the SBT Engagement Manager for Southeast Asia and Oceania at CDP based in Jakarta, Indonesia. He focuses on the development of the regional corporate engagement and strategic collaboration to bring more uptakes in the region. Dedy earned a M.Sc of Environment and Energy Engineering from Kyungpook National University.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

I would like to see more uptakes of the Hong Kong companies in joining the SBTi and set their corporate climate ambition to be in-line with the climate latest science.

With thanks to

12:05 – 12:35

The Just Transition Opportunity: Redefining Business Leadership and Value for the Good of All

12:05 – 12:35

While corporate demand to support nature conservation and restoration is surging, existing models for achieving this are limited, and there is often a mismatch between funding, project quality and scale, and impact duration.

This session will showcase the Rimba Collective, a conservation financing model that is scalable, able to accommodate the shared responsibilities among different tiers of companies, and also delivers for individual companies’ sustainability goals. This innovative approach integrates robust nature-based solutions and high-quality forest protection effort, with delivering impacts for people in local communities.

Learnings:

  • How can industry leaders redefine their strategy to deliver their climate and nature goals through credible and scalable collective action?
  • How can companies integrate their climate and nature goals to their supply chain decisions, and deliver long-term positive impacts?

Post-event actions:

  • Gain insights on how companies can amplify their sustainability strategies and efforts by investing in robust nature-based solutions to achieve a 1.5C pathway.

Speakers

Chris Coulter

CEO

Chris works with leadership organizations to help them better understand and respond to shifting stakeholder expectations, build trust with key constituencies and exert greater influence in shaping the future.
Chris has two decades of experience in providing evidence-based counsel in the areas of reputation, purpose and sustainability. He is passionate about building trusted and recognized leadership for GlobeScan’s clients. He holds an MA in International Affairs and has substantive international experience having lived in North America, Europe and Asia. Chris has been with GlobeScan since 1998. He is a member of Walgreen’s Corporate Responsibility Advisory Board, and the Multinational Subcommittee of B Lab’s Standards Advisory Council. He is also the Chair of Canadian Business for Social Responsibility. He is a co-author of two books, All In: The Future of Business Leadership (2018) and The Sustainable Business Handbook (2022), and has a podcast, All In: The Sustainable Business Podcastdership for GlobeScan’s clients.

Andika Putraditama

Head of Rimba Collective

Andika leads the implementation & strategy development of the Rimba Collective financing mechanism at Lestari Capital. He oversees Rimba Collective’s cross-department coordination, policy research & advocacy, and alignment with corporate sustainability platforms such as the SBTi & SBTN. He serves as a member of the SBTi Technical Advisory Group & SBTi BVCM Expert Advisory Group on behalf of Lestari Capital.

Andika has over 10 years of experience in sustainable land use & commodities in Southeast Asia. Before joining Lestari Capital, he was Deputy Program Director at WRI Indonesia, where he helped establish WRI’s Indonesia office & managed its forest & land use portfolio. He received a Master of Science in Forestry from Northern Arizona University as the recipient of USAID-CIFOR Fellowship.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Hong Kong has a unique opportunity to lead the region in advancing nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation. As a global financial center, Hong Kong can mobilize capital and expertise to support forest conservation and restoration projects across Asia. Financial actors in Hong Kong should set ambitious sustainability goals that demonstrate its commitment to the global efforts to halt and reverse deforestation.

Supported by

12:35 – 13:25

Prioritising Climate Governance in the Boardroom

12:35 – 13:25

While much of today’s focus on ESG is around the big environmental and social stories, investors and regulators consistently and intrinsically regard the “G” as the foundation of ESG. In the face of evolving climate challenges in particular, ensuring effective climate governance is critical for corporates to drive a smooth climate and net-zero transition. But what does it mean to have sound climate governance?

Learnings

  • Why is climate governance a responsibility of the boardroom? Why is it important to have effective climate governance in place?
  • How are the boards of leading businesses prioritising climate considerations and strategically integrating them into boardroom agenda and governance structures?
  • What are some tools that boardrooms are using to steer climate risks and opportunities for the long-term resilience of their organisations?
  • Should executive compensation be linked to specific targets related to climate change? How to assess the suitability and measure the effectiveness of climate-based performance incentives?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain insights on how climate risks and opportunities are being prioritised, reframed and addressed at the board level
  • Rethink the governance mechanisms your company is implementing or planning to implement to mitigate climate change and other major sustainability risks

Speakers

Anthony Cheung

Steering Committee Member

Anthony is the Head of ESG at Polymer Capital and serves on the Climate Governance Initiative HK Steering Committee, responsible for driving sustainable investment and climate transition via corporate engagement. He also serves as a Supervisory Board Member of World Benchmarking Alliance and Deputy Chairman of the HKIoD Training Committee.

Jonathan Lloyd

Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability

Jonathan joined Jardines in January 2018 and has taken a leading role in the development and implementation of the Group’s sustainability strategy over the past three years. He spent many years as a lawyer with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in the UK, Europe and Asia, before joining Tesco, the leading international retailer, in 2005, where he led engagement with investors on ESG matters.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

HK government taking effective steps, including developing appropriate policies, to drive businesses to act ambitiously on climate change, transform for more circular economies and support more inclusive communities.

Christine Loh

Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment

Christine Loh is Chief Development Strategist at Institute for the Environment at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Visiting Scholar at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, Center for Global Management. She serves on the boards of CDP Worldwide, Global Maritime Forum, New Forests Pty Limited, and Towngas Smart Energy. She is a published author of many academic and popular works; her latest book is on COVID-19 from a global governance perspective.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

To help inform the gap of knowledge between science, policy and finance with respect to sustainability.

Agnes KY Tai

Chief EC.ESG Investment Strategist

Agnes has held senior roles in the financial community over the past 43 years, including being Co-Founding Director of Peregrine Asset Management (HK) in 1991, and is a former SFC-licensed Responsible Officer (RA 4 & RA 9).

Agnes holds certifications in Climate Designation (Competent Boards), Sustainability and Climate Risk (GARP), Financial Risk Manager (GARP), ESG Investing (CFA UK), CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association), and a Palladium Kaplan-Norton Balanced Scorecard Certificate.

She is a Governing Board member of Climate Governance Initiative working closely with World Economic Forum, Steering Committee member of Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter, an Expert Review Panel member for the MTR Corporation sustainability reports, an Advisory Board member of Asia Climate Forum, an ESG judge for the Benchmark Funds of the Year Awards.

She has a PhD from HKUST with dissertation titled “Do carbon risks matter for Hong Kong equity prices?”

May Tan

Independent Non Executive Director

Ms May Siew Boi TAN was an Executive Director of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and its Chief Executive Officer from July 2014 to February 2017.

In 2016, Ms May TAN was the Chairwoman of The Hong Kong Association of Banks.

Currently she sits on several corporate and charity boards in Hong Kong including Link Asset Management and is a member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Nomination Committee of the Manager. In June 2017, she joined the Board of MSIG Insurance HK Limited. In terms of charity boards, May is on the Board of Oxfam HK and the HK Youth Arts Foundation.

At Standard Chartered May was instrumental in encouraging diversity & inclusion and started the Women’s Network in Hong Kong before she became the Executive Sponsor of the bank’s Global Women’s Internal Network for 5 years. She was awarded the AMCHAM 2014 Professional Woman of the Year.

Supported by

Day 1 – Thursday 14 Sept PM

Business for Biodiversity

In partnership with

Supported by

14:15 – 14:20

Opening Welcome: Business for Biodiversity

14:15 – 14:20

Speakers

Sophie le Clue

CEO

Sophie has worked for 30 years in the field of environmental protection and conservation, principally in the Asia Pacific region. She joined ADMCF a year after its founding in 2007, as director responsible for developing the Foundation’s environmental programme. Today, ADMCF focuses almost solely on environmental issues regionally, while maintaining some legacy children at risk projects. Its four strategic programmes include : Acting for Climate, Living Oceans, Water, Wildife Trade. In late 2021, Sophie stepped into ADMCF’s CEO role .

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

I hope to see the new Administration embracing Hong Kong’s environmental challenges to ensure our well being and a healthy environment . This will require setting aspirational goals as well as policy enhancements and reform across a broad range of environmental issues.

Supported by

14:20 – 14:50

Fireside Chat: Biodiversity and Business at Risk

14:20 – 14:50

More than half of the world’s GDP depends heavily on functioning natural ecosystems. As climate change and human ecosystem destruction exacerbate the loss of nature, businesses become increasingly aware of the material risks from nature loss for their long-term success and resilience. At the same time, companies are discovering opportunities to incorporate nature and biodiversity into business strategies to ensure long-term viability of business models, stable supply chains, access to new markets and offerings, and improved relationships with stakeholders.

Learnings

  • How does business impact biodiversity?
  • Why does biodiversity matter for businesses? What biodiversity-related risks do businesses face?
  • Biodiversity and climate change are inextricably connected. In the context of global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a compelling case for businesses to address both crises simultaneously. What are the opportunities and barriers for business to synergise commitments to nature and a net-zero pathway?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain insights on why tackling biodiversity is more than an opportunity to “do good”, but an imperative for business survival.
  • Rethink how your company and industry can support biodiversity conservation initiatives, and promote greater awareness among employees and stakeholders.

Speakers

Lisa Genasci

Managing Director, Sustainable Finance

Lisa is a Managing Director for ADM Capital Climate and Sustainability Advisor for the ADM Capital direct lending funds, an innovative philanthropic vehicle established to support critical research and impact-driven approaches to promoting environmental conservation in Asia. Lisa has also helped lead private credit manager ADM Capital’s ESG integration, heads the ADMC ESG Committee and sits as an observer to the ADMC Investment Advisory Committee.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

To push for change across some of our most intransigent environmental challenges: Our depleting oceans, the nexus between forestry and development, air quality and public health, the intersections among food, energy and water.

Jun Ma

Founding Director

Ma Jun led the development of China’s first environmental public database in 2006 and then the Blue Map, a mobile app that visualizes environmental and climate data to help the public monitor corporate emissions and use “micro-reports” against environmental violations.

Based on Blue Map data, IPE continues to promote green supply chain and empower public supervision, motivating more than 20,000 companies to openly address their violation problems or disclose carbon emissions data. The digital solutions developed by IPE, including the ecological redline zone map, serve major banks in their green finance practice.

In 2006, he was awarded as China’s “Green Person of the Year” and was named as one of TIME Magazine’s World’s 100 Most Influential People. Ma was also honored with the Magsaysay Award in 2009 and the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2012. In 2019, Ma was invited as a Special Observer by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. In 2022, Ma received the Asia Game Changer Awards.

Supported by

14:50 – 15:00

How Climate Risk Management is Smart Business

14:50 – 15:00

Speakers

Chelsea Jiang

Chief Technical and Innovation Officer, General Insurance, Greater China & Director of Strategy, General Insurance, Asia

Chelsea Jiang is the Chief Technical and Innovation Officer for General Insurance for Greater China & Director of Strategy for General Insurance, Asia, for AXA Group.
Chelsea has held previous position in underwriting, distribution and claims working across most APAC countries, notably Australia, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. Her focus is to drive technical excellence, business strategy and delivery using data, analytics and innovation.
Chelsea holds degrees in Law and Commerce from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Hong Kong.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Higher awareness of real life and business impact of climate change. Take actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change and create a sustainable future together.

With thanks to

15:00 – 15:50

Hong Kong’s Economic Fabric as a Conduit for Biodiversity Protection

15:00 – 15:50

Hong Kong has an outsized ecological footprint. Yet its strategic position as a trade and financial centre offers a unique opportunity for businesses to work with regulators, conservationists and other stakeholders to capitalize on our economic fabric, and drive a role for the city as a global leader for biodiversity protection.

Learnings

  • Many of Hong Kong’s leading sectors, such as transport, logistics, finance and technology, touch on nature. Yet their direct and indirect impact on biodiversity remains poorly understood.
  • How can businesses identify supply chain vulnerabilities, and address legal, financial, reputational and associated risks?
  • How can leading companies in Hong Kong work to enhance policies, business practices, and oversight, and engage internal and external stakeholders to navigate biodiversity protection across multiple industries and geographies?

Post-Event Actions

  • Rethink the state of play in Hong Kong, and how your company and industry can examine and address vulnerabilities in your value chain, and contribute to transforming Hong Kong as a global leader in combating biodiversity loss.

Speakers

Christine Loh

Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment

Christine Loh is Chief Development Strategist at Institute for the Environment at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Visiting Scholar at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, Center for Global Management. She serves on the boards of CDP Worldwide, Global Maritime Forum, New Forests Pty Limited, and Towngas Smart Energy. She is a published author of many academic and popular works; her latest book is on COVID-19 from a global governance perspective.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

To help inform the gap of knowledge between science, policy and finance with respect to sustainability.

Sam Inglis

Wildlife Programme Manager

Sam is the Wildlife Programme Manager for the ADM Capital Foundation, where he oversees projects on wildlife trade and crime. An experienced researcher, Sam has worked on a range of environmental issues in Asia, including water security, cryospheric change and wildlife trade. He continues to develop the Foundation’s research on Hong Kong’s impacts on global biodiversity, engages the private sector on combatting converging wildlife & organised crimes, and contributes to policy discussions

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Continued expert engagement with policy makers and agencies to complement and fill gaps and loopholes in wildlife trade policies, and render existing policies more impactful through better enforcement

Melanie Kwok

Assistant General Manager – Sustainability

Melanie is the Assistant General Manager (Sustainability) of Sino Group, she oversees a range of sustainability projects related to ESG Stakeholder, Stakeholder Engagement and Heritage Conservation. Being a specialist in the realm of Sustainable Development, Melanie has also gained extensive experiences in Sustainable Tourism and Stakeholder Engagement.

Melanie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Management from the Imperial College London, a Master Degree of Science in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a Postgraduate Degree in Sustainable Business from the University of Cambridge. She is also a certified Sustainable Tourism Professional by Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Joining hands with our stakeholders in creating better lifescapes.

Alistair Monument

Conservation Impact Director, Asia Pacific

As WWF International’s Conservation Impact Director in Asia Pacific, Alistair supports regional and national teams to build impactful strategies, partnerships and programmes that deliver real conservation outcomes. Alistair was Global Forest Practice Lead with WWF from 2016-2019, prior to which he was Asia Pacific Director at Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and founding Director of Accreditation Services International (ASI) with over 25 years of experience in sustainability across 40 countries.

Martin Putnam

Senior Manager, Biodiversity, Sustainability

Martin is an experienced sustainability professional with over 25 years experience driving and implementing practical and effective sustainability programmes, primarily in Hong Kong.Martin had a key role in the environmental planning for HKIA’s expansion into a 3-runway system, including securing an Environmental Permit for the mega-project and working to implement far reaching mitigation and enhancement commitments during project implementation. A key focus now is supporting the establishment of a much expanded marine protected area in N. Lantau waters together with implementing broad ranging enhancement initiatives intended to add value to nearby marine habitats.

In addition to working on biodiversity challenges, Martin previously led the design and roll out of an airport-wide carbon footprint and emissions reduction programme at HKIA, establishing a partnering and engagement approach across the airport business community to leverage a reduced airport environmental footprint.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Ever hopeful for real, collective, international progress on driving reduced environmental impacts in the context of increasingly ambitious yet often conveniently distant targets. On a personal scale, trying to make better choices and decisions in day to day life to better address local environmental impacts that I can control or influence.

Supported by

With thanks to

15:50 – 16:40

The Case for Biodiversity Risk and Impact Disclosures

15:50 – 16:40

Launched in June 2021, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) aims to give companies and financial institutions a complete picture of their evolving nature-related risks and opportunities. It offers a framework to disclose their performance and act to support a shift in capital flows towards nature-positive outcomes. Two years on, what has been done and what is yet to come?

Learnings

  • Why should businesses invest in assessing and reporting on their biodiversity strategies? Perspectives on building resilience in value chains, managing regulatory risks, boosting stakeholder confidence and more.
  • How do Hong Kong and Asia come into play? How can we ensure that this global framework accounts for the unique needs and expectations for one of the world’s most biodiverse regions?

Post-Event Actions

  • Consider how biodiversity loss, and the market and policy responses to it, pose risks and opportunities for your company and sector in terms of asset allocation and risk management.
  • Further investigate the opportunities for your industry’s involvement in the developing stage of the TNFD framework.

Speakers

Yulia Dobrolyubova

Partner, Corporate Sustainability and Climate Change Lead, Asia

Yulia is a Partner at ERM Thailand leading Corporate Sustainability and Climate Change services and a team of consultants across Asia. She has 17 years’ experience in strategy consulting leading the design of GHG mitigation / Net Zero roadmaps, climate and ESG strategies for public and private sector clients and financial institutions, including over 13 years in Asia-Pacific. She is also an author and reviewer of a number of studies and publications and a frequent presenter at Asia ESG events.

Patrick Ho

Deputy Head, Sustainable Development, Swire Properties / Member, Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)

Patrick is responsible for formulating and executing the Sustainable Development 2030 Strategy for Swire Properties’ global operations across Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and U.S.A. portfolios. Through engaging stakeholders, setting science-based targets and developing action plans, he leads a team to manage the full spectrum of the Company’s environmental, social and economic impact and to integrate ESG considerations into every facet of the Company’s business.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

I hope to see HK able to establish a science-based approach to guide its efforts on decarbonisation and resource circularity.

Andrew Mitchel

Founder & Senior Advisor

Andrew has spent a lifetime at the frontline of tropical forest conservation & is an international thought leader on sustainable finance, climate change & forests. He is currently the Vice Chair of the Stewardship Council of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosure. He engages with banks, investors & insurers worldwide on emerging regulations, reporting & disclosure, linked to risks & opportunities in sustainable finance. As Founder & Senior Adviser to Global Canopy, one of the world’s leading providers of ‘data for nature’, he helped to accelerate the understanding of forests & climate within the UNFCCC & pioneered biodiversity disclosure among corporations worldwide. As a zoologist, Andrew pioneered the scientific exploration of rainforest canopies using aerial walkways & participated in many research expeditions to remote regions of the world. In 2023, he received the Founders Medal, from the UK’s Royal Geographical Society, a Royal Medal approved by King Charles III.

Derek Wu

Lead Consultant

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!)

Isaac Yeung

Head of Corporate ESG/ Head of Corporate Affairs

Having served at The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas, HK.0003) for over 30 years, Isaac Yeung’s experience spans ESG, company secretarial services, human resources, project investment, corporate affairs and beyond. He sits on the board of directors for multiple major gas companies with businesses across the Chinese Mainland. He is also a member of the Steering Committee of the Climate Governance Initiative HK Chapter.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

To elevate biodiversity risk mitigation and integrate TNFD into the risk management modeling of corporations.

Supported by

With thanks to

16:40 – 17:30

Advancing Operations and Accounting for Biodiversity in Business

16:40 – 17:30

When Hong Kong businesses are still grappling with their carbon management agendas, how can they also develop a meaningful biodiversity agenda and create transparency in an area that was until now largely the domain of scientists? Fuller engagement will result in a rising demand for consistent and robust tools to advance the uptake of biodiversity in financial and operational decision making. What are some real-world applications of such metrics and tools in mainstreaming biodiversity in business decisions? What have we learned from business engagement on carbon in terms of priority setting, tools and partnerships that we can apply to our biodiversity approach? Hear from leading practitioners and tools providers how the biodiversity agenda can be advanced in more manageable ways.

Learnings

  • How can working with biodiversity and climate agendas, and with the frameworks offered by TNFD and TNCD (the Task Force on Climate-related Disclosures), be better integrated?
  • How can businesses work with supply chain partners, competitors, academia, government bodies, local communities and other stakeholders in all stages of biodiversity risk and opportunity assessment, strategy design and implementation?
  • As financial institutions turn their attention towards natural capital and its influences and dependencies on investment activities, how can they capitalize on their unique role and guide companies towards becoming nature positive?

Post-Event Actions

  • Recognise that the sustainability transition of businesses is multi-faceted, requires addressing both biodiversity and climate change, and must result in mainstreaming biodiversity considerations in all levels of business operations and investments.

Speakers

Debra Tan

Director & Head

Tan heads CWR, a non-profit that aims to “mainstream” water and climate risks into financial decision-making and corporate strategies. Today, CWR’s work on the assessing and valuing risk exposure to rising freshwater scarcity to coastal threats, is highlighted as tools and useful resources under the IFRS’s CDSB Application Guidance for Water-Related Disclosures and feature in Palgrave MacMillan textbooks. Tan is also a contributing author to the latest IPCC 6th Assessment Report: Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Adapting to rising water risks in a new climate future

Sam Fleming

Co-Founder

Sam Fleming is a co-founder of Earth Blox, which helps organisations accelerate their sustainability transition with climate and nature analytics. Earth Blox gives users satellite image insights at scale to measure and report impacts on nature and climate risk. Map and analyse key metrics for biodiversity, water and carbon across forestry, agriculture, and financed and insured assets, worldwide.

Lisa Genasci

Managing Director, Sustainable Finance

Lisa is a Managing Director for ADM Capital Climate and Sustainability Advisor for the ADM Capital direct lending funds, an innovative philanthropic vehicle established to support critical research and impact-driven approaches to promoting environmental conservation in Asia. Lisa has also helped lead private credit manager ADM Capital’s ESG integration, heads the ADMC ESG Committee and sits as an observer to the ADMC Investment Advisory Committee.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

To push for change across some of our most intransigent environmental challenges: Our depleting oceans, the nexus between forestry and development, air quality and public health, the intersections among food, energy and water.

Crystal Geng

Asia ESG Research Lead

Crystal GENG Yichen

Asia ESG Research Lead, BNP Paribas Asset Management
Crystal joined the ESG research team of BNPP AM in the beginning of 2023 and focusing on ESG integration in all asset classes and research in Asia. She is responsible for conducting localized ESG research and engagement under BNPP AM’s global ESG framework. Crystal is also responsible for implementing the global sustainability strategy with our Asian business partners such as JVs.
She has 10+ years diverse sustainability experience. Preciously she was the Principle ESG expert and head of ESG Strategy in Ping An Insurance Group. Crystal has also worked in EY as ESG consultant, S&P Global as the Head of China ESG solution. She has participated in establishment of several ESG regulations in China and overseas.
Crystal holds MBA in Finance from Cornell and Tsinghua University. She graduated from National University of Singapore, majoring in sustainable development.

Fitri Hasibuan

Program Senior Director

Fitri Hasibuan has over 18 years of experience in environmental work. Before joining Konservasi Indonesia, she has managed various projects in Conservation International since 2013 following the completion of her Master’s study in environmental management at the University of Queensland, Australia. While in Conservation International, she had experience in managing Sustainable Landscape Partnerships (SLP) with a USD 20 million portfolio for a five-year period as well as the Conservation Stewardship Global initiative. She also managed program portfolio in Asia Pacific countries, including India, Fiji, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Previously, Fitri worked in several NGOs and humanitarian organizations focusing on sustainable agriculture, community development, and climate change projects.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Finance to climate actions for developing nations in Asia increased by 20%

Supported by

Day 2 – Friday 15 Sept AM

Our Net-Zero, Climate-Resilient Future: Aligning Public-Private Ambition & Action

Programme Sponsor

In partnership with

09:20 – 09:35

Opening Welcome: Our Net-Zero, Climate-Resilient Future: Aligning Public-Private Ambition & Action

09:20 – 09:35

Speakers

Chris Brown

Founder & Director

Chris has 20 years of experience working on large-scale business events. Originally from the UK, Chris has lived and worked in Hong Kong since 2015. Chris moved to Hong Kong to establish a North Asia office for a London-based trade expo organiser and launch a series of digital transformation events. The challenges of living sustainably and a developing concern around the exponential threats of the global climate emergency compelled Chris to “rethink” his own personal contribution to Hong Kong and how he could best make a positive impact on a city he now proudly calls home.

Chris conceived, designed and launched the ReThink HK event during the first part of 2019 – undeterred by the challenges faced by live events at that time, due to civil unrest, the new event concept for uniting the full business and sustainability ecosystem, championing positive action and shared responsibility received excellent support. The inaugural 2020 event was, unsurprisingly, delayed due to COVID but finally ran, in-person, at the K11 Quarry Bay with 450 attendees and all delegate fees were donated to local charities.

Chris’ experience in hosting content-led expo-style healthcare events in the UK, where partnerships and collaboration were crucial to scale and success, provided the foundation for Chris to widen the supporting-network of organisations and sponsors for ReThink HK. The event was moved to the HKCEC for the 2021 edition and resulted in Hong Kong’s best attended event dedicated to the business of sustainability, with over 2,200 attendees. Chris is proud to have maintained the event’s impact pledge; with all delegate fees contributing to impact projects with local Hong Kong charities.

Working alongside the Business Environment Council, Consulates and trade promotion offices, Chambers of Commerce, specialist industry associations, NGOs and action groups the collective ambition for ReThink HK is to accelerate change in Hong Kong – the event returns for its fourth edition this September at the HKCEC, will host over 6,000 attendees and aims to be at least carbon neutral.

All proceeds from delegate fees will be redirected to the newly incorporated Rethink Foundation, a not-for-profit focussed on helping registered NGOs build capacity and operate more sustainably.

Chris received a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Italian from the University of Plymouth (UK). Chris is a member of the British Chamber of Commerce’s Social Sustainability Committee, sits on the Executive Committee and the Sustainability sub-committee of the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

  • Greater action from businesses to contribute towards a more sustainable HK
  • Encourage other event organisers to commit to sustainable solutions
  • Demonstrate that businesses can be operated profitably and with purpose

Catherine Tong Dannaoui

Executive Director

Catherine is a nonprofit leader with a communications and events background spanning over 15 years. As Executive Director of the local charity, HandsOn Hong Kong, she has a passion for creating impactful programs, empowering teams to reach their potential and moving people to take action. Since joining HandsOn in 2016, she has empowered thousands of the city’s employees, families and students on the power of volunteering to address our social needs. Catherine led teams and ran flagship events at both OgilvyOne and The Economist Group before joining HandsOn and holds a B.A. (Honours) in Communications from the University of Technology in Sydney.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

I hope to see Hongkongers commit to making sustainable choices–and changes–in their daily lives. There’s no starting point too small!

09:35 – 09:45

Opening Address from Mr Joseph H. L. Chan

09:35 – 09:45

Speakers

Mr Joseph H. L. Chan

Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury

Mr Chan was appointed the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury on 16 August 2017.

Mr Chan has many years of senior executive experience in the banking industry. He was a Managing Director in the Global Markets Division of Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank, and was a Managing Director in Financial Markets of Standard Chartered Bank.

Prior to joining the Government, Mr Chan held multiple roles in a number of public and professional bodies, including Vice President of the Hong Kong Society of Financial Analysts, Director of Hong Kong Securities & Investment Institute, Advisor of the Chinese Gold & Silver Exchange Society, as well as a General Committee member of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Mr Chan was also a member of the Central & Western District Council.

Mr Chan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Hon) and Psychology from the University of Michigan, USA. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

09:45 – 09:55

Our Path to Net Zero: From Pledge to Action

09:45 – 09:55

Speakers

Yulanda Chung

Managing Director, Head of Sustainability, Institutional Banking Group Singapore

Yulanda Chung joined DBS in 2017 and is currently Head of Sustainability of Institutional Banking Group. She leads the Bank’s responsible financing framework, advises on environmental and social issues pertaining to transactions, combining risk management expertise with business origination capabilities.

Yulanda was previously Group Head of Sustainable Finance at Standard Chartered in London, where she established the bank’s sustainable lending and impact investment agenda.

She is a trustee at think tank TransitionZero, which provides financial analytics in the power and heavy industries to support decarbonisation and is a founding partner of the Al Gore-backed coalition Climate TRACE. She was formerly a board member at ASrIA, during her tenure the organisation was integrated into the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment.

She graduated with a Master of Science in Environmental Change and Management from Oxford University.

With thanks to

09:55 – 10:40

Fireside Chat: Unlocking the Finance and Transformative Potential of Multi-stakeholder Partnerships

09:55 – 10:40

This fireside chat will address how different stakeholders can work together to mobilise finance for sustainable development. The struggle to get appropriate investment is one of the largest challenges for a company’s sustainable development goals. 

Learnings 

  • What are the key challenges associated with fundraising for corporates’ sustainable development initiatives? 
  • How can companies develop strategies to form multi-stakeholder partnerships and how should they set the objectives. 

Post-event Actions 

  • Understand further on sustainable financing, identify interests for different partners, and foster new partnerships to tap in such financing opportunities for corporates’ net-zero transition journey.   

Speakers

Simon Ng

Chief Executive Officer

Mr Simon Ng is Chief Executive Officer of Business Environment Council (BEC). He works closely with BEC Board of Directors in setting and implementing organisation goals and strategies conducive to supporting BEC members and the wider business community in the transition towards net-zero economy and a sustainable Hong Kong.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Support more corporates in Hong Kong to embark on their net-zero journey.

Yulanda Chung

Managing Director, Head of Sustainability, Institutional Banking Group Singapore

Yulanda Chung joined DBS in 2017 and is currently Head of Sustainability of Institutional Banking Group. She leads the Bank’s responsible financing framework, advises on environmental and social issues pertaining to transactions, combining risk management expertise with business origination capabilities.

Yulanda was previously Group Head of Sustainable Finance at Standard Chartered in London, where she established the bank’s sustainable lending and impact investment agenda.

She is a trustee at think tank TransitionZero, which provides financial analytics in the power and heavy industries to support decarbonisation and is a founding partner of the Al Gore-backed coalition Climate TRACE. She was formerly a board member at ASrIA, during her tenure the organisation was integrated into the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment.

She graduated with a Master of Science in Environmental Change and Management from Oxford University.

Joe Phelan

Executive Director, APAC

Joe is responsible for the engagement of ambitious companies from across Asia and Australasia in collective action to be net zero, nature positive, and more equitable.

Joe has worked with businesses in Asia since 2009, with demonstrable outcomes in areas such as climate change, energy transition, water risk, mobility and more resilient agriculture.

Prior to joining WBCSD, Joe held senior roles with the Prince of Wales Business Leaders Forum.

Supported by

With thanks to

10:50 – 11:40

Circular Transition: Rethinking Waste as a Resource

10:50 – 11:40

Hong Kong faces significant challenges in managing its limited land resources, particularly with regards to resource and waste management. To address these challenges, the government has implemented various measures, such as the establishment of a recycling fund to support the development of waste recycling infrastructure and the expansion of public recycling facilities to encourage greater participation in recycling. But can we do more beyond recycling? Join us as we explore the value chain to avoid wastage at every stage and solutions to enable a more circular economy from life cycle perspectives. 

Learnings 

  • What are some examples and opportunities of rethinking waste as a resource that can be applied in Hong Kong, as we currently overlooked? 
  • How do we enhance closer circular economy collaboration between the government and businesses in the Hong Kong context? 

Post-event Actions 

  • Recognise circular economy is not limited to recycling, but life cycle consideration to reduce, redesign, reuse, repair along the value chain, and even strive further to create positive impacts 
  • Reposition the waste management industry in Hong Kong from low-value recycling to green growth driver. 

Speakers

Fiona Sykes

Associate

Fiona is the Resource and Waste Management skills lead for East Asia, managing projects at different stages of the materials value chain from ‘end of first life’ through the ‘Rs’ of reuse, repurposing, recycling, recovery or finally disposal. She walks the talk with low waste lifestyle.

She is a Chartered Resource & Waste Manager (CIWM), Chartered Water & Environment Manager (CIWEM), member of the HK Waste Management Association and active member of the BEC Circular Economy Advisory Group.

 

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

  • Equality of convenience for recycling & waste disposal – no more time penalty to do the right thing
  • Space for recycling industry
  • 25-28oC for AC (not -18)
  • 4th gen nuclear for new power

Kenneth Cheng

Assistant Director (Waste Management)

Mr Kenneth Cheng is currently the Assistant Director of Environmental Protection of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. He is responsible for the implementation of waste management policies, including the Plastic Shopping Bag Charging Scheme, Producer Responsibility Schemes, regulation of disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products, as well as central collection of waste paper and plastics, etc.

Kenneth joined the Administrative Service of the HKSAR Government in 1995. He has worked in various bureaux and departments and was responsible for different policy areas, including the higher education policy in Hong Kong, public revenue policy, project planning of the Government’s e- services, etc. Kenneth was once stationed in the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto. Before joining the Environmental Protection Department in September 2022, he served as the District Officer of the Kwai Tsing District of Hong Kong.

Frederik van Eijk

CEO

Frederik van Eijk, is CEO of Holland Circular Hotspot and co-chair of the EU Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. He is also vice-chair of the Circular Biobased Delta and adjunct professor at the LUISS Business School.He is one of the more senior EU experts in the field of Waste Management and Circular Economy and has been described as a “mover and a shaker’.Previously he served as Director of strategy and PA at multinational SUEZ and board member at the Dutch Waste Management Association.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

That Hong Kong launches the ambition to be the leading metropole in Asia in a circular transition and sets out a roadmap with clear goals supported by businesses to get there.

Wander Meijer

Executive Director

Wander is a senior executive with 25+ years management experience in businesses and NGOs in Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Wander leads Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden as Executive Director, where he and his team of 250+ staff work on biodiversity, wildlife rehabilitation, organic farming, reforestation, sustainable living and holistic education with the mission to harmonize our (human) relationship with nature.

Furthermore, Wander is business advisor of and impact investor in social enterprises in Africa and the Netherlands, related to poverty alleviation and agricultural transition.

Wander has a master’s degree Development Geography and Economics with as main subject: ‘Why are some countries rich and others poor?’ and what can we do about it! Specifically, how can we change our current economic model and human behavior to better live within the ecological boundaries of the earth.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Nature to be the starting point for corporations, government and citizens of any change and every development plan made in Hong Kong.

Laurent Pelletier

Chief Executive Officer

After a few years in a Consulting Firm that brought him to different continents, Laurent Pelletier joined Veolia twenty years ago and has not quit Asia ever since.

He started in Shanghai in the water business, taking different positions in Pudong Veolia Water, acting at the end as a COO. In 2010, Laurent moved to Hong Kong to take the position of CTO for Asia and support our operations and fast growth in the region.

In 2019, he took over the responsibility of Veolia Hong Kong and diversified Veolia’s portfolio of activities there, not only focusing on waste management but also energy optimization for buildings.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Embrace the ambitious carbon neutrality target by expediting the implementation of various decarbonisation actions to make HK into a more sustainable and resilient city.

Supported by

With thanks to

11:40 – 12:30

Zero Carbon Mobility Ecosystem: A New Era for Public-Private Partnerships

11:40 – 12:30

There are several opportunities growing for public-private partnerships in Hong Kong as we drive towards a zero-carbon energy and mobility ecosystem. The integration of alternative and renewable energy sources will help to develop more resilient infrastructure where the government can work with the private secret to implement coinciding solutions. 

Overall, the panel will provide valuable insights and perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of creating a zero-carbon energy and mobility ecosystem in Hong Kong, and the role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation towards sustainable development goals. 

Learnings 

  • What is the potential of hydrogen as a fuel source in Hong Kong, and what are the challenges and opportunities of developing a hydrogen economy? 
  • What opportunities are there to further decarbonise Hong Kong’s transportation system? 
  • What role can government policies and regulations play in promoting the transition to a zero-carbon energy  and mobility ecosystem, and how can public-private partnerships help to shape these policies? 

Post-event Actions 

  • Steer towards a closer public-private partnership to nurture innovation over new energy transport technologies and accelerate their uptake. 
  • Enable public transport system in Hong Kong, well known on its efficiency, to be also recognised for its sustainability and climate resilience. 

Speakers

Walter van Hattum

Head of Trade and Economic

My career combines commercial with sustainability policies. I worked for the ILO in Nigeria; the Dutch MFA and for the EU on nuclear fusion, humanitarian aid and health policies. Recent postings include Indonesia and the Philippines, where I served as head of the trade section of the EU Delegation, following which I was responsible for leveraging EU’s trade (preferences) for improving labour, human rights and environmental standards. In January 2021, I was appointed head of the trade section of the EU office to Hong Kong and Macao.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Awareness, ambition, cooperation

Jessica Chan

Head of Sustainability

Jessica is the Head of Sustainability of MTR Corporation responsible for developing sustainability-related policies and strategies and driving sustainability initiatives for the Corporation. She is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in environmental and corporate sustainability. Jessica is a member of several international and local sustainability-related committees including UITP’s Sustainable Development Committee, WEF’s Community of ESG Practitioners, and HKGCC’s Environment & Sustainability Committee. She is also a member of the Board of Examiners of HKMA’s Hong Kong Sustainability Award.

Dr. Saraansh Dave

Director – eMobility

Saraansh is Director of eMobility for CLP Power Hong Kong where he leads a team enabling the electrification of transport for CLP Power’s customers and stakeholders. Before this, Saraansh held roles at the CLP Group focusing on business development of new opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.

Prior to CLP, Saraansh worked for SSE Plc in the UK within their commercial division where he held several roles from strategy to business development which included areas such as electric vehicles, storage, and energy services.

Saraansh has also worked for Toshiba Corporate Research & Development where he focused on smart grid-related projects across the UK and Europe. He holds a first class Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Oxford and an Engineering Doctorate from the University of Bristol.

Kenneth Leung

Principal Assistant Secretary (Air Policy)

Dr Leung’s current position is Principal Assistant Secretary for Air Policy in the Environment and Ecology Bureau. He obtained his PhD in mechanical engineering from Imperial College London and has expertise in combustion science, air pollution modelling, environmental impact assessment and air quality management. He is currently responsible for developing policies to improve air quality, promote new energy transport, and formulating EV-charging strategy for Hong Kong.

Christoph Meyer

General Manager Hong Kong, South China & Macau

Christoph is appointed as General Manager Hong Kong, South China and Macau for Lufthansa Group since February 1, 2020. He is responsible for Passenger Sales of Lufthansa German Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) in Hong Kong, South China and Macau market.

Christoph previously worked as Head of Content & Dialogue Marketing for SWISS based in Zurich. He was responsible for airline sponsoring, event management, social media channels, newsletters and tourism partnerships.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023

  • Raise and increase the awareness of sustainability in the aviation and tourism industry in Hong Kong.
  • Promote the transition and investment of Hong Kong to become a green tourism hub.

Supported by

With thanks to

12:30 – 13:20

A Buildings-First Approach in our Climate Fight: Design, Construction, Operations

12:30 – 13:20

It is estimated that buildings contribute to 60% of total greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong, so it is integral to start from the ground up when identifying a buildings-first approach. This panel will discuss the role of design in building sustainably as well as the use of green material and renewable energy systems in the constructions phase. It is also important to ensure the operations of the building is sustainable including energy-efficient systems and smart building technology. This panel will identify the key challenges and opportunities in developing Hong Kong’s buildings-first approach. 

Learnings 

  • What are the best practices in sustainable building projects and initiatives? 
  • What are the specific challenges Hong Kong faces on building design, construction and operation? 
  • What kind of (de)regulations do we need to leapfrog building decarbonisation 

Post-event Actions 

  • Understand building decarbonisation as the priority for Hong Kong to achieve carbon neutrality. 
  • Collectively discuss and develop decarbonisation roadmap for the buildings and construction sector.  

Speakers

CF Leung

Director – Operations

C F Leung is currently the Director – Operations of Business Environment Council. As an environmental engineer with over 20 years of experience, he has been spearheading the development of sustainable buildings by leading and providing advisory services on a large number of green building initiatives. He also works on waste related projects by providing waste management and audit services for building sector and community events.

CF also involves in formulating and executing of several renowned environmental award programmes, including HSBC Living Business Awards and BOCHK Corporate Environmental Leadership Awards.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Continue to influence others to walk the talk in the decarbonisation pathway.

Ar Donald Choi Wun Hing, JP

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

Donald has worked globally as architect and developer for over 30 years. He is familiar with both public and private construction projects and believes in the power of design and technology to empower society. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Chinachem Group. He was the Managing Director of Nan Fung Development and before Nan Fung, Director of Foster and Partners and the Authorised Person – Architect for the Hong Kong International Airport Passenger Terminal (HKIA Silver Medal Winner) and many infrastructure projects at Chek Lap Kok. The airport was awarded the Top Ten Construction Projects in the World and has won numerous awards including the Best Airport in the World since opening in 1998.

Donald is active in community services. He has held multiple leadership roles in NGO and professional bodies that focus on community, design and innovation. He is the Board Chairperson of the Construction Innovation and Technology Application Centre and also a Board member of the Business Environment Council, Hong Kong Design Centre, Hong Kong Green Building Council, Habitat of Humanity HK and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. Donald also serves as a Member of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development, Land and Development Advisory Committee, the Hospital Governing Committee [HGC] of Hong Kong Eye Hospital & Kowloon Hospital and the Chairman of Sub-committee on Capital Works of the HGC of North District Hospital. He was the Former President of Hong Kong Institute of Architects and the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, as well as the former Chairman of the Architects Registration Board, HKSAR.

Margaret Kam

Sustainability Lead, Hong Kong

Dr Margaret Kam is an advisor, architect, researcher and sustainability specialist with over 15 years’ of local and international experience. Since 2022, Margaret leads Arcadis’ Sustainability Advisory Practice in Hong Kong, providing strategic advice on decarbonisation, sustainable building and neighbourhood design, smart and green technologies, while engaging with industry stakeholders to advance sustainable development of Hong Kong’s built environment.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

  • Greater urgency for climate action and circularity
  • Appreciation and revitalisation of existing buildings and communities
  • Enhanced liveability and health and well-being for all

Michael Pang

Chief Building Surveyor

Mr PANG is a registered architect and a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects. He graduated from the Hong Kong University and worked in the private sector as an architect. He then joined the Buildings Department (BD) in 1996. At BD, he has been involved mainly in the administration of the Buildings Ordinance on the control of new private building developments and existing private buildings. He had the opportunity to work in a variety of sections including the Legal Services Section and the Minor Works & Signboard Control Section and he is now the section head of the Hong Kong East and Heritage Section of the New Building Division 1.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

I hope that more buildings in Hong Kong will attain a high level of performance in respect of sustainability and green performance. Also, I hope that there will be more comprehensive publicity to encourage people to change their mindset and take swift actions to lead a greener life and make Hong Kong a more livable city.

Dr Raymond Yau

General Manager, Technical Services & Sustainable Development

Dr Raymond Yau is General Manager of Technical Services & Sustainable Development at Swire Properties (SPROPS). Raymond is currently Director & Vice-Chairman of Sustainable Development Committee, Hong Kong Green Building Council. Raymond also serves as member of Advisory Council on the Environment, Board of Director of Business Environment Council, and founding member of IWBI Governance Council.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Lead Swire Properties’ implementation strategies of carbon and energy reduction based on our 1.5°C aligned Science-based Targets, paving way to achieve net zero by 2050.

Supported by

With thanks to

Day 2 – Friday 15 Sept PM

Hong Kong and Beyond: A Shared Vision for Our Planet

Programme Sponsor

In partnership with

14:00 – 14:05

Opening Welcome: Hong Kong and Beyond: A Shared Vision for Our Planet

14:00 – 14:05

Speakers

Eric Stryson

Managing Director

Eric leads GIFT’s sustainability advisory business, manages private and public sector clients, and facilitates GIFT’s leadership development programmes. He has worked with thousands of executives from all regions in areas of governance, business, and sustainability. He writes and speaks on topics related to societal resilience, technology, and the shifting role of business in society.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Enabling a broad recognition of the need to redesign society in the face of existential threats. Supporting business leaders and their teams to rethink their approach to business models, core products and services to align with greater societal resilience and overall improved quality of life.

Supported by

14:05 – 14:30

Fireside Chat: Collective Action in a Connected World

14:05 – 14:30

As the UN’s High-Level Climate Action Champion for Cop 26, Nigel Topping’s role was to strengthen collaboration and drive change across all sectors and facilitate the conversation between businesses and governments. Join Nigel in this fireside chat as he discusses the collective action, collaboration, and innovation to address the scale and complexity of the climate crisis. He will highlight the importance of working across sectors, industries, and regions to mobilise action and create positive shift in our mindset. He will also discuss the importance or engaging and empowering individuals and communities to act on climate change.

Learnings

  • How critical is it for us to work together as the business community to overcome the significant and real issues caused by climate change?
  • What challenges are there pushing collaborations and what has been accomplished so far?

Post-event Actions

  • Understand the urgency of the climate crisis and the necessity to collectively fight to overcome it.
  • Develop an understanding on what tools or processes have been the most successful in strengthening collaborations across sectors.

Speakers

Christine Loh

Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment

Christine Loh is Chief Development Strategist at Institute for the Environment at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Visiting Scholar at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, Center for Global Management. She serves on the boards of CDP Worldwide, Global Maritime Forum, New Forests Pty Limited, and Towngas Smart Energy. She is a published author of many academic and popular works; her latest book is on COVID-19 from a global governance perspective.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

To help inform the gap of knowledge between science, policy and finance with respect to sustainability.

Nigel Topping

UN High Level Climate Champion COP26

Nigel Topping, CMG was appointed by the UK Prime Minister as UN Climate Change High Level Champion for COP26. In this role Nigel mobilized global private sector and local government to take bold action on climate change, launching the Race To Zero and Race To Resilience campaigns and, with Mark Carney, the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero. Nigel is now a global advisor to governments, financial institutions and private companies on climate and industrial strategy

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14:30 – 15:20

Overcoming Food Insecurity: Pursuing Greater Self-Sufficiency for Hong Kong

14:30 – 15:20

As a wealthy city with an urban population and close proximity to Mainland China, the pressing threats which have forced food security to be top of mind for many globally, such as crop failures due to droughts, flooding, and lack of access to food imports due to political instability, are relatively rare occurrences in Hong Kong. However, deprioritising food insecurity as a distant threat ignores the interdependence of global food supply systems and leaves Hong Kong vulnerable to external shocks.  

What opportunities and challenges exist for businesses in Hong Kong to apply a food systems approach, and implement local food security into business strategies? 

Learnings 

  • 66 years ago, Hong Kong produced about 2/3 of the vegetables it consumed. Today it produces less than 2%. Consequently, the vast majority of Hong Kong’s produce, 95%, is imported from around the world, with the US, China and Brazil being the top 3 suppliers by value.  
  • Hong Kong’s over-reliance on food imports exposes the city to global commodity disruptions and price fluctuations. Nomura’s 2019 “Food Vulnerability Index” ranked Hong Kong as the world’s 42nd most vulnerable place, not far behind low-income countries such as Pakistan, the Philippines and Egypt. 
  • Consequently, any events that disrupt food production and regional and global exports have significant knock-on effects. This was made clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when supply chain shocks caused fresh produce and poultry shortages. As climate-related disasters and supply chain disruptions increase in frequency, it is crucial that Hong Kong understands the direct impact of climate and other related risks as well as viable solutions towards greater food self-sufficiency. 

Post-Event Actions 

  • Understand food security from a Hong Kong lens, and how business leaders can weave robust supply chains development into business plans, 
  • Rethink how your company and industry can play a role and integrate food security into sustainability strategies. 

Speakers

Dr Margaret Burnett

Programme Director

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 learning modules for students as well as organisations to raise awareness of sustainability issues and their relevance by helping both students and clients integrate sustainability into personal and core organizational decision-making processes. She is often a guest speaker, and partners with organizations to provide support to their in-house Sustainable Development initiatives, currently with an emphasis on climate change related factors.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

For leaders to put into action meaningful changes to their operations given that everyone can drive significant improvements through the cumulative effect of us all playing our part. As much as we all want nice stuff, it’s not much point if we don’t have a planet to put it on!

Gabrielle Kirstein

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Gabrielle Kirstein is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Feeding Hong Kong, a registered charity with a mission to fight hunger in Hong Kong and reduce the amount of quality food being sent to our city’s landfills. Feeding Hong Kong achieves this by collecting high quality food that would otherwise be thrown away and redistributing it to frontline charities feeding people in need.

Gabrielle started her career at the international advertising agency Bates. She moved to Hong Kong in 2003 and worked in communications and events with Euromoney Institutional Investor, The Economist Group and others, until founding Feeding Hong Kong in 2011.

Gabrielle is also a Board Director of Redress, an environmental NGO working to reduce waste in the fashion industry and co-founder of The Redress Design Award, Redress’ flagship programme. She holds a BA in English Literature from Durham University and MSc in Development Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies.

Tsz Wai Loong

Chief Executive

Believer in asset-based community development. Chief Executive of Land Education Foundation. Book writer and columnist. The HKJC Chicago Booth EMBA Scholar.

Four years ago, he moved back to Lantau Island and started his adventure with community-supported agriculture and farmland conservation in villages. Recently, he opened a community hub called “Good Old Soil” to sell made-in-Lantau products, including the craft beer made by wampee fruit produced in the Lantau.

Jonathan Yeoh

Co- Founder & CFO

Co-Founder and CFO of KIN with the mission to change the way we eat. 14 years of investment banking experience, leading institutional sales & trading teams and investment committee member. Initial investor and previously the COO of Maximal Concepts, driving the team’s Mott 32 global expansion. Financial Controller for the climate change documentary, The Last Glaciers.

My Sustainability goals for 2023:

KIN’s mission is to change the way we eat, to combat the climate crisis. We believe ingredient change is the solution.

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15:20 – 15:30

Building Asia’s Sustainable Finance Hub to Support ESG Transformation

15:20 – 15:30

Speakers

Loretta Fong

Sustainability Deputy Leader

Loretta is the Sustainability Deputy Leader in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The Sustainability team consists of multinational professionals leveraging on business know-how to drive transformative and innovative solutions for our clients. She has been practising as an assurance partner in Hong Kong for over 15 years, and has extensive experience in providing accounting, audit and transaction advisory services to private and publicly listed entities in Hong Kong and the United States.

Loretta holds office of the President of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA). She is a member of the Green Technology and Finance Development Committee chaired by the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR, and a member of the Advisory Board of Hong Kong Management Association’s Global Centre for ESG Education and Research.

Her strong international background and knowledge gained has assisted her in fulfilling her duties and responsibilities as a council member and the treasurer of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2019 -2025), a board member of the Ocean Park Corporation (2016 – 2022) and a council member of the General Committee of the Federation of the Hong Kong Industries (2019 – 2025), as appointed by the Government.

Loretta holds a number of professional designations including CPA (practicing) Hong Kong (HKICPA), Certified Public Accountant in the United States (CPA (US)), Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Canada), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and CICPA (non-practicing) China.

15:30 – 16:20

Rethinking the Role of Sustainable Finance in Hong Kong

15:30 – 16:20

Hong Kong’s push to develop as a hub for sustainable finance comes in the midst of increased scrutiny on the effectiveness of green bonds to support projects that have the biggest impact in lowering emissions, as well as the effectiveness of listing requirements and pressures from sustainable investing frameworks to guide corporations to act more sustainably. 

By answering these questions, this panel hopes to deepen the understanding of Hong Kong’s role as a sustainable financier, ensuring impact from the government’s current push and enhancing Hong Kong’s future outlook. 

  

Learnings 

  • Since the launch of the Centre for Green Finance in 2019, Hong Kong has made rapid strides towards its goal of becoming a global hub for sustainable finance. However, the data on the global outlook of green financing reveals that in comparison to its other premier financial offerings, green financing in Hong Kong is still in its nascent stages. Hong Kong issued green bonds, in the amount of USD 16 billion over the past 3 years – a long shot from the USD 68 billion in bonds issued by China in just one year.
  • To continue Hong Kong’s push to be a sustainable finance hub, this panel aims to revisit Hong Kong’s initial pitch for becoming a sustainable finance hub and track the progress it has made since 2019.
  • Beyond channeling investment to new renewable energy, green transport, and green building projects, have green bonds been leveraged effectively to improve the environmental performance of existing buildings and infrastructure?
  • Looking beyond the Greater Bay Area, how can Hong Kong service the needs of its neighbours, especially as ASEAN countries remain some of those most in need of sustainable development and exposed to the dangers of climate change?

Post-Event Actions 

  • Understand that harnessing the financial potential of sustainable development will require the collective ambition and innovation of businesses, financial institutions and policymakers. 
  • Gain insights on the opportunities and barriers for the city to advance its green and sustainable finance ambitions and ensure long-term progress and impact beyond Hong Kong and the GBA. 

Speakers

Eric Stryson

Managing Director

Eric leads GIFT’s sustainability advisory business, manages private and public sector clients, and facilitates GIFT’s leadership development programmes. He has worked with thousands of executives from all regions in areas of governance, business, and sustainability. He writes and speaks on topics related to societal resilience, technology, and the shifting role of business in society.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Enabling a broad recognition of the need to redesign society in the face of existential threats. Supporting business leaders and their teams to rethink their approach to business models, core products and services to align with greater societal resilience and overall improved quality of life.

Loretta Fong

Sustainability Deputy Leader

Loretta is the Sustainability Deputy Leader in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The Sustainability team consists of multinational professionals leveraging on business know-how to drive transformative and innovative solutions for our clients. She has been practising as an assurance partner in Hong Kong for over 15 years, and has extensive experience in providing accounting, audit and transaction advisory services to private and publicly listed entities in Hong Kong and the United States.

Loretta holds office of the President of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA). She is a member of the Green Technology and Finance Development Committee chaired by the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR, and a member of the Advisory Board of Hong Kong Management Association’s Global Centre for ESG Education and Research.

Her strong international background and knowledge gained has assisted her in fulfilling her duties and responsibilities as a council member and the treasurer of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2019 -2025), a board member of the Ocean Park Corporation (2016 – 2022) and a council member of the General Committee of the Federation of the Hong Kong Industries (2019 – 2025), as appointed by the Government.

Loretta holds a number of professional designations including CPA (practicing) Hong Kong (HKICPA), Certified Public Accountant in the United States (CPA (US)), Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Canada), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and CICPA (non-practicing) China.

Brian Lam

Chief Sustainability Officer & Chief Financial Officer – Hong Kong

Brian Lam is Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief Financial Officer at UOB Hong Kong. In his role, Lam spearheads finance functions and supports to achieve the Bank’s sustainability objectives with a focus on helping businesses advance responsibly as well as fostering social inclusiveness and environmental well-being. Lam has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry and audit field. Lam holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

My sustainability goals are to promote climate action, drive sustainable operations, engage stakeholders, integrate ESG principles and foster financial innovation towards a sustainable future.

Georgina Lok

Head (Market Development)

Georgina Lok is the Head (Market Development) of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), responsible for formulating and implementing various initiatives to promote the development of Hong Kong’s financial sector. Since joining the HKMA, Georgina has taken up responsibilities in different areas, including corporate development as well as international and regional cooperation. From 2017-2020, she was seconded to the International Monetary Fund, where she served as an Advisor to the Executive Director for China.

Dr Agnes K Y Tai

Chief EC.ESG Investment Strategist

Agnes is Chief EC.ESG Investment Strategist at BlueOnion and a Director of her family office, Great Glory Investment Corporation. She has held senior roles in the financial community across four jurisdictions in the past 43 years, including being Co-Founding Director of Peregrine Asset Management (HK) in 1991, and is a former SFC-licensed Responsible Officer in RA 4 and RA 9. Her board training in sustainability, governance, strategy, and risk oversight currently spans five continents.

She holds a Climate Designation certificate from Competent Boards, a Sustainability and Climate Risk certificate and a Financial Risk Manager certificate from Global Association of Risk Professionals, an ESG Investing certificate from CFA UK, and a CAIA certificate from Chartered Alternative Investment Association, and a Palladium Kaplan-Norton Balanced Scorecard Certificate.

She is Governing Board member of Climate Governance Initiative working closely with World Economic Forum, Steering Committee member of Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter, an Expert Review Panel member for the MTR Corporation sustainability reports, an Advisory Board member of Asia Climate Forum, an ESG judge for the Benchmark Funds of the Year Awards, a Council member, Publishing Board of Magazine member and a Deputy Chair of the training committee of the Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD), faculty of Competent Boards, CSIA and FITC, board member of Hope of the City, advisory council/committee member of GARP (HK), FarmacyHK and Shao Ming Lo Foundation.

She has a PhD from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with dissertation titled “Do carbon risks matter for Hong Kong equity prices?”, an MBA from the University of Chicago – Booth School of Business, a BSc (Honors) from Roosevelt University in USA and is a graduate of the Stanford University Senior Executive Leadership Program and the 2011 Stanford Directors’ College. She has authored a book on investing in H-shares, a Harvard Business case and a positive psychology book ‘Tall Miracles’.

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16:20 – 16:35

The ISSB & How Asia Comes into Play

16:20 – 16:35

At COP26 the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation announced the creation of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), with the aim of providing a comprehensive global baseline of high-quality sustainability disclosure standards focused on enterprise value. 

Two years on, what has been done and what is yet to come? How does Hong Kong and Asia come into play? 

Learnings 

  • What opportunities exist for businesses in Hong Kong and Asia to partake in developing the region into a hub for engagement, cooperation, capacity building and innovation – in line with the ISSB’s creation of a global baseline of sustainability disclosures? 
  • How is the ISSB enhancing global presence and facilitating stakeholder engagement and capacity-building activities for economies in the Asian region and beyond?  
  • How is ISSB addressing the challenges organisations face in adhering to disclosure standards, if at all?  

  

Post-Event Actions 

  • Seek further understanding of how the ISSB’s standards will drive globally consistent, comparable and reliable sustainability reporting, and pertinent implications for your company. 

Speakers

Jamie Allen

Secretary General

Jamie Allen is the founding Secretary General of the Asian Corporate Governance Association (ACGA), an independent membership association carrying out original research, advocacy and education on corporate governance in Asia since 1999. A published author, he has more than 30 years of experience writing about Asian business, finance, and economics. Prior to founding ACGA, he was a consultant providing customised research to multinational companies. From 1992 to 1995, he was editor of Business Asia for the Economist Intelligence Unit and a contributor to The Economist magazine from 1994 to 1996. He is one of the main authors of Awakening Governance: The evolution of corporate governance in China and CG Watch 2020 – Future promise, two reports published by ACGA in July 2018 and May 2021 respectively.

Jamie is the local convenor for the Sustainability and Climate Action Task Force (SCATF) formed in February 2022 by the Financial Reporting Council of Hong Kong. His past public service roles include being a member of the Public Shareholders’ Group, formed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), sitting on the Listing Committee of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, and serving on the Operations Oversight Committee of the Financial Reporting Council of Hong Kong.

In 2017, he received an International Corporate Governance Network Lifetime Achievement Award and a Regional CG Recognition Award from the Minority Shareholders Watch Group of Malaysia.

He is a graduate of the Australian National University, Canberra, where he received a BA (Hons) in political science and Chinese language. He studied Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan from 1983 to 1984

16:35 – 17:25

The Shifting Landscape of ESG Reporting: Navigating Risk and Performance Outcomes

16:35 – 17:25

As the demand on companies to make greater efforts towards sustainability and decarbonisation increase, more organisations are making sustainability commitments and looking to showcase their ESG credentials. ESG reporting has become a mandatory requirement for companies to disclose their sustainability commitments and seen by many as a way to hold companies accountable to these commitments. However, given varying voluntary ESG reporting standards, firms have often struggled with understanding ESG frameworks and demonstrating sustainable ESG integration.

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has been tasked to consolidate ESG reporting standards in Hong Kong and issue a finalised set of ESG reporting standards which will be mandatory for all HKEX listed companies. Aimed at steering corporate focus decisively towards sustainability and long-term value, ISSB and HKEX have proposed tougher climate and sustainability disclosures beginning from January 2024. Discussing the new disclosure rules and sharing successfully enacted models for sustainable business growth, this panel aims to introduce the new HKEX ESG reporting guidelines and share successfully enacted models for reporting.

Learnings

  • 2022 has made clear the many limitations of voluntary ESG reporting as a mechanism to guide companies towards more sustainable practices, with news reports of greenwashing and incorrect or incomplete disclosure. There is also a growing disconnect between the commitments reported by companies, what has been practically achieved, and what can be achieved in extended time horizons (2050).
  • These limitations are highlighted by recent research which found that of the companies that have made commitments to net zero, 93% of them are set to fail on achieving these commitments. Reporting frameworks need to be consolidated and finalised and data collection for ESG streamlined. New ideas for sustainable transformation of listed firms and a renewed business case for sustainability are needed.

Post-Event Actions

  • Rethink how your company can integrate ESG, streamline ESG data collection and step-up ESG reporting to meet more demanding sustainability-disclosure requirements.
  • Rethink your company’s approach to ESG, renew and refresh efforts to achieve actual business transformation based on sustainability-related opportunities.

 

Speakers

Jamie Allen

Secretary General

Jamie Allen is the founding Secretary General of the Asian Corporate Governance Association (ACGA), an independent membership association carrying out original research, advocacy and education on corporate governance in Asia since 1999. A published author, he has more than 30 years of experience writing about Asian business, finance, and economics. Prior to founding ACGA, he was a consultant providing customised research to multinational companies. From 1992 to 1995, he was editor of Business Asia for the Economist Intelligence Unit and a contributor to The Economist magazine from 1994 to 1996. He is one of the main authors of Awakening Governance: The evolution of corporate governance in China and CG Watch 2020 – Future promise, two reports published by ACGA in July 2018 and May 2021 respectively.

Jamie is the local convenor for the Sustainability and Climate Action Task Force (SCATF) formed in February 2022 by the Financial Reporting Council of Hong Kong. His past public service roles include being a member of the Public Shareholders’ Group, formed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), sitting on the Listing Committee of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, and serving on the Operations Oversight Committee of the Financial Reporting Council of Hong Kong.

In 2017, he received an International Corporate Governance Network Lifetime Achievement Award and a Regional CG Recognition Award from the Minority Shareholders Watch Group of Malaysia.

He is a graduate of the Australian National University, Canberra, where he received a BA (Hons) in political science and Chinese language. He studied Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan from 1983 to 1984

Mark Harper

Group Head of Sustainability

At Swire Mark is responsible for the Group’s ESG disclosure and TCFD reporting as well as guiding the development of Group strategy on Climate, and Waste. He sits on the Board and Executive Committees of a number of NGO’s including Business Environment Council, Drink Without Waste and HeroesToo.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Rollout of the Group’s Net Zero Carbon emissions and zero to landfill commitments. Finalising the Group’s climate risk assessment process and analysis.

Kelly Lee

Senior Vice President, Listing Division

Ms Kelly Lee joined HKEX in 2013. She works within the Policy and Secretariat Services Unit of the Listing Division, and has been involved in HKEX’s major listing policy and ESG initiatives in recent years. Ms. Lee is currently a member of the Sustainability Committee and the Sustainability Advisory Panel of the Financial Reporting Standards Committee of the HKICPA. Prior to joining HKEX, Ms Lee was a senior associate practicing corporate and securities law in Hong Kong.

Hendrik Rosenthal

Director – Group Sustainability

Hendrik is responsible for the Group’s sustainability-related strategy, reporting and communications. He supports the senior management in sustainability and climate change-related risk management and advises on sustainability matters of the Group’s power business in the Asia-Pacific region.

With more than 20 years of experience in sustainability and environmental management, Hendrik previously led research and consulting projects in Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

I look forward to accelerating CLP’s decarbonisation by increasing the availability of zero-carbon electricity, electrifying transport, and enabling our customers to increase energy efficiency.

Ee Sin Tan

Partner

Ee Sin has more than 15 years of experience and currently leads both the Climate Change and Sustainability Services and Financial Accounting Advisory Services teams in Hong Kong.

He assists clients with navigating the risks and opportunities arising from sustainability issues. He supports clients with formulation of sustainability strategies and data management processes to meet regulatory requirements and address expectations of different stakeholders and help companies to align business models to sustainability development goals. He also provides advisory services to clients on building an efficient and effective finance function that addresses needs of stakeholders and evolving financial and compliance requirements including integrated reporting.

Ee Sin is a practising CPA of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountant (HKICPA) and member of Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA). He also serves as a member of HKICPA’s Sustainability Committee.

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All sessions are subject to change.