2023 Brochure released!
YUEN LONG

Sustainable Transformation Theatre (Keynote)

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Wednesday 05 October 2022

09:25 – 09:50

Opening Ceremony

Speakers

Chris Brown

Founder & Director

ReThink HK & the ReThink Foundation

Chris Brown

Founder & Director

ReThink HK & the ReThink Foundation

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 to a more sustainable HK
  • Encourage other event organisers to commit to sustainable solutions
  • Demonstrate that businesses be operated profitably and with purpose

Kevin O’Brien

Chairman, Business Environment Council

Chief Executive, Gammon Construction Limited

Kevin O’Brien

Chairman, Business Environment Council

Chief Executive, Gammon Construction Limited

Kevin O’Brien is the Chief Executive of Gammon Construction. He has over 30 years’ extensive management experience in the construction and engineering industry covering both the private and public sectors.  He is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. He is the Chairman of the Business Environment Council.

My Sustainability Goals for 2023:

Less talk, more action. Business leaders making the right choices for the future.

Supported by

09:50 – 10:00

Opening Address

Speakers

Mr Tse Chin-wan

Secretary for Environment and Ecology

HKSAR

Mr Tse Chin-wan

Secretary for Environment and Ecology

HKSAR

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

From Ambition to Action: Hong Kong’s Race Towards a Net-Zero Future

Hong Kong has set a target to become carbon neutral by 2050. The push for net zero is driving businesses to create and deliver on ambitious pledges to reduce their carbon footprint. What commitments, partnerships and innovations are needed to help us get there? How can corporates leading the charge inspire, collaborate and share technical expertise to help the city win its race to zero?

Learnings

  • In face of escalating climate risks, how should business models evolve for lasting value creation that benefits shareholders, internal and external stakeholders and the wider society?
  • What are our biggest barriers? How can businesses turn transition risks to opportunities?
  • How are leading companies’ commitment to carbon-reduction targets contributing to the achievement of Hong Kong’s 2050 net-zero target?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain insights on leading companies’ carbon reduction approaches, technical experience and cross-industry solutions.
  • Rethink actions that your company and industry should focus on over the next five to ten years to reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Understand why business leaders have a compelling and common interest to ensure the transformation of every aspect of their business to contribute to a net-zero economy by 2050.

Speakers

MODERATOR

Christine Loh

Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Christine Loh

Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Christine Loh was the Undersecretary for the Environment in the HKSAR Government and well-known for her policy work. Since leaving government, she is teaching and writing. She sits on numerous boards internationally, and is advisor to HKSTP, Teneo, and BASF. She is a published author of many academic and popular works.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

That interest in sustainability will blossom and more organisations in HK will embark on a positive path in 2022.

Jonathan Drew

Head of Global Banking Sustainability, Asia-Pacific

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Jonathan Drew

Head of Global Banking Sustainability, Asia-Pacific

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Jonathan graduated with an MA in Economics from Cambridge University in England and is also qualified as a Chartered Accountant.  Jonathan started his banking career more than 30 years ago in London and has worked in a diverse range of markets including Latin America and the Middle East has been based in Hong Kong since 1997 witnessing first-hand the rapid growth of Asia.  During this time, he has been involved successful advisory and financing transactions across a wide range of industrial and services sectors including energy, manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure and financial services, with a focus on resource efficiency and sustainability. These transactions have involved supporting projects, corporates and institutions to approach various financial markets and structuring innovative and tailored solutions to meet the often large and always specific needs of clients. Over the last 8 years Jonathan has led HSBC’s efforts in Sustainable Finance in Asia, assisting clients in the development of sustainability and transition strategies and communicating these to ensure best access to financial markets.  Jonathan has also been active in broader market development including driving awareness and engagement on the urgency of the need to transition and the development of robust financial products to support the implementation of the transition to a sustainable and resilient future.  Jonathan is a member of the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Green Finance Association and is also the founding chair of the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association Green and Sustainable Loan Committee.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Delivering capital solutions to enable clients to transition and grow their business to be resilient and create real value for their stakeholders.

Richard Lancaster

Immediate Past Chairman

Business Environment Council

Richard Lancaster

Immediate Past Chairman

Business Environment Council

Richard Lancaster joined CLP in 1992 and in 2013 became CEO of the company, one of the largest investor-owned power businesses in Asia Pacific. He has more than 35 years of experience in the power industry and other industrial operations in Australia, UK and Hong Kong. Richard is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Business Environment Council.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

I look forward to a net-zero future with increasing clean electrification and close collaboration between different sectors to make it a reality.

 

Gill Meller

Legal and Governance Director

MTR Corporation Limited

Gill Meller

Legal and Governance Director

MTR Corporation Limited

Gill Meller is MTR’s Legal & Governance Director. She is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Company’s environmental, social and governance strategy and also leads the Company’s legal, company secretarial, compliance, insurance and risk management functions and a central procurement and supply chain function.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

My sustainability goal is to operationalise and deliver on MTR’s new environmental and social KPIs.

Supported by

With thanks to

11:00 – 12:00

The Full Picture: Addressing Scope 3 Emissions Through Engagement and Empowerment

As corporates progress on carbon-reduction initiatives, the supply chain has come into focus, with many organisations successfully mapping out and implementing strategies to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Yet, many still struggle with the challenges posed by Scope 3 emissions, which entail indirect emissions that occur in the value chain. Hear from leaders in this space on how they are addressing Scope 3 as a key opportunity for emissions and cost reduction as well as positive engagement with all stakeholders.

Learnings

  • Transportation, purchased goods and services and investments are among the many forms of a company’s Scope 3 emissions. How should businesses in Hong Kong identify their emissions hotspots?
  • What are some trends and challenges that leaders in this space are seeing? What are some tools and techniques that businesses can use to align Scope 3 emissions reductions with net-zero targets?
  • How are leadership companies defining and executing strategies with sound data analysis, and articulating holistic engagement plans with investors, clients, suppliers and teams?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain insights on how leading companies are engaging and empowering investors, clients, suppliers and teams to assess and address Scope 3 emissions hotspots in their value chains.
  • 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.
  • Scale up collaborations with value chain partners in setting ambitious Scope 3 targets aligned with climate science.

Speakers

MODERATOR

Stacey Chow

Director and Asia Regional Lead for Business & Society

Brunswick Group

Stacey Chow

Director and Asia Regional Lead for Business & Society

Brunswick Group

Stacey leads Brunswick Group’s Business & Society practice in Asia, and advises clients on sustainability, ESG and social purpose strategies, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership positioning for senior executives. She previously worked at the World Economic Forum and World Bank, and has more than 15 years of experience in sustainable development, infrastructure development and public-private partnerships. She was a 2012-2015 Global Leadership Fellow at the World Economic Forum.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Helping companies reach sustainability goals through global partnerships and technological innovation.

Dr Robin Kennish

Director, Corporate Sustainability & Climate Change

Environmental Resources Management

Dr Robin Kennish

Director, Corporate Sustainability & Climate Change

Environmental Resources Management

Dr Kennish has worked with ERMs Clients in the Asia Pacific region for the last 25 years on managing their sustainability risks and opportunities. His focus is on helping Clients with their transition to a low carbon economy and working with their teams to ensure that a robust ESG strategy is in place. This has included advisory services around climate disclosures such as: CDP and TCFD, GHG assessments, net-zero transition plans, SBTi submissions, as well as approvals for renewable energy projects (ie offshore wind and solar).

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

I am committed to working alongside my ERM team and our Clients in Hong Kong to get us on a path to a net-zero world.

Wilfred Luk

Head of ESG Integration

AIA

Wilfred Luk

Head of ESG Integration

AIA

Wilfred Luk heads ESG Integration at AIA, where he is passionate in embedding sustainability in every fibre of the organization, engaging with key functions and all 18 markets in Asia. He hails from a risk background with more than ten years of experience in the life insurance industry.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

With greater awareness and investment, I wish for Hong Kong to become a centre for green and transitional finance in hopes for more sustainable outcomes for our future generations.

Dedy Mahardika

SBT Engagement Manager, SEA and Oceania

CDP

Dedy Mahardika

SBT Engagement Manager, SEA and Oceania

CDP

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.

Dr Raymond Yau

General Manager, Technical Services & Sustainable Development

Swire Properties Limited

Dr Raymond Yau

General Manager, Technical Services & Sustainable Development

Swire Properties Limited

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 2022:

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.

With thanks to

12:00 – 13:00

Preparing for the Next Threat: The Business Case for Investing in Climate Adaptation and Resilience

The devastating consequences of climate change for society, the environment and economy have become impossible to deny. While businesses must continue to advance efforts to limit global warming and reduce emissions at speed and scale, there is also a need to focus on adapting to climatic changes, to ensure that we thrive through this transformation and build resilience to a more unpredictable world. Although corporate ambition is on the rise, most companies are still in the early stages of their journey on climate adaptation and resilience.

Learnings

  • Why are so few companies in Hong Kong strategically addressing the risks posed by the changing climate to their business models and industry? Why aren’t investors and stakeholders challenging companies more on how they plan to adapt and build resilience? Can these barriers be overcome?
  • How can we scale up private sector involvement in building climate resilience?
  • Why businesses should not only see climate adaptation and resilience via corporate risk management, but also through the lens of new markets and economic opportunities

Post-Event Actions

  • Rethink the critical role that businesses can play in building climate-resilient operations and value chains, as well as leveraging their innovative capacity and reach to achieve the scale and pace required for systemic change.
  • Consider the motivations for business to invest in climate adaptation.
  • Understand that early movers will benefit most, and take action to identify knowledge gaps and engage stakeholders in directing resources and investment to strategies that protect people, profit, assets and supply chains.

Speakers

MODERATOR

Bruce Chong

Director – Climate, Urban Sustainability & Smart City

Arup

Bruce Chong

Director – Climate, Urban Sustainability & Smart City

Arup

Dr Bruce Chong is the Climate & Urban Sustainability Leader for Arup in the East Asia region. He works with clients to formulate strategies and implementation plans for climate resilience, carbon neutrality, smart city resource efficiencies and green infrastructure for city government and corporates in Hong Kong, greater China and East Asia.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Zero Carbon – not only carbon neutrality & Resilient at all levels – from city, infrastructure, energy, water, food, transport, to individuals.

Giuliana Auinger

Partner & Vice President, Sustainability Business

Schneider Electric

Giuliana Auinger

Partner & Vice President, Sustainability Business

Schneider Electric

Giuliana Auinger is the Partner & Vice President of the Sustainability Business 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 2022:

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.

Dr Margaret Burnett

Programme Director

The University of Hong Kong

Dr Margaret Burnett

Programme Director

The University of Hong Kong

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 2022:

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!

Matthew Day

Head of Zurich Resilience Solutions, Asia

Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong)

Matthew Day

Head of Zurich Resilience Solutions, Asia

Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong)

Matthew Day is Head of Zurich Resilience Solutions for Asia. Matthew leads a team of 30+ Risk Management professionals across the Asia Region. Matthew’s team has expertise in a wide range of risks from fire, construction, natural hazards, climate change plus many more. Matthew also comes from a risk engineering background.

Mark Harper

Group Head of Sustainability

John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ltd.

Mark Harper

Group Head of Sustainability

John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ltd.

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 2022:

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

With thanks to

Business for Biodiversity

In Partnership with


Programme Sponsor

14:10 – 14:25

Opening Welcome: Business for Biodiversity

Speakers

Dr Simon Zadek

Executive Director

NatureFinance

Dr Simon Zadek

Executive Director

NatureFinance

Dr Zadek is Executive Director of NatureFinance, Director of Migrant Nation, Senior Advisor to the Task Force on Nature Related Financial Disclosure, and co-lead of the Taskforce on Nature Markets. He was Head, Secretariat, UN Secretary General’s Task Force on Digital Financing of the Sustainable Development Goals, Senior Advisor on Finance in the office of the UN Secretary General, and Co-Director of UNEP’s Finance Inquiry. He co-Chaired China’s Green Finance Task Force, and led the Green Finance Study Group secretariat under the Chinese, German and Argentinian G20 Presidencies.

Prior to this, he was Senior Advisor to the World Economic Forum and the Global Green Growth Institute, founder and CEO of the international think tank, AccountAbility and Development Director of the New Economics Foundation. He was Visiting Professor at the Singapore Management University and the Copenhagen Business School, and has been a senior fellow at Tsinghua School of Economics and Management, Harvard`s Kennedy School of Government, and the University of Southern Africa.

He has worked with many corporations, governments and multi stakeholder initiatives on their sustainability and broader strategies, been a member of the International Advisory Board of Generation Investment Management, and has published extensively, including the award-winning book, The Civil Corporation.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

To increase the materiality of biodiversity in financial decision-making, and so better align global finance with nature conservation and restoration

14:25 – 15:15

Getting It Right: Synergising Nature and Net-Zero Strategies

Businesses rely on nature for resources, ecosystem services and healthy societies for their own prosperity and continuity. As nature loss exacerbates due to climate change and human ecosystem destruction, businesses are starting to realise the material risks of nature loss for their long-term success – as well as opportunities for incorporating nature and biodiversity into business strategies to ensure long-term viability of business models, stable supply chains, access to new markets and services, and improved relationships with stakeholders.

Learnings

  • Nature and climate change are inextricably connected. At COP26, for the first time, nature was placed firmly on the climate agenda, and biodiversity loss recognised as among our top global risks. 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?
  • What are some tools and techniques that businesses can use to assess and minimise adverse impacts on ecosystems? How can businesses support biodiversity and conservation initiatives, and promote greater awareness among employees and stakeholders?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain insights on the state of play by the private sector locally, regionally and globally.
  • Rethink how your company and industry can become an agent of change for nature.

Speakers

MODERATOR

Lulu Zhou

Director of Strategic Partnerships, Asia Pacific (HK)

The Nature Conservancy

Lulu Zhou

Director of Strategic Partnerships, Asia Pacific (HK)

The Nature Conservancy

Lulu Zhou has has more than 15 years of professional experience in international NGO management and strategic development, and she is currently leading the philanthropy and conservation programs in Hong Kong with The Nature Conservancy. Her responsibility focuses on both building the conservation vision and on-the-ground work locally, and strengthening the supporter base in Hong Kong that ensures TNC’s financial sustainability throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Mariam Ashroff

Head of Sustainability Management, Asia

LGT Private Banking Asia Pacific

Mariam Ashroff

Head of Sustainability Management, Asia

LGT Private Banking Asia Pacific

Mariam Ashroff is a sustainability professional with 11 years of financial services experience. At LGT, she combines her financial services experience with her expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues to embed sustainability concepts throughout the organization. Prior to this, Mariam was a consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she advised asset and wealth managers on ESG integration.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

My goals are to raise awareness on sustainable investing; beak down the complexity of the climate crisis and empower people with knowledge needed to act as a change agent; and continuously improve on my own sustainable lifestyle.

Venisa Chu

Regional Sustainability Director – APAC

L’Occitane Group

Venisa Chu

Regional Sustainability Director – APAC

L’Occitane Group

Venisa leads L’Occitane Group’s sustainability transformation in Asia Pacific focusing on its 3 priorities of climate, biodiversity and diversity and inclusion. She is responsible for crafting APAC’s strategy to align with the Group’s ambition to be B Corp certified by 2023. With over 15 years of experience in sustainability, real estate, and technology sectors, her expertise lies in stakeholder engagement, business operations and strategy, and risk mitigation in North America and Asia.

Venisa holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Electrical Engineering) from the University of Toronto and a Master of Business Administration from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Bring more attention to biodiversity by highlighting its relationship with climate change. She would like to see systemic change in rewarding those who contribute to HK’s net zero plan both at the personal and commercial levels.

Teresa Hartmann

Director, Market Formation

International Emissions Trading Association

Teresa Hartmann

Director, Market Formation

International Emissions Trading Association

Teresa Hartmann is the Director of Market Formation at IETA, focusing on integrity in carbon markets. Previously, Teresa worked at the World Economic Forum as the was the Lead for Climate and Nature, developing initiatives on net zero, industry decarbonization and natural climate solutions. Prior to joining the Forum, Teresa worked on sustainable finance and the SDGs at UNEP, the UN Secretariat and GIZ.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

A big uptick on climate and nature action

Yohann Régent

Head of Sustainable Sourcing & Nature Initiatives

Kering

Yohann Régent

Head of Sustainable Sourcing & Nature Initiatives

Kering

Yoann Regent is Head of Sustainable Sourcing and Nature Initiatives within Kering’s sustainable development programs team.

Yoann works closely with Kering Houses to build supply chains for raw materials (leather, precious skins, fibres, etc.) that meet the highest standards in terms of biodiversity conservation and respect for animal welfare, by setting up innovative projects, supporting the group’s suppliers or in-house training for operational teams. With two experts in his team, Yoann is also in charge of engagement with stakeholders from the scientific community, NGOs or corporate coalitions.

In his previous experiences, Yoann worked for 5 years in the sustainable development department of the IKEA Group, in Sweden and in France, specifically on sustainable supply, renewable energies and circular economy as well as previously in the sectors of energy at Vestas (No. 1 in wind power) and consulting at EPEA (founder of the Cradle-to-cradle concept). Yoann graduated in Industrial Ecology from the Royal Polytechnic School (KTH) in Stockholm.

Supported by

With thanks to

15:15 – 15:30

Planetary Boundaries: The Framework to Invest with Impact

Businesses have a huge role to play in containing global environmental risks, but it’s hampered by a lack of quantitative definitions. How would the environmental investing pioneer deal with this?

Learnings

  • The role of an asset manager in sustainable development
  • The company screen – what criteria are we looking at apart from financial reports?
  • Case study

Speakers

Yi Du

Portfolio Manager, Thematic Equities

Pictet Asset Management

Yi Du

Portfolio Manager, Thematic Equities

Pictet Asset Management

Yi Du joined Pictet Asset Management in 2018. He is an Investment Manager in the Thematic Equities Team.

Before joining Pictet, Yi worked in the Global Equity Research team of J.P. Morgan in Hong Kong covering utilities and environmental sectors in Asia. Prior to that, he worked in the Investment Banking team at Barclays in Hong Kong.

Yi holds an MSc in Financial Economics with distinction from the University of Oxford. Yi is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

We hope to work hand in hand with our distributors to strengthen investor education in the market.

With thanks to

15:30 – 16:20

The Illegal Wildlife Trade and Global Threat to Biodiversity: Accelerating Private Sector Engagement and Commitment

Hong Kong remains one of the largest hubs for the illegal trafficking of wildlife consignments, such as ivory, shark fin, live reef food fish, pangolin products, exotic pets, rhino horn, amongst others. Yet its strategic position as a trade and financial centre offers a unique opportunity for businesses to work with regulators and other stakeholders to establish the city as a leader in detecting, disrupting and deterring the multi-billion dollar illegal wildlife trade.

Learnings

  • For a city of its size, Hong Kong has a vastly disproportionate ecological footprint. The private sector, especially the transport, logistics, financial and technology industries, plays a crucial role in protecting their platforms and supply chains from being exploited by wildlife traffickers.
  • What role do businesses play in combating the illegal wildlife trade? How can businesses identify supply chain vulnerabilities and address legal, financial, reputational and associated risks, while contributing to protecting local and global biodiversity?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain insights on the ramifications of the illegal wildlife trade on biodiversity as a natural asset that affects the long-term sustainability of our economy and environment.
  • Rethink how your company and industry can contribute to transforming Hong Kong from being a hub for the illegal wildlife trade to becoming a global leader in the fight against it, with potentially far-reaching benefits for global biodiversity.

Speakers

MODERATOR

Charles Goddard

Editorial Director

The Economist Group

Charles Goddard

Editorial Director

The Economist Group

Charles Goddard imagines and builds The Economist Group’s flagship initiatives. He works closely with partners on themes ranging from ageing and longevity to climate change, global health security and the sustainable ocean economy. Based in Hong Kong, Charles was previously editorial director, Asia, at the Economist Intelligence Unit and managing director of the Economist Corporate Network, a peer network for senior executives. He is executive director of the Group’s World Ocean Initiative.

Roberto Giannetta

Chairman

Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association

Roberto Giannetta

Chairman

Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association

Roberto Giannetta, Chairman of the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association, has 30+ years of service in the shipping industry. HKLSA represents the interests of container liner principals on numerous industry and government organizations, covering operational, safety, environmental, regulatory, trade, and policy matters vis-à-vis government and industry stakeholders.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Despite liner shipping already providing the most environmentally efficient means of global transportation, HKLSA is committed to guarding against illegal wildlife trade, improving sea and air quality, zero carbon emissions, and protection of human life.

Chad Olsen

Partner, Forensic

KPMG

Chad Olsen

Partner, Forensic

KPMG

Chad is the Forensic Leader for Hong Kong. He brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in the forensic industry. He is an Australia & NZ Chartered Accountant and has spent his career working in Australia, Singapore Beijing and Hong Kong.

He manages a dedicated team of over 40 forensic professionals in Hong Kong and is part of KPMG’s broader Greater China team.

He has held leadership roles with Tier One Financial Institutions and led high profile assignments related to Deferred Prosecution Agreements, Consent Orders, Audit Committee and Regulatory Enquiries.

Chad’s work has allowed him to oversee assignments with senior stakeholders from all around Asia and the Globe. He is an outgoing advocate of transformation and works with academics, think tanks, private public partnerships and other platforms of higher learning.

Karen Pong

Sustainable Development Manager

Cathay Pacific Airways

Karen Pong

Sustainable Development Manager

Cathay Pacific Airways

At Cathay, Karen is responsible for the development and execution of sustainability programmes, management and communications to help the Group move towards its net-zero carbon and more sustainable operation. Prior to this, Karen worked as a project manager in an ESG advisory, where she led research, reporting and stakeholder engagement projects for corporate and non-profit clients.

Supported by

16:20 – 17:10

Mobilising Private Investment and Innovation to Scale Up Nature-Based Solutions

We are not only in a climate crisis, but also a biodiversity crisis – and nature-based solutions can address both challenges simultaneously. The benefits and opportunities of nature-based solutions to address global challenges have never been more urgently needed and relevant. Investments and innovations in nature-based solutions will be key to accelerating the pace and scale required for climate action and nature preservation.

Learnings

  • What are nature-based solutions, and why do they matter in achieving climate and biodiversity impact?
  • According to the UN, investments in nature must triple by 2030 to help save ecosystems. However, the private sector currently provides only 14% of funding towards nature-based solutions. What are the barriers and knowledge gaps for unlocking private capital for nature-based solutions? What opportunities exist for businesses to pursue new sources of revenue and reap the benefits of increased resilience and purpose?
  • What innovations in nature-based solutions hold the most promise? What examples can we draw from locally and regionally?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain insights on the state of play by the private sector locally, regionally and globally.
  • Rethink the role that your company and industry can play in accelerating the investment and innovation of nature-based solutions.

Speakers

MODERATOR

Justin Chang

Program Director – Social Finance, Asia

UBS Optimus Foundation

Justin Chang

Program Director – Social Finance, Asia

UBS Optimus Foundation

Justin is responsible for developing UBS Optimus Foundation’s Social Finance programs in APAC. He works on outcomes-based financing projects and investments into social enterprises with a focus on climate and nature-based solutions.

Prior to Optimus, Justin worked for Prudence Foundation for six years and before this, five years with Prudential in London and Hong Kong in Finance, Strategy and M&A roles. He started his working life with EY Australia and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

For Hong Kong to be the city of excellence when it comes to building effective partnerships to deploy the urgently needed capital to support organisations addressing crucial social and environmental issues.

Dr. David Gallacher

Director, Environment

AECOM

Dr. David Gallacher

Director, Environment

AECOM

Dr. David Gallacher is an environmental specialist with over 23 years experience. He has an academic background in ecology and environmental management, and has experience in a wide range of project types including environmental planning, impact assessment and monitoring, biodiversity management and habitat creation, sustainable urban design and Nature-based Solutions.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Better integration of ESG principles, especially relating to ecosystem services, into all aspects of Hong Kong life.

Brian J. Kernohan

Chief Sustainability Officer, Private Markets

Manulife Investment Management

Brian J. Kernohan

Chief Sustainability Officer, Private Markets

Manulife Investment Management

Brian is responsible for sustainability strategy, support, and related engagements across Manulife Investment Management’s private markets business. In his role, he directs global sustainability programs for the firm’s timberland, agriculture, real estate, infrastructure, and private equity and credit asset classes.

Professor Koh Lian Pin

Director

National University of Singapore, Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions

Professor Koh Lian Pin

Director

National University of Singapore, Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions

Professor Koh brings 16 years of international research experience in the field of sustainability and environmental science. In 2020, he returned to Singapore under the National Research Foundation’s Returning Singaporean Scientists scheme to join the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore. He is the Director of the University’s Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Chair Professor of Conservation at NUS, Vice Dean of Research at the Faculty of Science, and Director of NUS’ Tropical Marine Science Institute. He also currently serves as a Nominated Member of Parliament.

Ronie Mak

Managing Director

RS Group

Ronie Mak

Managing Director

RS Group

Ronie is the Managing Director of RS Group, a HK-based family office that commits 100% of its capital on sustainability and impact. She led the launch of RS Group’s Impact Report in 2016, and the incubation of the Sustainable Finance Initiative (SFi) in 2018, a community-building platform for sustainable investors in Asia. One of Ronie’s key current focus is on deploying catalytic and blended finance capital on nature based investment solutions in Asia.

 

Supported by

With thanks to

Thursday 06 October 2022

The Sustainability Imperative for Business

09:30 – 09:45

Opening Welcome

Speakers

Chris Brown

Founder & Director

ReThink HK & the ReThink Foundation

Chris Brown

Founder & Director

ReThink HK & the ReThink Foundation

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 to a more sustainable HK
  • Encourage other event organisers to commit to sustainable solutions
  • Demonstrate that businesses be operated profitably and with purpose

Catherine Dannaoui

Executive Director

HandsOn Hong Kong

Catherine Dannaoui

Executive Director

HandsOn Hong Kong

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!

Supported by

09:45 – 10:10

Opening Address: Net Positive

Speakers

Paul Polman

Business Leader, Campaigner and Co-Author of

“Net Positive”

Paul Polman

Business Leader, Campaigner and Co-Author of

“Net Positive”

Paul Polman works to accelerate action by business to tackle climate change and inequality. A leading proponent that business should be a force for good, Paul has been described by the Financial Times as “a standout CEO of the past decade”.

As CEO of Unilever (2009-2019), he demonstrated that a long-term, multi-stakeholder model goes hand-in-hand with excellent financial performance. Paul was a member of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel which developed the Sustainable Development Goals and which he continues to champion, working with global organisations and across industry to advance the 2030 development agenda.

Paul’s new book, “Net Positive”, is a call to arms to courageous business leaders, setting out how to build net positive companies which profit by fixing the world’s problems rather than creating them. He Chairs IMAGINE, a social venture dedicated to systems change, and Saïd Business School, and he is Vice-Chair of the UN Global Compact as well as a B Team Leader. Paul is Honorary Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce, which he led for two years.

10:10 – 11:00

Where We Are, Where We’re Headed: The New Ambition Powering Hong Kong’s Conglomerates

Conglomerates face a unique and complex set of challenges: with large, diverse businesses spread across different industries and geographies, how can they take a leadership role on tackling environmental and social challenges while maintaining growth ambitions and shareholder value creation? Hear from Hong Kong’s leading companies on how they are addressing myriad ESG risks and driving systemic change to move from risk to opportunity – from risk to resilience.

Learnings

  • How are Hong Kong’s largest and most complex organisations working to identify, understand and manage ESG risks for multiple industries and geographies?
  • What are the key internal policies, mechanisms and oversight that are being implemented on key sustainable development issues?
  • How can leadership companies leverage innovation and collaboration to inspire ambition and drive solutions?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain insight on how some of the world’s most complex organisations are engaging internal and external ecosystems to navigate sustainability across multiple industries and countries.
  • Understand the characteristics of strong governance and alignment of sustainability strategies with business models to help raise levels of ambition for sustainable development.
  • Explore how to turn risks into leadership opportunities to make meaningful impact at the scale needed to address today’s most pressing issues.

Speakers

MODERATOR

Sarah Johnson

Partner, ERM APAC Digital Leader

ERM

Sarah Johnson

Partner, ERM APAC Digital Leader

ERM

With a background in start-ups, corporate innovation and product development, Sarah is passionate about using digital products and services to supercharge sustainable impact delivery. As Digital Leader for ERM AsiaPacific, she focuses on enabling digital opportunities that innovate, push boundaries and accelerate sustainable change for our People and Planet.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Increased use of digital to enable sustainable change. Evidence of delivery on or above target to meet net zero goals. Increase in impact investing opportunities.

Jonathan Lloyd

Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability

Jardine Matheson Limited

Jonathan Lloyd

Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability

Jardine Matheson Limited

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 2022:

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.

Alfons Mensdorff-Pouilly

Chief Executive Officer

Jebsen Group

Alfons Mensdorff-Pouilly

Chief Executive Officer

Jebsen Group

Mr Mensdorff-Pouilly started his career with Procter & Gamble in 2005, and later joined Jebsen & Jessen Group in 2010 where he led a green-field development project in Cambodia. He joined Jebsen Group in 2014, and 4 years later was an integral part of establishing Jebsen Capital as Managing Director. In May 2020, he was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Jebsen Group.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

My goals and hope for HK is to put more resources into mental healthcare for our community, especially the underprivileged since they have been the most affected in the past few years. Our company, as a whole in Greater China, is also developing sustainable practices with the long-term goal of achieving net-zero.

With thanks to

11:00 – 11:10

From Conventional to Regenerative: A New Form of Economy

Over 50% of the world’s GDP is highly or moderately dependent on nature and its services, however, our biodiversity has declined by almost 70% in the past 50 years, what can businesses do?

Learnings

  • The problem we are facing now
  • The new form of economy
  • The company engagement and creating impact

Speakers

Gabriel Micheli

Senior Portfolio Manager, Thematic Equities

Pictet Asset Management

Gabriel Micheli

Senior Portfolio Manager, Thematic Equities

Pictet Asset Management

Gabriel Micheli joined Pictet Asset Management in 2006 and is a Senior Investment Manager in the Thematic Equities team.

He has been co-managing the Global Environmental Opportunities strategy since its inception in 2014. Prior to that Gabriel co-managed the Pictet Timber strategy from 2008 to 2018, where he has kept an advisory role, and was co-manager of the Pictet Clean Energy strategy from 2007 to 2010.

Gabriel is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder. He graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of St. Gallen.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

A new form of economy to achieve sustainability

With thanks to

11:10 – 12:00

From Strength to Strength: Financing Our Transition to a Sustainable Future

As a mature international financial centre, and with proximity to mainland China and unique access to global investors, Hong Kong has what it takes to become a regional hub for green and sustainable finance. How are we maximising efforts to promote the city’s capital markets as well as financial and professional services for green and sustainable investment, and capitalising on the enormous opportunities presented alongside the development of the Greater Bay Area?

Learnings

  • How can Hong Kong best capitalize on its unique strengths and involve all players of the private sector in developing green and sustainable finance to boost investments conducive to reducing carbon emissions?
  • How can Hong Kong enhance synergies with Greater Bay Area cities to play a strategic role as China’s gateway and mobiliser of green investments to facilitate national carbon neutrality goals?
  • Already, assessments are being made with local financial regulators and Chinese authorities on the feasibility and support needed for developing the city’s carbon trading capabilities for the Greater Bay Area and Asia as a whole. What are the opportunities and barriers for the city to develop as a regional carbon trading hub?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain insights on opportunities, barriers and the next steps for the city to advance its green and sustainable finance ambitions towards a low-carbon future.
  • Rethink Hong Kong’s unique role to become a carbon trading hub catering to global sustainability and its own and China’s carbon neutrality push.

Speakers

MODERATOR

Paul Ho

Financial Services Tax Leader – Hong Kong; Asia-Pacific CTORS Leader

EY

Paul Ho

Financial Services Tax Leader – Hong Kong; Asia-Pacific CTORS Leader

EY

Paul is the financial services tax leader for Hong Kong and Asia-Pacific CTORS Leader at EY, and advises on all aspects of corporate tax issues relating to financial services clients. He has over 23 years of practical taxation experience and knowledge, and holds a Master of Taxation Degree from the University of Sydney.

Paul is a Honorary Adviser of CPA Australia – Greater China, Co-chairperson of the Taxation Committee of CPA Australia – Greater China and a Fellow member of CPA Australia; Co-chairperson of the Tax Committee of the Alternative Investment Management Association Hong Kong and member of Accounting Committee of Council for the Promotion of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cooperation.

Christine Ip

CEO – Greater China

UOB

Christine Ip

CEO – Greater China

UOB

Christine Ip is CEO – Greater China of UOB and a non-executive director of UOB China. Mrs Ip has more than 30 years of experience in both consumer and corporate banking and has significant experience in Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas markets. She holds a MBA from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and a bachelor’s degree in arts from the University of Hong Kong.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

I strive to ensure the Sustainability Development Goals are firmly embedded in our Bank’s corporate strategy for sustainable environmental, social and governance outcomes. On a personal level, I hope to mobilise efforts to minimise all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change.

Kenneth Hui

Head (Market Development), External Department

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Kenneth Hui

Head (Market Development), External Department

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Kenneth Hui is the Head of Market Development Division of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), in charge of the HKMA’s efforts to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an international financial centre. Prior to joining the HKMA, Ken was a senior manager at the Investment Products Division of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), specialising in regulatory policies on retail funds and innovative retail investment products. During his time at the SFC, Ken was seconded to the Secretariat of the International Organization of Securities Commissions, where he was responsible for global OTC derivatives reforms.

Dr. Stephen Wong

Vice President, Hong Kong Green Finance Association

Senior Vice President & Executive Director of Public Policy Institute, Our Hong Kong Foundation

Dr. Stephen Wong

Vice President, Hong Kong Green Finance Association

Senior Vice President & Executive Director of Public Policy Institute, Our Hong Kong Foundation

Dr. Stephen Wong received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Chicago and Master of Arts in East Asian Studies from Yale University.  He completed his Doctorate degree in Public Administration (DPA) from the University of Hong Kong.

He began his career as an investment banker and held regional management positions with several global financial institutions, including as Executive Director at UBS in London and Managing Director at RBS.

Dr. Wong joined Our Hong Kong Foundation in 2015, and he is currently Senior Vice President & Executive Director of Public Policy Institute.  He is also a member of the Legislative Council.

Supported by

With thanks to

12:00 – 13:00

Benchmarking Sustainability Reporting: Transparency, Comparability and Accountability

Integration of sustainability in business models has become an imperative for organisations striving to create lasting value for stakeholders, the community and the environment. While ESG criteria have in recent years risen to the top of corporate agendas, navigating the disclosure and reporting landscape remain a challenging and complex task for many, due in part to the proliferation of standards and the need for a coherent and comprehensive disclosure framework to ensure flexibility and drive sustainable value.

Learnings

  • How can companies in Hong Kong clear up the vocabulary, and make use of data and technology to help them steer and anticipate the dynamics of reporting, cross-functional workflow and process management to create an ESG culture that continually advances corporate goals?
  • How can companies streamline efforts while meeting stakeholder demands? What are some common pitfalls to look out for, in terms of disclosure, green-washing and dispute risks?
  • 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. A year on, what has been done and what is yet to come? How does Hong Kong come into play?

Post-Event Actions

  • Gain technical insights on how leading companies are navigating different ESG standards, frameworks, ratings and rankings to meet sustainability reporting and disclosure obligations, as well as helping cross-functional teams drive and sustain ESG performance.
  • Rethink how your company can best take stock of internal and external considerations towards ESG reporting, and understand the standards and frameworks that are a good fit for your business and stakeholder expectations.
  • 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

MODERATOR

Pat Woo

Partner, Head of ESG – Hong Kong, KPMG China and Global Co-Chair, Sustainable Finance, KPMG IMPACT

KPMG China

Pat Woo

Partner, Head of ESG – Hong Kong, KPMG China and Global Co-Chair, Sustainable Finance, KPMG IMPACT

KPMG China

Pat is a Partner, Head of ESG practice in Hong Kong at KPMG China and the Global Co-Chair for Sustainable Finance for KPMG IMPACT. He has been active for over 15 years in the field of sustainable development and very active in developing the ESG landscape for Hong Kong and international financial centres in the region.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

I will continue to work with the financial services sector to integrate ESG into their core business. In addition, I will continue to work with HKICPA to train up accountants of the future with ESG skills.

Robyn Leeson

Vice-Chair, Global Sustainability Standards Board

Global Reporting Initiative

Robyn Leeson

Vice-Chair, Global Sustainability Standards Board

Global Reporting Initiative

Robyn currently serves as Vice-Chair of GRI’s Global Sustainability Standards Board. She has also previously served on GRI’s Stakeholder Council and has worked for governments, not for profits and private sector organisations in sustainability-related roles. Robyn currently advises companies and industry bodies on sustainability strategies and reporting, primarily in Australia.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Linking disclosure and the mission of sustainable development

Katherine Ng

Managing Director and Head of Policy and Secretariat Services, Listing Division

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (“HKEX”)

Katherine Ng

Managing Director and Head of Policy and Secretariat Services, Listing Division

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (“HKEX”)

Ms. Katherine Ng joined HKEX in 2013.  Prior to that, Ms. Ng served in the Hong Kong Government, worked in an investment bank and law firm.  Ms. Ng holds a Master of Arts from the University of Cambridge and is a qualified lawyer in both Hong Kong and England & Wales.

Ellie Pang FCG HKFCG

Chief Executive

The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute

Ellie Pang FCG HKFCG

Chief Executive

The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute

Ellie Pang, who is a qualified lawyer, has over 20 years of experience as a solicitor in major international law firms and as a senior policy regulator at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Ms Pang has been the CEO of The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute (HKCGI) since 2020.

Ms Pang has been a frequent keynote speaker, moderator, speaker and panelist at numerous conferences and seminars on corporate governance and ESG.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Improved understanding of the importance of ESG and climate related performance and reporting amongst all organisations

Hendrik Rosenthal

Director – Group Sustainability

CLP Holdings Limited

Hendrik Rosenthal

Director – Group Sustainability

CLP Holdings Limited

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 20 years of experience in environmental management across the public, private and NGO sectors, Hendrik previously led research and consulting projects in Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

I look forward to a net-zero future with increasing clean electrification and close collaboration between different sectors to make it a reality.

With thanks to

Hong Kong and Beyond

In Partnership with

14:00 – 14:10

Opening Welcome: Resetting Our Planet’s Trajectory Together

Speakers

Dr. María Mendiluce

CEO

We Mean Business Coalition

Dr. María Mendiluce

CEO

We Mean Business Coalition

María Mendiluce is the CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition and has 25 years of experience in sustainable development, energy and climate action. As CEO, María is leading on flagship net-zero initiatives encompassing companies of all sizes and several sectors.

She sits on the Executive Board of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) that has over 3,100 companies engaged. She actively took part in the founding and is a member of the Board of the Mission Possible Partnership that works to develop decarbonization roadmaps for seven hard-to-abate sectors including cement and steel. María also co-founded the SME Climate Hub that is building a one-stop-shop for smaller companies for their net-zero commitments.

Before, María was Managing Director and member of the Senior Management Team at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

I would like to make sure that Hong Kong businesses, small and big, are fully on board on the journey to halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050. #Allinfor2030

14:10 – 14:25

1000 Solutions to Change the World

Speakers

Bertrand Piccard

Founder and Chairman

Solar Impulse Foundation

Bertrand Piccard

Founder and Chairman

Solar Impulse Foundation

Psychiatrist and explorer Bertrand Piccard made history by accomplishing two aeronautical firsts – flying around the world non-stop in a balloon, and more recently in a solar-powered airplane plane without fuel. Pioneer in his way to consider ecology through the lens of profitability, he began working in the early 2000s to promote renewable energies and clean technologies. As Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation, he has succeeded in his mission to identify 1000 profitable solutions to protect the environment and support clean growth.

Supported by

14:25 – 15:20

All Hands on Deck: How Business Leadership Can Leverage Technology to Build a Sustainable Future

It is now conventional wisdom that technology will play a critical role in tackling global environmental issues. But have we become too fixated on digital technology or the next “cutting-edge” technology as the panacea for all our challenges while failing to invest in those that will solve critical problems? As the market size and investments into green technologies continue to grow, how can businesses prioritise technological innovations that build long-term societal resilience and a sustainable future? What is required to enable adoption of sustainable solutions?

Learnings

  • Have we become too fixated on digital technology, and do we tacitly assume that cutting edge technologies will be a panacea for all our challenges while failing to invest in those that actually solve critical problems? What are examples of environmental technologies that have resulted in the sustainable and wide-reaching impact? What lessons can we learn?
  • What are the biggest barriers in Hong Kong and beyond, when it comes to development and adoption of sustainable technologies? What are the policies, economic incentives, infrastructure development, and other supporting factors required to enable large scale adoption of sustainable technologies?
  • Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Fund has invested significantly in environmental-technology-related R&D projects. What fields of environmental technology is Hong Kong competitive in? Can we transform Hong Kong into a hub for sustainable technology innovation?

Post-Event Actions

  • Learn from examples of the successful adoption/application of green technology for sustainable impact.
  • Rethink how your company and industry may utilise technology specifically for the purpose of sustainable development.
  • Consider opportunities that will pave the way for the adoption of innovations that contribute to a amore sustainable future.

Speakers

MODERATOR

Eric Stryson

Managing Director

Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT)

Eric Stryson

Managing Director

Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT)

Eric leads GIFT’s dynamic advisory business, manages global 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 development, technology, and the role of business in society.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Reduced waste, improved walkability, overall improved quality of life for all, including the basics of housing affordability, access to nutritious food, purposeful employment, dignified ageing in place.

Dickson Law

Managing Director, Transportation and Water for Asia

Atkins

Dickson Law

Managing Director, Transportation and Water for Asia

Atkins

With more than 25 years of experience in engineering and construction in the infrastructure and transport markets, Mr. Dickson Law is the Managing Director for Transportation and Water Businesses for Asia in Atkins.

Mr Law is responsible for all the civil engineering offerings in Hong Kong & Macau, including Highways and Transport Infrastructure, Tunneling and Ground Engineering, Aviation and Government Works, and Water and Environment.

Mr. Law was involved in various major multi disciplinary infrastructure projects and has played a key role in successfully delivering some of the most recognizable and complex projects in Hong Kong, including the Central Reclamation Phase III, Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge, Airport Third Runway projects.

Mr. Law is a registered Chartered Civil Engineer and holds a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering and Master Degree in Civil Engineering Management . He holds the membership of MHKIE, MIStructE , MICE, RPE, RSE 1 PRC, Accredited NEC3/ NEC4 ECC Project Manager and he is currently a Council Member of the Hong Kong Association of Consulting Engineers (ACEHK).

Pamela Mar

Managing Director

ICC Digital Standards Initiative

Pamela Mar

Managing Director

ICC Digital Standards Initiative

Pamela Mar is the Managing Director of the Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) of the International Chamber of Commerce, based in Singapore. She was previously Executive Vice President for Knowledge and Applications with the Fung Group, where she served as a sustainability and supply chain innovation leader for over 10 years.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Accelerate the digitalization of supply chains and global trade in order to drive growth, development and inclusion.

Bertrand Piccard

Founder and Chairman

Solar Impulse Foundation

Bertrand Piccard

Founder and Chairman

Solar Impulse Foundation

Psychiatrist and explorer Bertrand Piccard made history by accomplishing two aeronautical firsts – flying around the world non-stop in a balloon, and more recently in a solar-powered airplane plane without fuel. Pioneer in his way to consider ecology through the lens of profitability, he began working in the early 2000s to promote renewable energies and clean technologies. As Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation, he has succeeded in his mission to identify 1000 profitable solutions to protect the environment and support clean growth.

Noky Wong

Chief Executive

Jardine Engineering Corporation

Noky Wong

Chief Executive

Jardine Engineering Corporation

Noky has over 30 years of experience in managing engineering businesses and before joining JEC, Noky held a number of leadership roles in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Malaysia with Jardine Schindler Group. He graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Supported by

With thanks to

15:20 – 16:10

A Just Transition: Prioritising Basic Needs and Creating Business Opportunities of the Future

The basic needs of a significant proportion of the world’s population remain unmet (i.e., access to clean water and sanitation, nutrition, electricity, adequate housing, healthcare, education). In Hong Kong , almost 15% of the population are unable to afford basic necessities. In discussing what a sustainable future will look like, beyond the focus on environmental sustainability, it is equally important to  meet these basic needs to ensure societal resilience and social sustainability. Moving forward, how should governments and businesses  develop policies and business models to meet such needs while capturing business opportunities in the face of growing environmental and societal challenges?

Learnings

  • What are some notable efforts countries in Asia or beyond are making to ensure basic needs for their populations are met? What are the successes and challenges faced, and what lessons can be learned from their experiences?
  • How can businesses contribute to improving the lives of communities they operate in / people they affect?
  • How can businesses develop successful business models that balance capturing opportunities with building societal resilience / meeting basic needs, especially in the context of the growing environmental challenges we face?

Post-Event Actions

  • Learn from successes and challenges faced by various countries in their efforts to meet their populations’ basic needs, alleviate poverty, etc.
  • Rethink how your company and industry may address and contribute to alleviating these fundamental concerns.
  • Consider future business opportunities and new business models that will contribute to social sustainability.

Speakers

MODERATOR

Aasha Pai

Co-Chair, Asia Board

EMpower, the Emerging Markets Foundation

Aasha Pai

Co-Chair, Asia Board

EMpower, the Emerging Markets Foundation

Aasha Pai is a global health consultant with over 20 years of experience focusing on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender equity. She is the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Empower Asia, the Emerging Markets Foundation and a Senior Associate at Mann Global Health.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

I want to see all people in Hong Kong living with dignity, with decent livelihoods to meet their basic needs and beyond, and access to the services they need in the ways they want them.

Hester DeCasper

Regional Head of Operations, East Asia Pacific

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Hester DeCasper

Regional Head of Operations, East Asia Pacific

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Hester is the Head of Office for IFC in Hong Kong, SAR, where she is responsible for developing business and knowledge-sharing opportunities with Hong Kong-based partners and clients. She also serves as IFC’s Regional Head of Operations, East Asia & Pacific. As RHO she is responsible for regional strategy formulation, facilitation and oversight of investment and advisory programs, fundraising efforts, and general administration.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

More use of renewables, and smart management of food and plastic waste!

Dr Sarah Chapman

Global Chief Sustainability Officer

Manulife Financial Corporation

Dr Sarah Chapman

Global Chief Sustainability Officer

Manulife Financial Corporation

As the Global Chief Sustainability Officer at Manulife, Sarah is responsible for leading the ongoing development and execution of the organization’s global sustainability and social impact strategy and oversees environmental, social & governance (ESG) reporting and disclosures. She has her PhD in Sustainability and Social Impact and a Master’s in Management.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Driving sustained interest and engagement on sustainability – both in the business context and in people’s personal lives.

Dr. Pamela Tin

Head of Healthcare & Social Development

Our Hong Kong Foundation

Dr. Pamela Tin

Head of Healthcare & Social Development

Our Hong Kong Foundation

Pam received her PhD from the School of Public Health at The University of Hong Kong. With experience in both academic and public policy research, she is dedicated to improving health and social policies through research and advocacy. Pam and her team at OHKF have published high-profile policy papers on various topics ranging from primary healthcare to health workforce that have put forward recommendations adopted by the government. She is an active commentator of the topic and is regularly invited to share her perspectives at conferences and seminars.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Better access to healthcare for all to promote wellbeing across the life course. For Hong Kong, this will entail utmost commitment to primary healthcare development.

With thanks to

16:10 – 17:10

Bridging the Gaps: Hong Kong’s Role in Advancing the Sustainability Dialogue Between China, ASEAN and Beyond

Hong Kong has long been considered the connector between China and the rest of the world. This role will continue to be of critical importance in areas of sustainability-related policy and technological innovation, as developing countries in ASEAN and beyond embark on their sustainable development journeys and seek to learn from the successes and failures of their neighbouring economies such as China. How can Hong Kong best leverage its role as a bridge and an outbound and inbound connector to China to facilitate greater dialogue and learning? What new opportunities will this present to Hong Kong?

Learnings

  • How can Hong Kong leverage its role to facilitate dialogue and cooperation between China and ASEAN region and other developing countries?
  • What business opportunities will Hong Kong realise in its role as a connector?
  • China’s 14th Five-Year Plan underscores a commitment to the “dual circulation” concept for economic development, driven by reform and innovation, led by quality supply and creating new demands, with the domestic market as the mainstay, while enabling domestic and foreign markets to interact positively with each other. How can Hong Kong fulfil its responsibility to proactively become a “participant” in domestic circulation and a “facilitator” of international circulation in the “dual circulation” development strategy?
  • With the arrival of the Common Ground Taxonomy (an in-depth comparison exercise that puts forward areas of commonality and differences between the EU and China’s green taxonomies), what other opportunities and challenges do you foresee in Hong Kong’s push for different frameworks of collaboration and sustainability dialogue between China, ASEAN and beyond?

Post-Event Actions

  • Consider Hong Kong’s role and the business opportunities for the city in advancing sustainability dialogue and cooperation on the international stage.
  • Rethink and reimagine current modes of collaboration to establish new frameworks of cooperation in various industries.
  • Gain deeper understanding of China’s development experience and identify opportunities to apply such learnings in Hong Kong and beyond.

Speakers

MODERATOR

Walter van Hattum

Head of Trade and Economic

EU Office to Hong Kong and Macao

Walter van Hattum

Head of Trade and Economic

EU Office to Hong Kong and Macao

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

Tristan Ace

Chief Programme Officer

AVPN

Tristan Ace

Chief Programme Officer

AVPN

Tristan leads AVPN’s portfolio of programmes, which include Policy, Climate Action and Gender Equality and aim to mobilise greater amounts of capital more strategically to address these critical issues right across the Asia Pacific region. He also regularly teaches and guest lectures on social entrepreneurship and social innovation in the Asia Pacific region and is an honorary lecturer at the University of Hong Kong. He has more than 18 years’ experience working in more than 20 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and for the past 11 years in the Asia Pacific region.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

I would like to see Hong Kong strengthen its role as a global centre of Sustainable Finance.

Matt Ashworth

Commercial Counsellor, Energy & Infrastructure

Department for International Trade, British Embassy

Matt Ashworth

Commercial Counsellor, Energy & Infrastructure

Department for International Trade, British Embassy

Matt runs the Energy & Infrastructure teams for the Department of International Trade in China, based in the British Embassy Beijing. His team helps Chinese companies to invest in energy & infrastructure projects in the UK, and support UK companies to access export opportunities with Chinese customers in China and third markets. Matt has a degree in History from Oxford University and an MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham. He has experience in trade & investment policy, including investment in the energy sector. His career has seen him working in London, Sydney, Brussels and Bucharest. Matt joined the UK Civil Service in 2014, following work in the private sector, and has worked in a number of Government Departments in London. Prior to moving to China, he was based in the Department for International Trade in London, where he led work on investment policy development and multilateral engagement with bodies such as the UN, WTO and OECD.

Mark Lam

Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Sustainability

Hongkong Land Limited

Mark Lam

Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Sustainability

Hongkong Land Limited

Mark Lam is the Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Sustainability. He is responsible for managing the Group’s relationships with stakeholders across the investment community, as well as the development and implementation of the Group’s sustainability strategy.

Prior to his current role, Mr Lam served as a Senior Corporate Finance Manager, where he supported the development of Group-wide strategies, including investment evaluations and board reporting. Before joining Hongkong Land, he was a Director at KPMG’s Deal Advisory practice, advising investors on cross-border transactions across the region.

Mr Lam is a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of British Columbia.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Acceleration of efforts by the real estate community to aggressively retrofit existing buildings, a vast majority of which will remain in operation well into the 2030s.

Christine Loh

Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Christine Loh

Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Christine Loh was the Undersecretary for the Environment in the HKSAR Government and well-known for her policy work. Since leaving government, she is teaching and writing. She sits on numerous boards internationally, and is advisor to HKSTP, Teneo, and BASF. She is a published author of many academic and popular works.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

That interest in sustainability will blossom and more organisations in HK will embark on a positive path in 2022.

With thanks to

All sessions are subject to change.