Finance & Supply Chains Theatre

Financing Corporates’ Transition to Net Zero

Day 1 : 13:55 – 14:45

The journey to net zero can be daunting, especially for corporates with limited resources operating in an increasingly competitive and challenging macro-environment.   Although the journey begins with a single step, what does that first step look like?  To alleviate some of that anxiety, this panel will explore how the transition to net zero can be approached with credibility and confidence and given the considerable investment required to support the overall transition, how collaboration with the banks can help support in decarbonising/ climate-proofing their business.

Learnings

  • What are the practical considerations on how corporates can approach the transition to net zero with real case studies?
  • How can data (incl. scope 3 disclosures) play a critical role in transition planning as well as engagement with stakeholders and ensuring integrity in financing structures?
  • How can banks align with clients on their journey to net zero and commit to supporting corporates with their own transition finance plans?

Post-event Actions

  • The importance of data as a foundation for a well-constructed transition plan.
  • Financing and other technological solutions available to corporates in their journey to net zero.

Speakers

Tsun Chen

Hong Kong Green Finance Association

Secretary General

Tsun has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining HKGFA, he worked for a number of corporate finance advisory firms and a specialist bank where he was responsible for cross-border mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, debt and equity restructurings and direct investments. Tsun is a qualified solicitor in England & Wales (non-practising), holds a BSc. in History and Philosophy of Science from University College London and is certified by the CFA in ESG Investing.

Celina Chan

OCBC

Head of Sustainable Finance, OCBC Hong Kong

Celina Chan heads up Sustainable Finance for OCBC Bank in Hong Kong. OCBC is the longest established Singapore bank and is one of the world’s most highly-rated banks.

OCBC, as an early mover in mobilising capital to support corporates’ sustainable transition, has recently surpassed its target of S$50 billion (~HK$300 billion) in sustainable financing by 2025. OCBC has been named Best Bank for Sustainable Finance in Hong Kong, and Best Bank for Sustainable Finance in Singapore, by Global Finance.

Celina, as a pioneer in ESG solutions, has contributed to innovative transactions including the world’s first Sustainability-Linked Bond for a real estate developer (2021) as well as Hong Kong’s first sustainable finance in the logistics industry (2022).

Prior to joining OCBC, Celina was at HSBC as an International Manager where she was a corporate banker in Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and the UK; and where she managed regional and global strategies for the bank. She specialised in impact finance when she was awarded a scholarship to complete an MBA at the University of Oxford.

Celina has lived in Asia, Europe, US, and Africa and is an advocate of finance for good.”

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

For greater collaboration in Hong Kong to allow much needed capital to help sectors most in need with their transition to a sustainable low-carbon world.

Calvin Wong

SGS Hong Kong Limited

Head of Sustainability Assurance Services

Mr. Wong is currently the Head of Sustainability Assurance Services at SGS Hong Kong Limited. With diverse global value chain background across multiple business sectors, he has extensive knowledge and field experience in sustainability and business consulting. He is a passionate practitioner and strategist in corporate sustainability, ESG disclosure, green finance and carbon solutions.

Mark Lam

Hongkong Land Limited

Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Sustainability

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.

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