Mainstreaming the Business Case for Nature with TNFD and Policy Drivers

Katie works on BEC’s Policy & Research team where she contributes to the development of policy positions on Hong Kong’s existing and emerging environmental challenges and drives the delivery of impactful projects to embed sustainability into business strategy and the city’s broader climate transition. Katie currently leads the team’s nature-related work to narrow the gap between business and nature, incorporate biodiversity considerations into local policy and business decision-making, and supports other sectoral decarbonisation initiatives, such as the aviation sector through sustainable aviation fuel.
Prior to working in Hong Kong, Katie worked in the UK to deliver analysis and thought leadership to impact investors and sustainability-minded corporates on climate change policy, the blue economy, biodiversity and nature conservation. Katie is a Geography graduate of King’s College London.

My Sustainability Goal for 2024:

• Mainstreaming biodiversity protection into Hong Kong’s business decision-making and policy landscape.
• Engage key stakeholders and facilitate collaboration to bring about positive and impactful industry change for nature, biodiversity, and the broader environment.

Simeon Cheng is the Group Director of sustainability of Vitasoy International Holdings Limited. He is a sustainability professional with 30 years of experience leading the development of sustainability strategies and overseeing implementation in consultancy and corporate environments.

Before joining Vitasoy, he served in environmental and sustainability leadership roles at the MTR Corporation and CLP Holdings Limited. He has also served in many external roles including being a board member on GRI’s Global Sustainability Standards Board between 2015/2016.

Simeon holds a Fellowship in Chemical Engineering with the Institution of Chemical Engineers, UK, a Fellowship with the Hong Kong Institute of Environmental Impact Assessment, and degrees in business administration and law.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Stronger policy support on environmental issues;
Elevate awareness on key sustainability topics in society;

Dr. David Gallacher is an environmental specialist with AECOM and has worked across the Asia region, primarily based in Hong Kong but also spending time in Shanghai, Delhi and Singapore. He has an academic background in ecology and environmental management and possesses experience in a wide range of project types, including environmental planning, impact assessment and monitoring, nature-based solution design, sustainable urban planning , water-sensitive urban design and ESG Reporting. David is currently the chairperson of the Hong Kong Institute of Environmental Impact Assessment and a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Promoting a more quantitative understanding of our relationships with nature by leveraging new technologies, allowing us to identify risks and dependences and plan for a nature-positive future

Melanie is the Assistant General Manager (Sustainability) and the Head of Sustainability of Sino Group. She oversees a range of sustainability projects related to ESG. Being a specialist in the realm of Sustainable Development for nearly 20 years, 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 Master Degree in Sustainable Business from the University of Cambridge. She is also a certified Sustainable Tourism Professional by Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Melanie is serving various public duties, including the Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC)’s Environment & Sustainability Committee, a member of the Publicity Working Group of Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC), a sub-committee member on Youth and Capacity Building of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, HKSAR Government and a member of the Advisory Committee on Recycling Fund (RFAC) of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, HKSAR Government.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024

Joining hands with our stakeholders in creating better lifescapes.

Sophia Zhu is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in strategic governance, environmental sustainability, and organisational growth. As the Special Advisor of Development and Strategy at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), she leverages her expertise to advance conservation efforts, drive innovative approaches to protecting biodiversity, and work with corporations to integrate these principles into their business strategies.

With a passion for integrating science, art, and philosophy, Sophia brings a holistic perspective to understanding and safeguarding our natural world. Her experience spans both the corporate and non-profit sectors, allowing her to bridge the gap between business imperatives and environmental stewardship.

Previously, as Managing Director and Head of Compliance Testing APAC at Citigroup, Sophia built and led a regional compliance team, introduced climate risk management frameworks, and spearheaded transformative organizational changes. Her work in the financial sector provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities businesses face in adopting sustainable practices.

Sophia also serves as a Trustee at the Croucher Foundation, where she has led governance reforms and provided strategic direction. Her expertise in trust-based philanthropy and stakeholder engagement has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and driving impactful change.

At KFBG, Sophia combines her strategic planning skills, environmental knowledge, and leadership experience to further the organization’s mission of nature conservation and sustainable living. She bridges corporate sustainability goals with practical conservation efforts, enhancing the impact of KFBG’s initiatives.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Corporations start to engage in proactive biodiversity enhancement and habitat restoration work.