Smart Cities: Enhancing Urban Living Through Technology

Day 1 : 15:55 – 16:55

Join us for an engaging panel session as we explore the transformative potential of technology in creating more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban environments.

In an increasingly urbanized world, cities face numerous challenges such as congestion, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. However, advancements in technology offer promising solutions to address these issues and improve the quality of life for Hong Kong citizens. This panel session will bring together thought leaders, experts, and innovators from various disciplines to discuss the role of technology in shaping the future of cities.

Whether you are a policy maker, urban planner, technologist, or simply interested in the future of cities, this panel session will provide a platform for insightful discussions and exchange of ideas. Join us as we explore how technology can transform cities into more liveable, sustainable, and connected communities.

Learnings

  • How can smart city initiatives ensure inclusivity and bridge the digital divide to benefit all citizens?
  • What are the potential economic, social, and environmental benefits of investing in smart city technologies?
  • What are the key factors that contribute to the successful implementation of smart city projects, and what are the common pitfalls to avoid?
  • What are the future trends and emerging technologies that hold promise for further enhancing urban living and sustainability?

Post-event Actions

  • Gain insights into real-world examples of successful smart city initiatives and learn about the potential benefits they can bring to Hong Kong.
  • Learn from experts about their expertise and experiences, highlighting best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to urban development.

Speakers

Akina Ho

Pi Labs

Venture Partner, Asia

Akina Ho, is currently service as an Advisor for Pi Labs as their Venture Partner for Asia. She is the Co-Founder of AllStarsWomen DAO, and also the Co-Founder and Advisor for Hong Kong Proptech Alliance. She has been in the hospitality industry for close to 20 years and now she is a well-respected thought leader in the innovative tech like space like AI, PropTech and the Web3 space covering NFTs, Metaverse, blockchain, GameFi, DeFi, and DAOs. She is also on Board of Web2, Web3, and AI companies. She was one of the Executives that helped a built a Unicorn in Hong Kong 2017 with investors from FoxConn and Softbank. Akina is an Adjunct Professor for HKUST, teaching how to use Art of War for business and digital transformation. She is a well-known global keynote speaker and panelist with notable media appearances on Bloomberg and Fox International about the latest innovations and technology business trends.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

1. Reduce paper usage by using technologies
2. Reduce energy consumption by using technologies
3. Reduce waste by using biodegradable materials or reuse waste to create another usage

Steven Lai

ATAL Engineering Group

Chief Executive, Environmental Engineering

Steven Lai is the Chief Executive of Environmental Engineering at ATAL Engineering Group, overseeing the Group’s environmental engineering operations. With over 30 years of experience in infrastructure mechanical and electrical engineering, Steven has a proven track record in designing and implementing innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness of water, wastewater, solid waste, gas treatment processes and infrastructure projects in Hong Kong and overseas.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Increased use of renewable energy and hydrogen, proper and effective waste separation to enhance recycling and waste-to-energy, more underground infrastructure, and use of AI with big data

Victor Li

Dunwell Environmental Management Co., Ltd.

Business Development Director

Victor has over 27 years of experience in environmental & waste management fields and substantial experience in introducing and lining up overseas environmental technologies for Hong Kong and Mainland China. He oversees the Hong Kong operation of various chemical waste management programs, remediation and cleanup, one stop recycling services and energy saving for clients including HKSAR government, major utility companies, property management sectors, transportation companies, etc. Mr. Li has been actively advising various environmental companies from Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific on the latest technological development and market dynamics and presenting in many overseas conferences and occasions.

Trained as an engineer, Victor is the Vice President of the Hong Kong Environmental Industry Association, Past Chairman for Hong Kong Waste Management Association, Fellow member for Hong Kong Green Strategy Alliance.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

To introduce genuine down-to-earth solutions to Corporates & SMEs via circular food waste recycling.

 

Dr Jun Zhao

Hong Kong Baptist University

Associate Professor, Department of Biology

Dr. Zhao Jun is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biology and the Institute of Advanced Materials at Hong Kong Baptist University. He obtained his Ph.D. from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Dr. Zhao’s research primarily focuses on heterogeneous catalysis and its applications in biomass conversion and waste utilization. He specializes in integrating the design and selection of nanomaterials with process design advancements to enhance conversion efficiency and waste-to-fuel and chemical technologies. He has published over ninety research papers and has led several research projects on the utilization of biomass resources and clean energy.
Dr. Zhao is a member of the Chinese Chemical Society, the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences, and the American Chemical Society. Dr. Zhao serves as a guest editor or editorial board member for journals such as Energy, Ecology and Environmental, Energy Materials, Bioresource Technology, Environmental Pollution, Environmental Technology, Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy, Engineering Report etc.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

With thanks to