Building Effective Collaborations for Circular Supply Chains

Mr Jude Chow is the Founder and CEO of AEL (International Holdings) Limited. Early in his career in Australia, he gained extensive experience in large-scale construction, airport engineering, and environmental engineering projects. He later assumed a regional leadership role at a German technology firm, overseeing projects across 13 Asia-Pacific countries.

Since joining AEL, Mr Chow has spearheaded the company’s sustainable growth through product innovation and expansion into new international markets, including countries along the Belt and Road Initiative. He is currently collaborating with partners, local research institutes, and universities to develop waste-to-energy solutions tailored for the Asian market.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Mr Chow is committed to giving back to the community. He actively participates in voluntary initiatives and serves as a mentor at the City University of Hong Kong’s School of Energy and Environment. He also plays a key role in promoting sustainability by representing the industry in dialogues with government bodies and international counterparts.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

Mr Chow aims to promote and advocate sustainable practices among Hong Kong’s SMEs by encouraging the adoption of circular economy principles. His goal is to help businesses reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and incorporate sustainability into their business model.

Ms Katherine Chan, MBA
Director, Business Development
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel

Ms Chan has extensive experiences in the full supply chain of textile and apparel industry globally. Her knowledge covers textile chemicals, yarn spinning and textile manufacturing and was in roles overseeing design to garment productions to retail in the USA, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Ms Chan has worked with textile factories in Asia and the Americas in product development as well as manufacturing. She was involved in R&D, marketing, operations and quality assurance.

Before joining HKRITA, Ms Chan was with BASF as global product manager as well as global marketing, strategic projects and regional product managements for different chemical segments.

During the years, she has worked with global teams and management for chemical manufacturing around the world including Europe, the USA, Asia and Middle East.

Ms Chan received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from University of Wisconsin, Madison, an AAS degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising from Fashion Institute of Technology, both in the USA and MBA from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Dr. Chris DeArmitt is an internationally recognized scientist, author, and thought leader in materials science, known for his relentless commitment to uncovering and communicating the truth about plastics and their environmental impact. With a career spanning decades and grounded in rigorous, peer-reviewed research, Dr. DeArmitt stands at the forefront of dispelling myths and correcting misinformation pervasive in today’s environmental discourse.

Author of influential books such as “The Plastics Paradox” and “Shattering the Plastics Illusion,” Dr. DeArmitt combines scientific depth with engaging clarity, revealing through meticulous analysis how conventional narratives about plastics and their ecological footprint often diverge dramatically from reality. His work is driven by a passion for scientific integrity, using evidence-based reasoning to challenge widely held beliefs and inform sustainable policies.

As the founder of the Plastics Research Council, Dr. DeArmitt has created an essential resource dedicated to educating policymakers, industries, and the public about scientifically validated environmental facts. He has reviewed and synthesized over 5,000 scientific studies, becoming a leading authority whose insights influence both academic circles and global industries.

Beyond academia and research, Dr. DeArmitt is a sought-after keynote speaker, adept at translating complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. His engaging presentations not only illuminate critical environmental truths but inspire thoughtful dialogue, driving meaningful change in how society perceives and interacts with plastics.

Dedicated to a future where environmental decisions are rooted in factual accuracy rather than misconceptions, Dr. DeArmitt continues to be an influential voice advocating for evidence-based environmental stewardship.

My 2025 Sustainability Goals

• My goal is to educate people on the science of of plastics and the environment.
• This will enable business people to make wiser decisions.
• It will enable policy makers to make good policy that works.
• A goal is to make sure people are informed rather than afraid about microplastics

As Chairman of Esquel China Holdings Ltd., Calvin Tsang spearheads all operations and strategic initiatives for Esquel across China. Esquel Group is a knowledge-based innovation company that consistently drives positive changes in the textile and apparel business, expanding into new territories to evolve with the industry and its customers.

As a key member of the Group’s senior management team, Calvin joined Esquel in 2002 as the Assistant General Manager for its cotton operations in Xinjiang. Over the last two decades, he has held diverse leadership roles spanning sales, operations, supply chain management, and human resources.

Before Esquel, Calvin gained significant experience in international management consultancy and founded and operated start-up ventures in China, building a strong foundation across various industries and geographical markets in Asia.

Beyond Esquel, Calvin serves as the Vice President of the Guangdong Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment, the Council Member of the China Overseas Friendship Association in Xinjiang, and a Member of 13th Foshan Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Calvin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and an MBA in International Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham in the UK. He also possesses a License for Independent Directors issued by the Shanghai Stock Exchange and is an Associate Certified Coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation.