Climate and Health: Risks, Resilience, and Business Opportunities

Ivy Leung, Executive Director of CarbonCare InnoLab, envisions the just transition by connecting climate change and social services to protect and respect the vulnerable communities in Hong Kong. She has participated in various international climate conferences, exchanging experience and knowledge on climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience, to explore the impact of climate change on Hong Kong. Beginning her career as a journalist, Ivy had worked in Hands On Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and Hang Seng Bank, where she gained an in-depth understanding of the different responsibilities of NGOs, funders and corporates in sustainable development.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

1. Intersectionality in climate adaptation plans
2. Cross-sectoral collaborations

Emily Chow is currently Deputy Chief Executive at OneDegree Hong Kong, heading the company to drive business growth, product innovation and operation automation with adoption of AI and technology for B2C virtual insurance.

Emily is a seasoned veteran with 20 years of experience in banking and finance industry. Prior to joining OneDegree, Emily held key top-management positions at virtual banks WeLab Bank and Airstar Bank as well as WeLend, a leading fintech company, where she demonstrated proven track records in driving the portfolio growth and go-to-market strategy on top of various winning branding and marketing campaigns with solid experiences in disrupting various industries by adopting innovative product designs and disrupting digital experiences. Previously leading PrimeCredit’s Marketing Team, Emily was instrumental in the “PrimeCredit Brothers” rebranding campaign in the earlier year, which was a huge success and eventually led the brand to become a market leader.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

“Creating a Greener, Kinder World for Tomorrow”

Driven by my love for community and care—values at the heart of OneDegree’s mission, I am committed to promoting choices that rebuild our planet’s resources and embrace everyone’s unique story, fostering a sustainable and inclusive world for the next generation.

Key Objectives for 2025:

Rebuilding for a Sustainable Tomorrow:

We adopt eco-conscious practices, such as minimizing paper printing and wastage at home, to model a working environment that creates a thriving, resource-conscious environment for future generations.

Embracing Diversity and Equality:

Guided by the belief in equality, we advocate for pet-friendly and LGBT-inclusive spaces, ensuring welcoming environments where everyone feels equally treated and valued.

Inspiring Collective Action:

On the panel, I will share our stories and practical steps that any corporates can do to encourage others to rebuild rather than deplete resources and to embrace diversity, motivating collective action for a sustainable, equitable world.

Wander is a senior executive with 30+ years management experience in businesses and NGOs in Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Since November 2021, Wander leads Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) as Executive Director, where he and his team of 300 staff work on nature conservation, sustainable living and holistic education with the mission to harmonize our (human) relationship with nature. KFBG has the vision to bring back biodiversity to Hong Kong, via Habitat Restoration / reforestation, its Native Tree Nursery and its Wild Animal Rescue Centre, which accepted more than 74,000 wild animals since it opened in 1994.

Furthermore, Wander is business advisor of and impact investor in social enterprises in Africa and the Netherlands, related to poverty alleviation and agricultural transition.

Stephen Wong is the Deputy Director of the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong and Vice Chairman of the Mental Health Foundation. A highly respected leader in the field of mental health and rehabilitation, Stephen has been honored as an Outstanding Social Worker and is recognized as a Fellow of Mental Health Social Work. He holds professional qualifications from Yale University, the University of Kansas, and the University of Nottingham. He is also a Certified Social Work Supervisor, deeply committed to advancing mental health care and fostering social inclusion.

Stephen is a recognized expert in Strength Model case management and has delivered extensive training to professionals across universities and organizations. With over 30 years of experience, he has partnered with numerous corporations to promote inclusive workplaces for individuals with mental health challenges. His work spans the full spectrum of mental health care—from prevention to recovery—leading to the development of numerous innovative projects that have earned him a strong reputation within the mental health sector.

Recently, Stephen has been integrating nature and wellness into his work. Through guided nature experiences, he aims to cultivate personal wellbeing, foster deeper self-connection, and strengthen interpersonal relationships with family and peers. This nature-based approach offers a holistic path to healing and personal growth, enriching both individual and collective mental wellness.