AI Opportunities in Energy Infrastructure Development in the Greater Bay Area

Multidisciplinary leader with diverse knowledge, experience and networks that span multiple functions, industries and geographies across EMEA and ASEAN. Leading at the transformation intersection between ESG, sustainability and AI operating as a Co-Chair for Energy & Utilities at the AI Association of Hong Kong. Has a strong focus on operational, project, program management and commercialization. Holds multiple certifications in AI, Digital Leadership, Sustainability, Risk Management, a Masters in Marketing and an MBA. Experience as a Brand and Marketing Leader, Insights Leader, Chief of Staff, Business Manager, Innovation Executive, ESG Leader as well as Mentor for leading international organizations such as Investec, Deloitte, HSBC and Transnet.

My Sustainability Goals for 2026:

• I would like to see the increased adoption of Green AI in terms of applications to better recycling, climate management and biodiversity.
• Greater use of more nature based solutions to solve some of our largest problems.
• The use of AI to really provide rigor to ESG reporting and identifying new sustainable solutions.

Ir Queenie Chan is the General Manager – Business Transformation and Enquiry of The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas). She leads the Customer Service Hotline and the Business Transformation team, driving strategic transformation initiatives across Hong Kong Business. With over 20 years of leadership experience spanning customer service, sales and marketing, business analytics, and transformation, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening a data-driven culture and accelerating business and digital transformation. She also spearheads the development and adoption of AI initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and foster innovation across the business.
She is a Chartered Engineer of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering from The University of Hong Kong, as well as a Master of Science in Business Management from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

My Sustainability Goals for 2026:

First, to build smarter and more resilient energy infrastructure, especially using AI for predictive maintenance, risk monitoring and operational optimisation.

Second, to use AI and digital tools to drive energy efficiency, so that we reduce waste and make better use of existing resources.

And third, to strengthen Greater Bay Area collaboration, combining Hong Kong’s strengths in governance, finance and standards with the technology and infrastructure capabilities of other GBA cities.

Olivier Cotard is Founder and Managing Director of 3C Ventures Ltd., a Hong Kong-based strategy and operations consulting firm focused on deep tech, energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology commercialization. He advises innovative companies across Asia and Europe on market entry, business development, industrial partnerships, and operational growth, with particular experience in Mainland China.

His career spans more than 30 years and includes senior industrial and operating roles with international companies, including Alstom. His experience covers energy services, transportation infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and other asset-intensive industries. He has also advised companies and investors on cross-border expansion, technology deployment, business transformation, M&A, and private equity due diligence.

Olivier is also a Lecturer at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he teaches venture capital, entrepreneurial finance, innovation and technology, and business strategy. He serves as an Independent Expert for the European Commission’s European Innovation Council, evaluating deep-tech and high-potential innovation projects seeking grant and equity funding. He is a co-founder of the Asia Technology Entrepreneurship Conference (ATEC) and a mentor with Deep Tech Lab in Hong Kong. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an engineering degree from École Centrale de Lille.

My Sustainability Goals for 2026:

• Broader adoption of practical solutions that improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and strengthen resilience across Hong Kong’s buildings, transportation systems, and infrastructure.
• More responsible and secure use of AI and data to improve planning, operations, maintenance, and safety in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
• More opportunities for Hong Kong companies and innovators to pilot and scale sustainable technologies through collaboration among industry, universities, investors, and the public sector, including across the Greater Bay Area.

Dr Yongping Zhai

Senior Advisor on Carbon Neutrality, Tencent ; Former Chief of Energy Sector Group, Asian Development Bank

Dr Yongping Zhai graduated from Department of Thermal Engineering of Tsinghua University in 1983. Subsequently he studied in Institute of Energy Policy and Economics Grenoble, France, and received PHD in Energy Economics in 1989.

From 1990-1993, Dr Zhai was Assistant Professor in the Energy Technology Division, Asian Institute of Technology. From 1993 to 2000, he served as a Senior Energy Economist in the African Development Bank. He joined Asian Development Bank in September 2000 and served as Chief of Energy Sector Group at ADB, in charge of energy policy formulation and promotion of low-carbon technologies in Asian developing countries.

In July 2021, he joined Tencent as Senior Advisor in Strategy Development Department, supporting the company’s carbon neutrality operations and renewable energy development. In 2024, he became a member of the Steering Committee of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG-P).