APAC ESG Summit for SMEs Concludes Successfully at HKCEC
APAC ESG Summit for SMEs Concludes Successfully at HKCEC
30-05-2025
APAC ESG Summit for SMEs Concludes Successfully at HKCEC
Industry, Government, and Business Leaders Unite to Advance Sustainable Development
Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) successfully hosted the APAC ESG Summit for SMEs today (30 May) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). As a flagship event celebrating FHKI’s 65th anniversary, the Summit was supported by the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund under the Trade and Industry Department, attracting approximately 200 in-person and online participants from a wide array of industries. Attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on ESG compliance trends, practical applications, and upcoming challenges, alongside government officials, business leaders, and academic experts.
Dr Bernard Chan, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, highlighted the Government’s commitment to sustainable growth and the importance of ESG practices for SMEs in his address as Guest of Honour. He stated, “ESG is a global megatrend, with businesses and governments worldwide making concerted efforts to implement related initiatives. Indeed, a safe and stable environment, a harmonious and inclusive society, and sound corporate governance are key factors for investors and professionals considering their development in Hong Kong. To ensure Hong Kong’s continued progress and sustainable development, the promotion of ESG is essential.”
In his welcome remarks, FHKI Chairman Dr Steve Chuang emphasised the growing global focus on ESG, expressing confidence that the Summit would empower SMEs to better understand the latest ESG standards. “The benefits of ESG to corporate governance are widely recognised. Not only does it enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, but it also significantly improves corporate image, building greater loyalty and trust among customers and investors. Through knowledge sharing and cross-sector collaboration, this Summit will help drive ESG advancement across the industry and foster sustainable development,” Dr Chuang stated.
The Summit was also honoured to feature a keynote address by Professor Shusong Ba, Professor of Practice in Finance at the University of Hong Kong Business School and member of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit Expert Group, delivered via video. Professor Ba highlighted the increasing stringency of international ESG standards and the need for SMEs to proactively review their strategies to embrace transformative opportunities. “As an international financial, shipping, and logistics hub, Hong Kong serves as a ‘super-connector’ among global economies. It is vital for SMEs to comply with international ESG requirements, prepare early, explore tailored disclosure measures, and enhance their ability to report on carbon emissions and ESG compliance,” Professor Ba advised.
The Summit featured two panel discussions. The first, “Building Sustainable Supply Chains: Challenges and Best Practices,” explored the obstacles SMEs face in meeting ESG requirements and highlighted successful case studies. The second panel, “Navigating EU Sustainability Compliance: Strategies for HKMEs,” focused on European Union ESG standards and how APAC manufacturers can effectively respond. Both sessions brought together distinguished industry representatives and academic experts, with active participation from attendees during interactive Q&A sessions.
In her closing remarks, Executive Deputy Chairman of FHKI and Chairman of the FHKI ESG Committee Clara Chan reiterated that ESG has become integral to business operations amid accelerating global efforts for carbon reduction and sustainability. “We hope today’s ESG Summit has inspired the manufacturing community to view ESG not just as a regulatory requirement, but as a long-term strategic priority that drives resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth for our industry’s future. We are currently developing a Carbon Management Guideline and preparing an online platform to provide information on CBAM compliance and carbon management,” Ms Chan announced.
Pic 1: Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Dr Bernard Chan (forth right), FHKI Chairman Dr Steve Chuang (forth left), took a group photo together with FHKI leadership.
Pic 2: FHKI Chairman Dr Steve Chuang delivered his welcome remarks.
Pic 3: Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Dr Bernard Chan delivered the opening remarks.
Pic 4: Professor of Practice in Finance at the Business School of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Shusong Ba, delivered a pre-recorded keynote speech.
Pic 5: FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the ESG Committee Clara Chan announced the forthcoming release of FHKI's Carbon Management Guideline.
Pic 6: Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Dr Bernard Chan (fifth right in the front row), FHKI Chairman Dr Steve Chuang (fifth left in the front row), FHKI leadership and the Summit’s VIP guests took a group photo with all panelists.
Pic 7: Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Dr Bernard Chan (fifth right in the front row) and FHKI leadership took a photo with VIP guests and representatives of supporting organisations.
Pic 8: The first discussion panel, moderated by FHKI Deputy Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the ESG Committee Jude Chow (first left), undergone a deep sharing on the topic “Building Sustainable Supply Chains: Challenges and Best Practices”. Panelists include (from second left): Celina Chan, Head of Sustainability & Sustainable Finance of OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited; Michael Keppe, CEO of Pergamon Labs & Board Member of German Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong; Ken Lam, Managing Director of InResST HK Co, Ltd; Samanta Pong, Executive Director of Shiu Wing Steel Ltd; and Ryoichi Arai, CEO of Arai Paper Recycling Co., Ltd.
Pic 9: Another discussion panel, themed “Navigating EU Sustainability Compliance: Strategies for HKMEs”, was moderated by Bill Li, Director of Corporate Affairs, Lalamove (first left). Panelists included (from second left): Christina Chan, Executive Director, Xiashun Holdings Limited; Mohit Grover, Lead Partner for Climate & Sustainability Services, Deloitte Hong Kong; Richard Lin, Project Manager, Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality, the University of Hong Kong; Prof Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist of Institute for the Environment, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; and Keith Wong, Group Head of Sustainability, Top Form Group.
Pic 10: The Summit was well-attended, drawing over 200 participants both in person and online.
*Visit here for higher resolution photos and and review of the presentation slides.
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