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HKQAA International Sustainability Forum • Hong Kong 2025: Support the Government’s Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure, Foster cross-border Cooperation and Green Development
Linked policymakers and business leaders to explore green opportunities and low-carbon transition of the BRI
Sustainable development and low-carbon transition have become a global topic of concern, receiving significant attention from both the business and financial sectors. The Forum invited local and overseas political and business leaders, experts and academics to share their experiences and insights. In the Morning Forum – Seizing Green Finance Opportunities in the Low-Carbon Transition of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater Bay Area, the special guest speakers included Dr Zhang Jianyu, Chief Development Officer of BRI International Green Development Coalition; Mr Riyadi Suparno, Executive Director of Tenggara Strategics (speaker from Indonesia); Mr Ronnie Tham, Partner at Treo Capital (speaker from Malaysia); and Mr Leo Horn-Phathanothai, Founder and CEO, Just Transitions Incubator (JUTI) (speaker from Thailand).
“We took the lead in launching the Green Finance Certification Scheme in 2018 to help enable Hong Kong to leverage its strengths as a Belt and Road investment and financing platform to attract international capital and boost Belt and Road development. Moreover, we have forged a cooperative relationship with BRI International Green Development Coalition, which is jointly initiated by Ministry of Ecology and Environment of our country and international organisations. We aim to promote exchanges and mutual recognition of carbon standards with BRI countries, strengthen capacity-building training, and foster closer green cooperation,” said Ir C. S. Ho, Chairman of the HKQAA.
In the Afternoon Forum – Implementing Sustainable Development and Climate Financial Disclosure, the special guest speakers included Representative of Beijing Municipal Finance Bureau; Ms Janey Lai, Chief Executive Officer, The Accounting and Financial Reporting Council; Mr Leng Bing, Member of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB); Prof Liu Yifang, Director, Sustainable Standards Research Center, Central University of Finance and Economics, Professor and PhD Supervisor of School of Economics.
Climate Impact GPS Campaign: supporting the Government’s roadmap on climate disclosure
HKQAA announced on the event that it took the lead in launching the HKQAA Climate Impact GPS Campaign earlier this year in support of the sustainability disclosure policies of our country and the HKSAR Government. This initiative aims to engage organisations, including the banking sector and the listed companies, in building capacity to address climate-related risks and opportunities so as to well prepare required climate-related financial disclosures by offering industry-based technical guidance, workshops and software tools, including the scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions calculation tool.
The Campaign is open to organisations at no cost, and nearly 90 participating organisations that joined the Pilot Program were recognised on a presentation ceremony in the Afternoon Session. Participating organisations of the Pilot Program gain prior access to preview relevant industry-based technical guidance, as well as participate in workshops and use the tools.
In terms of promoting professional talent development, HKQAA is honoured to be invited to cooperate with the Beijing Municipal Finance Bureau on a sustainability information disclosure pilot and training project, helping the country steadily advance the development of its sustainability disclosure standards system. Moreover, a memorandum of understanding was signed at the Forum by Mr P C Chan, Chief Executive Officer of HKQAA, and Prof Karen Cheung, Director of Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development. This memorandum aims to jointly promote the establishment and optimisation of sustainable development talent standards in Hong Kong, enhance talent cultivation and the upgrading of sustainable development skills, effectively drive industry-wide sustainable development, and foster Hong Kong and the entire Greater Bay Area as an international centre for sustainable development talent.
”I would like to take this opportunity to thank the HKQAA for its contributions to the development of green finance in Hong Kong. The HKQAA has been participating in the development of international standards for sustainable finance and launched the Green and Sustainable Finance Certification Scheme (formerly called Green Finance Certification Scheme) in 2018. I am delighted to know that the HKQAA also supports the development of a roadmap for sustainability disclosure in our country by contributing to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Finance and Economy’s pilot project for sustainability disclosure and talent development. At home, it has supported Hong Kong’s own disclosure roadmap by establishing industry-specific climate risk tools to help local businesses prepare for future reporting requirements,” said Mr Christopher Hui, GBS, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, in his remarks via video.
Introducing the Effectiveness and Potential Application of Structural Data Disclosure Model for Sustainability Disclosure
HKQAA introduced a brand-new structural data disclosure model in 2024, named the “Nexus Data Model”. With the meaning of nexus, the objective of the data model is to link material sustainability issues and to connect all stakeholders together. This model is already applied to HKQAA ESG Connect Program, Hong Kong Registration and will be used for other engagement, disclosure or assessment services in the future application.
As the evaluation project leader of this data disclosure model, Professor Zhang Lin, School of Energy and Environment of the City University of Hong Kong, shared on the Afternoon Forum the team’s finding based on data obtained from the HKQAA ESG Connect Program. The results confirmed that the data model effectively encourages businesses to adopt ESG initiatives and disclose progress on ESG, Carbon Action, Climate Response, and CBAM Ready, while strengthening stakeholder connections. Ultimately, it fosters a sustainable ESG Ecosystem, driving long-term ESG development.
Establishing strategic partnership to promote high-quality development in the GBA
On the Forum, under the witness of Mr P C Chan, Chief Executive Officer of HKQAA, and Mr Gao Guosheng, Member of the Party Leadership Group of the Guangdong Provincial Administration for Market Regulation, Secretary of the Party Committee and Secretary General of the Guangdong Intellectual Property Administration, a memorandum of understanding was signed by Mr K T Ting, HKQAA’s Chief Operating Officer, and Mr Lu Yongchi, Chief Operation Officer of The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Certification Promotion Centre. This memorandum aims to deepen cooperation in the field of testing and certification, advance the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, promote the alignment of regulatory mechanisms between the mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao regions, and support the high-quality development of the Greater Bay Area.
Co-hosting green industry themed forum with the People’s Government of Nanping
Nanping is endeavouring to become the country’s model city of green development, flourishing through its green industries. Co-hosted by HKQAA and the People’s Government of Nanping, Fujian Province, Thematic Forum – Shaping a Sustainable and Livable City: Green Industry, Shared by the World focused on topics of carbon measurement, value of ecological products, and the bamboo industry. Mr Wei Dunsheng, Deputy Mayor of Nanping Municipal People’s Government, Fujian Province, was the officiating guest of the Thematic Forum.
Launched a silver-friendly registration scheme to support the Government’s silver economy policy
The presentation ceremony of the Hong Kong Green and Sustainability Contribution Awards 2025 was held on the event. The Awards aim to encourage companies to incorporate sustainable practices into their management decisions and daily operations, and recognise their efforts and contributions. Ｏrganisations and venues from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas were honoured.
This year, “Promote High-Quality Elderly Living”, “Promote Silver-friendly Community” and “Promote Halai-friendly Community” categories were newly added to the Awards. The awards of “Promote High-Quality Elderly Living” and “Promote Silver-friendly Community” were presented by Dr Bernard Chan, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Government of the HKSAR, who also officiated the Thematic Forum – Pathways to the Sustainable Development of the Silver Economy.
HKQAA has been launching various certification and registration schemes in line with government policy directions to continuously enhance the professionalism and recognition of the industry. To support the Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy led by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, HKQAA has introduced the HKQAA Hong Kong Registration – Silver-friendly Series. This series aims to guide enterprises in tapping into the silver market through three main aspects – venues, products and services, while also creating a better living environment for the elderly. HKQAA will continue to promote the registration scheme, encouraging more enterprises to participate and jointly respond to the government’s policy of promoting the silver economy.
“I would like to thank the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency for taking the lead in launching the ‘Hong Kong Registration – Silver-Friendly Series’ in support of the Government’s efforts to promote the silver economy. This registration scheme sets out a set of criteria from the perspective of silver consumers, guiding enterprises to enhance their venues, products, and services. I also call on more enterprises to actively take part in the scheme by integrating silver-friendly elements into their daily operations and creating a consumption environment that better caters to the needs and preferences of the silver generation, thereby boosting “silver consumption” and driving economic growth,” said Dr Bernard Chan, JP, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, in his remarks.
Organisation’s Sharing on Sustainability Strategies
JEC has been a long-standing ally in Hong Kong’s sustainability efforts, aligning with the 2050 Net-Zero mission by providing innovative sustainability solutions to both public and private sectors for decades. JEC’s AI digital solution and environmental engineering projects deliver real ESG impact, transforming how businesses and cities thrive sustainably. Regarding JEC’s innovations are shaping a more sustainable Hong Kong, JEC’s vision is to pioneer even smarter and more sustainable engineering innovations, making them accessible across Hong Kong and Asia. JEC’s mission contributes to Hong Kong’s 2050 Net-Zero future. JEC looks forward to connecting with all sectors to shape a greener tomorrow.
First, JEDI, JEC’s AI digital solution, optimizes energy and detects faults in buildings. Its algorithms analyze weather forecasts, past energy consumption, equipment pattern and utility bills to build predictive models, ensuring precise energy management. In 2024, JEDI saved over 8 million kilowatt-hJEC’ss and cut over 4 million kilograms of CO2 across grade A commercial buildings, campuses, and transport hubs in APAC. By analysing real-time data, like chiller performance, it slashes energy costs by 8-26%. For instance, in a commercial tower, JEDI’s fault detection reduced downtime, boosting efficiency and meeting BEAM Plus standards.
Next, through working with the government, JEC’s environmental engineering projects strengthen Hong Kong’s sustainability. The Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant, launched in 2023, uses reverse osmosis to supply ultimately increase to 135,000 million litres, equivalent to around 5% of Hong Kong’s potable water demand. Its solar panels generate renewable energy to account for 16% of total energy usage, reducing grid dependence by 30% and earning BEAM Plus Platinum certification. The Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works employs advanced treatment technology, enhancing water quality and earning a 2021 HKIBIM Bronze.
At O·PARK2, JEC’s waste-to-energy facility handles food waste daily through anaerobic digestion to create biogas for electricity production. This process contributes to exporting significant amounts of energy annually, powering local households, and effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions. JEC’s Pilot Biochar Production Plant in EcoPark, Tuen Mun, processes tonnes of woody waste annually to produce tonnes of biochar, reducing emissions and serving as a soil conditioner and pollutant filter.
Hashtag: #HKQAA
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Asian Smart Medical Online Exhibition 2026: Connecting Smart Medical Suppliers with Global Buyers
Organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), Medical Asia has been successfully facilitating international medical trade since its launch in 2024 , earning a strong reputation for high-quality participation and tangible business outcomes. In 2026, Medical Asia extends its exhibition period to strategically align with major global healthcare and medical industry events, including Medical Design & Manufacturing West, Arab Health, HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, MEDICAL JAPAN [Osaka], and Hospitalar Sao Paulo. This extended timeline enables international buyers to engage with multiple key events simultaneously, creating a more efficient and streamlined sourcing experience.
By participating in Medical Asia 2026, exhibitors can expect enhanced global exposure, broader networking opportunities, and increased potential for sustainable business growth, all while reaching a larger and more diverse international buyer base through a flexible and cost-effective hybrid exhibition model.
Medical Asia 2026 features a robust lineup of respected Taiwanese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as Perfect Medical and many more. These companies will present thousands of the latest smart medical industry products and technologies, covering a wide array of sectors crucial to modern manufacturing and production.
The event will feature an extensive selection from top manufacturers, covering categories such as Medical Devices & Clinical Equipment, Medical Supplies & Nursing Consumables, Healthcare Facility Furniture & Logistics Equipment, Emergency & Clinical Patient Monitoring Equipment, Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Equipment / Consumables, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Packaging & Inspection Machinery, Medical-grade Wearables & Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Devices, Clinical Laboratory & IVD Analyzers, Medical-grade Materials & Components (Plastics / Rubber / Silicone, etc.), and Home Health Care Products. With thousands of the latest products, accessories, and equipment on display, the exhibition promises to be both comprehensive and highly professional. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest innovations and developments across the smart medical industry.
Visit the Online Exhibition:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/42/Asian-Smart-Medical-Online-Exhibition-2026.html
In today’s rapidly evolving global environment, online platforms play a crucial role in breaking geographical barriers and extending marketing reach. In response to this growing demand, Medical Asia 2026 offers a comprehensive suite of innovative digital exhibition solutions, including dedicated exhibitor pages, electronic catalogs, and virtual exhibition halls. These digital tools are seamlessly integrated with TradeAsia, enabling international buyers worldwide to effortlessly discover exhibitors and explore products in depth. Through the platform, buyers can visit individual manufacturer pages, review detailed product information, submit inquiries, and communicate with exhibitors via real-time messaging. This highly interactive and user-friendly experience facilitates smooth communication, enhances buyer engagement, and fosters meaningful business connections between exhibitors and global buyers, ultimately creating valuable commercial opportunities.
TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) has been providing comprehensive B2B international trade services for buyers and sellers worldwide since 1997. With nearly three decades of industry experience, TradeAsia is recognized as one of the most established and professional global trade platforms. Today, the platform serves millions of members worldwide, featuring more than 600,000 verified suppliers and millions of up-to-date product listings across diverse industries. Every day, thousands of professional buyers from around the world use TradeAsia to source products, connect with suppliers, and explore new business opportunities. As a leading trade promotion channel in Asia, TradeAsia continues to facilitate efficient cross border trade and foster long term partnerships between global buyers and suppliers.
TradeAsia also collaborates with hundreds of trading organizations around the world to exchange marketing and promotional opportunities. As a result, suppliers who showcase their products on TradeAsia gain the chance to be featured across the publicity channels of multiple trade platforms and exhibition organizers worldwide, greatly enhancing their international visibility and marketing reach. In addition, during the period of Medical Asia 2026, promotional messages will be broadcast globally, further amplifying exposure for participating suppliers and connecting them with a wider international audience.
Hashtag: #TradeAsia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore Publish Study Revealing the Gender Gap Between Personal Training and Home Gyms
The findings, based on Carbyne Fitness’ customer data and an online database of personal training enquiries compiled by IFPA Singapore’s personal trainers, point to two fundamentally different approaches to exercise motivation and engagement between men and women.
A Tale of Two Fitness Journeys
The data suggests that men overwhelmingly prefer self-directed fitness, buying equipment such as adjustable dumbbells, benches, and racks for home use. Women, on the other hand, are more inclined toward guided training experiences led by certified professionals.
According to Brian Chang, founder of Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore, this split reveals not just gender preferences, but deeper social and psychological factors shaping how Singaporeans exercise.
“Men often see fitness as something they should be able to handle on their own, like asking for help somehow means they’re not strong enough,” said Chang. “That’s why many men would rather train themselves than work with a coach. Ladies, on the other hand, are usually more open to learning and getting guidance. They see working with a coach not as weakness, but as a smart way to improve safely and effectively.”
The Male Home Gym Boom
The pandemic sparked a surge in home gym investments, and Carbyne Fitness has been at the forefront of this trend. Its adjustable dumbbells and adjustable kettlebells have become popular among working professionals looking to save time and train efficiently at home.
Carbyne Fitness’ customer data revealed that four in five customers are male. “The home gym trend among men is here to stay,” Chang explained. “They appreciate the convenience, privacy, and long-term savings. For many, it’s not just fitness equipment, it’s a personal investment in staying strong and independent as they age.”
However, with about 58% of Carbyne Fitness customers living in HDB flats, 26% in condominiums, and 16% in landed properties, many still hold the misconception that home workouts, especially in smaller HDB or condo spaces, aren’t practical or effective. Landed property owners make up less than 5% of Singapore’s dwellings, yet account for 16% of Carbyne Fitness’ customers.
| Dwelling Type | National Share (SingStat) | Carbyne Customer Share | Index (Representation) |
| HDB (Public Housing) | 72.0% | 58.5% | 0.81 (Under-indexed) |
| Condominiums | 23.3% | 25.6% | 1.10 (Over-indexed) |
| Landed Properties | 4.7% | 15.9% | 3.38 (Heavily Over-indexed) |
“One of the most common reasons people give for not buying home gym equipment is that they ‘don’t have the space,'” said Chang. “But in reality, a proper home setup doesn’t need much room; a good pair of adjustable dumbbells and a bench can fit comfortably within just one square meter if you choose the right equipment.”
Why Women Seek Trainers
In contrast, IFPA Singapore’s training enquiries show that a majority of personal training clients are female. Of the 392 Singapore-based individuals who sought personal training, 63% were women, even though men still represent the majority of gym members nationwide.
| Category | Male % | Female % | Dominant Characteristic |
| Home Gym Buyers (Carbyne) | 80% | 20% | High Autonomy |
| PT Seekers (IFPA) | 37% | 63% | Guidance Seeking |
| Population (DOS 2025) | 49.3% | 50.7% | Balanced |
“This reflects a growing confidence among women to take charge of their fitness journey,” said Chang. “But it also shows that women tend to prioritize safety and proper form. They are more willing to invest in expert guidance rather than risk injury from unguided workouts.”
Many female clients, Chang adds, have goals that extend beyond appearance: postnatal recovery, strength for caregiving, or functional fitness for daily life.
“It’s not just about aesthetics anymore,” he said. “Women are recognizing that strength training builds long-term resilience, both physically and mentally.”
Implications for Singapore’s Fitness Industry
The gender divide uncovered by Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore also points to structural gaps in how Singapore’s fitness ecosystem is organized, particularly the limited avenues for personal trainers to operate independently.
Most commercial gyms and public facilities, including ActiveSG gyms, do not permit outside personal trainers to conduct sessions within their premises. Trainers who are not employed directly by these gyms are often barred from coaching clients on-site, regardless of their certification or insurance coverage.
This restriction limits both consumer choice and career opportunities within the industry. For clients, especially women who prefer guided training but may not want to commit to an expensive gym membership, the policy creates a barrier to accessing affordable, flexible coaching. For freelance trainers, it restricts their ability to build a sustainable practice or serve niche communities such as seniors, postnatal women, or first-time exercisers.
“Many independent trainers tell us their biggest challenge isn’t finding clients; it’s finding space,” said Chang. “There’s a clear demand for affordable, accessible training environments, but the system hasn’t caught up yet.”
As a result, more trainers have turned to parks, void decks, or private studios, and a growing number of clients are exploring home-based personal training, sometimes with only a pair of resistance bands. This shift reflects broader lifestyle preferences: Singaporeans want convenience, privacy, and trust, not just a gym membership.
The study suggests that expanding access to personal training across shared and public fitness spaces could help Singapore move toward a more inclusive, community-driven fitness culture, one that empowers both male and female participants to train safely, confidently, and sustainably at every stage of life.
Volunteering for the Silver Generation
Both Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore are working to build a more inclusive fitness culture through the Silver Strength volunteer program, which runs weekly strength sessions for seniors using resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, and other small equipment at Active Ageing Centers across Singapore.
The initiative, funded by the National Youth Council, empowers older adults to stay strong, mobile, and independent, while giving volunteers the chance to make a direct impact in their communities.
“Silver Strength is more than fitness. It is about bridging intergenerational gaps and helping seniors live confidently and age with strength,” said Chang.
To sign up as a volunteer, visit getcertifiedpt.com/silver-strength.
About the Study
The gender distribution insights were derived from:
- Carbyne Fitness customer data, representing over 1,000 unique customer interactions across Singapore between January 2024 and September 2025.
- IFPA Singapore’s independent observation of 392 prospective client profiles compiled between October 2025 and December 2025.
While the sample sizes differ, both data sets converge on a clear narrative: Singapore’s home gym market is predominantly male, while personal training demand is female-driven.
The full research can be accessed on https://carbyne.sg/blogs/articles/revealing-the-gender-gap-between-personal-training-and-home-gyms.
Hashtag: #CarbyneFitness
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Carbyne Fitness
Carbyne Fitness is a Singapore-based fitness equipment company focused on delivering space-efficient, performance-driven home gym solutions for modern lifestyles. Best known for its space-saving gym equipment such as adjustable dumbbells and foldable treadmills, Carbyne helps professionals, families, and seniors train effectively at home without compromising on quality or safety.
Learn more at: https://carbyne.sg
About IFPA Singapore
IFPA Singapore, operated by Get Certified PT, is the official Singapore operator of the International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), delivering internationally accredited personal training education and professional development. IFPA Singapore focuses on producing industry-ready practitioners through competency-based, real-world training.
Learn more at: https://getcertifiedpt.com
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Luyuan Group Participates in Key Event Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of China–Thailand Diplomatic Relations, Promoting Youth Exchange
As part of the program, Luyuan Group co-launched the “Ride with Panda, Toward the Future Together” China–Thailand Youth Friendship Ride. Young participants from both countries rode Luyuan motorbike featuring the panda mascot “A Pu” through iconic Bangkok landmarks, symbolizing the vitality and enduring friendship between China and Thailand.
As an invited corporate representative, Luyuan Group donated a panda-themed motorbike to Dhurakij Pundit University, encouraging youth to document cultural and exchange stories through action. This appearance highlighted Luyuan’s commitment to social responsibility and cultural influence, while also showcasing the Group’s progress in accelerating global expansion through its brand LYVA. Currently, Luyuan’s business footprint spans over 80 countries and regions.
Looking ahead, Luyuan Group will continue to collaborate with global partners to explore new paths in green mobility and contribute to sustainable development worldwide.
In addition, the event also featured the “Gifts from China” exhibition, themed around the 50th anniversary of China–Thailand friendship. Organized with the support of the China National Arts and Crafts Society’s Pattern R&D Center, the Pattern Museum, and Qilin Co-creation, the exhibition brought together numerous Chinese heritage brands, attracting significant interest from young attendees from both countries.
Among the highlights was the debut of the “The Eight Horses of Contemporary Prosperitye” — a horse-themed pattern co-created by the Pattern Museum and artist ZHENG CHONG in celebration of the Year of the Horse — adding rich cultural depth to the event. Contemporary artworks by Xu Shanxun from Mogu Gallery, along with leading Chinese brands such as GELASIGE, Beyond Home Textiles, and Youji Jewelry, further embodied the vibrant reach of Chinese culture abroad.
Hashtag: #LuyuanGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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