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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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The Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, together with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the British Council and the ASEAN Secretariat, convened over 270 leaders, policymakers, creatives, and investors from ASEAN and the United Kingdom in Manila for the ASEAN–UK Creative Economy Symposium 2026, reinforcing the region’s push to harness the creative economy as a key driver of growth, innovation, and cultural identity.
Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), Satvinder Singh, said:
“ASEAN is well-positioned to harness the full potential of the creative economy. Six out of eleven ASEAN Member States now rank among the top 70 globally in the WIPO Global Innovation Index’s creative outputs dimension. ASEAN recognises that intangible assets, such as intellectual property, brands, and design as the currencies of modern creative economy. The ideas, expressions, and innovations our creators produce must be protected, valued, and commercialised.”
UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Helen Fazey, said:
“The UK and ASEAN are advancing together through trust, cooperation, and shared priorities. This partnership reflects a strong and growing relationship built on mutual respect and a shared ambition to support sustainable economic growth, innovation, and opportunity across the region. Through initiatives like the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy programme, we are deepening collaboration, strengthening people-to-people links, and supporting the development of vibrant and resilient creative sectors.”
ASEAN-focused research highlights pathways for growth in the creative economy
New research under the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative is providing critical insights into the evolution and economic potential of cultural industries across the region.
Arts and Technologies in ASEAN: Interconnected Parts, commissioned by the British Council, examines the fast-growing creative technology landscape across ASEAN. Drawing on more than 60 interviews and case studies, the report explores how artists are using digital tools—from AI to immersive media—while also analysing the regulatory environments shaping innovation. It highlights both the dynamism of the sector and the need for stronger support systems to sustain growth.
Complementing this, the Regional Perception Poll on the ASEAN Creative Economy offers a comprehensive view of how the sector is understood across the region. Based on insights from over 4,000 respondents, including both producers and audiences, the study highlights the interconnected nature of creative ecosystems and the relationships between artists, industries, policymakers, and communities. Its findings underscore the need for tailored, context-specific strategies and stronger regional collaboration to unlock further growth.
Together, these research outputs provide valuable evidence to inform policy, guide investment, and strengthen UK–ASEAN partnerships.Building on this work, a new ASEAN festival research and mapping initiative is underway, expanding earlier studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s diverse festival landscape and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
Country Director Indonesia and Director South East Asia, Summer Xia, said:
“Through the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative, we are investing in the research, skills, and partnerships needed to support long-term growth in the creative sector. The symposium in Manila was an important opportunity to share these resources and ensure they are shaped by and for the region. By working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the ASEAN Secretariat, we are helping to build a stronger, more connected creative economy across ASEAN countries.”
Underscoring the broader vision of the initiative, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) San Lwin has reaffirmed, in separate engagements, that the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy programme maximises the region’s creative potential to fuel socio-economic growth and cultural exchange. He reiterated the shared commitment to leveraging innovation and creativity as key connectors to drive prosperity, deepen cultural unity, advance social equity, and promote sustainable, inclusive development in order to forge an “ASEAN Community of Opportunities for All.”
Learn more at: ASEAN Creative Economy Initiative
Hashtag: #BritishCouncil
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About the British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international culture and education organisation. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories. In 2024–25, we reached 600 million people.
www.britishcouncil.org
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Bangkok Unveils “KUDTHAI” Cultural Showcase in Emerging Songwat District During Songkran
Presented in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative reflects a growing effort to spotlight Thailand’s cultural identity through contemporary retail and experiential tourism.
“KUDTHAI” — derived from the Thai word “Kud,” meaning “to carefully select” — brings together a refined selection of Thai brands, artisans, and culinary talents, highlighting craftsmanship, local wisdom, and modern design for both local and international audiences.
The inaugural “Song Wat KUDTHAI 2026,” taking place from April 9–12 at Lost in Songwat, marks the first time The Mall Group extends its retail experience beyond its flagship developments into one of Bangkok’s most talked-about neighborhoods. Once a historic trading hub along the Chao Phraya River, Songwat is now re-emerging as a vibrant cultural enclave attracting a new generation of creatives and global travelers.
Extending this experience into the city’s premier retail destinations, “KUDTHAI 2026” will also be held from April 8–19, 2026 across the EM District — Emporium, EmQuartier, and Emsphere — creating a connected journey between Bangkok’s emerging cultural quarters and its established lifestyle hubs.
This multi-location approach reflects a broader shift in how visitors experience Bangkok — moving fluidly between heritage neighborhoods and contemporary retail environments.
While Songkran remains one of Thailand’s most globally recognized celebrations, “KUDTHAI 2026” offers an alternative lens — focusing on curated cultural discovery through design, gastronomy, and local creativity.
At the EM District, the “EM District Thai Hansa Maha Songkran: A Summer of Thai Celebration” from April 10–15, 2026 further enhances the experience with immersive installations, signature water attractions, and themed markets including THAI-POP MARKET at Emporium, THAI LOCAL MARKET at EmQuartier, and THAI-TAINMENT MARKET at Emsphere.
A highlight includes “Little Song Wat,” bringing culinary names from the historic Songwat community into the heart of the city, reinforcing the connection between Bangkok’s evolving cultural districts and its modern retail landscape.
Together, these activations position Bangkok as more than a festive destination during Songkran — but also as a city redefining how tradition is experienced through innovation, culture, and commerce.
Hashtag: #KudThai2026 #SongwatKudThai #FriendsOfSongwat #bangkoksongkarn #Bangkokshopping #TheMall #EMDISTRICT
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Nearly 70 books from 47 publishers representing 10 countries were submitted for this competition. But, for the past 15 years, Praphansarn Publishing, with the sponsorship of Bangkok Bank, has been organising the Chommanard Book Prize, which is given annually for the best book written by a Thai female writer, the winner receiving a cash prize of 100,000 baht and the publication of her book translated into English.
Mr Arthorn Techatada, the Award Program Director, explained, “After holding the Chommanard Book Prize for 15 years, it now seemed this was the right time to expand our programme to include ASEAN and China Region female writers as it is very important to promote outstanding female literary talent throughout the region and the world beyond as Asian female writers don’t get the deserved recognition, and fortunately, Bangkok Bank agreed.”
Mr Arthorn then with the assistance of Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn of the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, invited and formed a panel of judges from Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, France and Germany. All were given the arduous task of reading every submission, followed by deciding on a longlist and then shortlist and country winners from which the grand prize winner would be selected.
The shortlist winners included Li Zi Shu, an award-winning Chinese language writer from Malaysia, for her book, The Age of Goodbyes; Thuận, a Vietnamese author based in Paris who writes in both Vietnamese and French, for her novel, Chinatown. She was also recognised by The New Yorker Best Books 2023. Next are the acclaimed Thai writer Veeraporn Nitiprapha, a two-time winner of the SEA Write Award for her novel, Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat; Isna Marita, an Indonesian author and Environmentalist for her first novel, Mountain More Ancient; Dr Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai of Viet Nam, who has written 13 books in Vietnamese and English, for her book, The Mountains Sing; Leila S Chudori, an award-winning journalist and novelist, for her novel, The Sea Speaks His Name; Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, a writer of fiction, essays, manga and video game scripts, for her novel, Taiwan Travelogue, and Lau Yee-Wa of Hong Kong, who studied Chinese literature and philosophy, for her debut novel, Tongueless.
The two country winners, who along with the shortlisted authors, attended over a week of activities centred around the Bangkok International Book Fair organised by PUBAT (Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand) and visits to important media organisations. They include Jemimah Wei of Singapore for her debut novel, The Original Daughter, which was a Good Morning America Book Club selection and New York Times Editors’ pick, and Marga Ortigas, an award-winning journalist from the Philippines, for her novel, The House on Calle Sombria.
When Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn, jury chairperson, announced Lau Yee-Wa as the grand prize winner, the audience and especially the shortlisted and country winners erupted in loud cheers and applause. Then, after receiving a 500,000 baht prize presented by Mr Chartsiri Sophonphanich, President of Bangkok Bank, Ms Lau Yee-Wa gave the keynote speech for the gala celebration on the topic, “Deschooling Society for Global Peace”.
Ms Lau Yee-Wa began, “I never expected to receive such an award or to have my novel translated into so many languages, including Thai. I thought the story, written in Cantonese, was too colloquial and based on such a local Hong Kong context, it would be difficult to understand.”
Later, the winning author went on, “Then, I realized I was not writing fiction. I was documenting a quiet, invisible form of violence that happened every day in the classroom, workplace and even daily life in the whole world. This violence is called deschooling, which the philosopher Ivan Illich warned us about more than 50 years ago.”
Ms Lau Yee-Wa closed by saying, “I believe that Tongueless is my own small, stubborn act of deschooling. I refused to wrap the story in comforting, official language. I let the pain, the vanity, the quiet rebellion, and the flnal demand for choice speak in their rawest form. In doing so, I rediscovered my own voice—and I hope every reader who finishes the book begins to hear theirs again.”
The guidelines for submissions for the Chommanard Book Prize for Thai writers writing in Thai and the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award for writers from ASEAN member and China region countries will be announced in the coming months. You can find additional information by visiting the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award website @ https://virf.io/chommanard/home or by contacting [email protected].
Hashtag: #Elite+ #ChommanardInternationalLiteraryAward
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