Powering the Future Metropolis: Clean Energy Systems and Urban Energy Transition

How can growing cities meet rising energy demands while achieving net-zero ambitions? Discover real-world innovations in clean energy systems, from hydrogen and green fuels to smart grids and resilient infrastructure. Learn more about the opportunities and hurdles shaping vibrant, sustainable metropolises like Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis and beyond.

 
Speaker:
 
  Moderator:
 
   

 
 
 
   
Ir Don CHENG   Prof. Christine LOH, SBS, JP, OBE    
Chief Operating Officer – HK Business
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited
  Chief Development Strategist of Institute for the Environment
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
   
 
Panelists:
 

 

 

 

 

 
Mr Bien WONG Mr Freeman CHEUNG Mr Kenny SHUI Mr Mitch GELBER Ms Alexandra BROWNLEE
Assistant General Manager – Group ESG cum Executive – Group Knowledge Management Office
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited
Senior Vice President, Environment, Hong Kong
AECOM
Vice President of Our Hong Kong Foundation and Executive Director of Public Policy Institute
Our Hong Kong Foundation
CEO
Malaysia Green Building Council
Head of Asset and Property Management
Dexus


Biographies 

 
Ir Don CHENG
Chief Operating Officer – HK Business
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited

Ir Don CHENG is the Chief Operating Officer – Hong Kong Business of the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas).

Since joining Towngas in 1995, Ir CHENG has taken on key managerial roles spanning customer service, product development and commercial & industrial marketing & sales departments. He also oversees marketing, sales and customer services, and leads the strategic development and planning of green energy initiatives and projects.

Ir CHENG graduated from Queen’s University and The University of Calgary in Canada, with BSc degrees in Statistics and Engineering Chemistry and an MSc degree in Statistics respectively. He has also achieved the status of Chartered Engineer and fellow membership from various professional associations of overseas and in Hong Kong.

He is also a member of HKSAR District Fight Crime Committee (Southern District), Fire Service Department Dangerous Goods Standing Committee Member, Director of Association of Restaurant Managers, Academic Advisors for engineering departments of Hong Kong University of Science & Technology and City University of Hong Kong, and Vice Chairman (Energy and Power) of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries.

Mr Bien WONG
Assistant General Manager – Group ESG cum Executive – Group Knowledge Management Office
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited

Mr Bien WONG is an experienced professional with experience in ESG strategy development, corporate communications, and investor relations. As the head of Group ESG, he oversees the integration of sustainability concepts into business strategies, ensuring compliance with stringent international sustainability standards. Concurrently, he also leads the Group Knowledge Management Office, focusing on capturing critical knowledge and embedding it within the company's culture. Prior to joining Towngas, he worked consistently in the sustainability industry, which deepened his passion for driving positive, lasting impact for the community.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Bien serves on various advisory committees of the HKSAR Government and on the Board of various non-profit organizations and professional associations. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Bien holds a Master's degree from The University of Hong Kong and a Bachelor's degree from the University of York, United Kingdom. He was among the first ESG professionals in the Asia-Pacific region to complete the EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA) programme and was subsequently invited by the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS) to serve as an examiner for the qualification, contributing to the development of ESG professional standards in the region. 

Mr Freeman CHEUNG
Senior Vice President, Environment, Hong Kong
AECOM

Mr Freeman CHEUNG is a highly respected environmental and sustainability professional with more than 30 years of experience advising governments, infrastructure operators, developers and investors across Hong Kong and Asia. He provides strategic advice on environmental management, decarbonisation, climate resilience, ESG and sustainable development, helping organisations navigate the transition to a low-carbon future.

Throughout his career, Freeman has contributed to some of Hong Kong's most significant environmental and energy-related initiatives. His experience includes environmental impact assessment and planning studies for major power generation infrastructure, providing him with insight into the evolution of Hong Kong's energy system and the transition towards cleaner and lower-carbon energy sources.

As AECOM's in-house ESG advisor for Asia, Freeman works with multidisciplinary teams to major infrastructure, urban development and investment decisions. His expertise spans air quality management, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, environmental planning and sustainability governance.

Freeman led the Air Quality Objectives Review 2030 Study for the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department and has contributed to numerous landmark environmental initiatives, including Hong Kong's first GHG Control Study and regional air quality improvement studies. Drawing on experience ranging from conventional power generation to emerging decarbonisation strategies, he brings a unique perspective on how cities can accelerate the energy transition through integrated planning and low-carbon infrastructure.

With extensive experience in GHG management, air quality policy and ESG strategy, Freeman brings a cross-sector perspective on how cleaner energy systems, sustainable transport and innovative urban planning can support the development of the Northern Metropolis and Hong Kong's transition to carbon neutrality, including the decarbonisation of the aviation, land transport and maritime sectors.

Beyond his professional role, Freeman serves as President of the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals. He also sits on advisory committees for The Chinese University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong.

Mr Kenny SHUI
Vice President of Our Hong Kong Foundation and Executive Director of Public Policy Institute
Our Hong Kong Foundation

Mr Kenny SHUI is Vice President of Our Hong Kong Foundation and Executive Director of Public Policy Institute. He also serves as Vice President of the Hong Kong Green Finance Association and an Honorary Lecturer at The University of Hong Kong. With extensive public policy experience, his research covers AI, economic innovation, the Greater Bay Area, fintech, green fuel, green finance, and technology. His team has produced influential reports on AI, CBDCs, ESG, and biotechnology. Additionally, Mr SHUI is active in sharing his insights, having spoken at international events including those for the United Nations, and publishing policy-related commentaries.

Mr Mitch GELBER
CEO
Malaysia Green Building Council

As CEO of the Malaysia Green Building Council (malaysiaGBC), Mr Mitch GELBER works alongside its members, partners and wider network to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient and climate-resilient built environment — supporting healthier, more inclusive communities for all Malaysians.

Based in Kuala Lumpur since 2007, he has nearly three decades of experience in architecture, urban development and sustainability. His work focuses on aligning policy and industry to drive practical market solutions. Through the World Green Building Council Steering Group and Asia Pacific Regional Network, Mitch helps bring a Malaysian perspective to the global sustainability conversation.

Ms Alexandra BROWNLEE
Head of Asset and Property Management
Dexus

Ms Alexandra BROWNLEE is an accomplished property executive with more than 17 years of experience across property management, asset management, leasing and portfolio leadership. As Head of Property & Asset Management, Office at Dexus, Alexandra leads the national Office Property and Asset Management platform, driving performance, customer outcomes, operational excellence and value creation across one of Australia's premier office portfolios.

Role & Responsibilities
  • Leads Dexus' national Office Property and Asset Management platform.
  • Oversees office portfolio performance, customer experience and operational excellence.
  • Develops and delivers asset strategies that drive value creation and long-term portfolio resilience.
  • Leads national property and asset management teams across the office portfolio.
  • Drives sustainability and ESG initiatives, including operational efficiency and emissions reduction programs.
  • Manages key relationships with investors, customers, co-owners, government bodies and industry partners.
  • Champions innovation and strategic projects to enhance asset performance and workplace experiences.
During her more than 10 years with Dexus, Alexandra has held senior leadership roles across property management, investment management, customer experience and sustainability. Known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to building high-performing teams, she is passionate about creating future-ready assets that balance commercial success with positive customer, community and sustainability outcomes.
 

Prof. Christine LOH, SBS, JP, OBE
Chief Development Strategist of Institute for the Environment
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Prof. Christine LOH, SBS, JP, OBE, Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite, is Chief Development Strategist at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She was Under Secretary for the Environment in the HKSAR Government (2012-17), Special Consultant to the Chief Executive on the mainland’s ecological civilisation policy (2019-2020), and a Member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council (1992-97 and 1998-2000). Prof. LOH has been active in public policy and politics since the 1980s. She founded and was the CEO of the non-profit think tank, Civic Exchange (2000-12), and helped to establish several non-profit organizations in Hong Kong related to the environment, equal opportunity, as well as arts and culture.

Prof. LOH is currently a board member of Towngas Smart Energy Company Limited, and Hong Kong Maritime Museum, and is Asia Society’s Scholar in Residence (2023-2026). She is also a Steering Committee member of the United Nations International Organization for Migration’s new Climate Mobility Innovation Lab, as well as member of the Advisory Committee of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery at the City University of Hong Kong. She was a board member of Global Maritime Forum (2018-2025) and taught a course at Anderson School of Management, University of California at Los Angeles on nonmarket risks for five years (2018-22). She is a published author of many academic and popular works. Prof. LOH is a lawyer by training, and a commodities trader by profession. She received her legal training in England, and received honorary degrees of Doctor of Law from the University of Hull and Doctor of Science from the University of Exeter.