CCG x CityUHK x Hang Seng Jointly Present Future-Ready Hong Kong Summit 2026
HKGBC Establishes Strategic Partnerships in Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan to Expand BEAM Plus Internationally
Official Launch of BEAM Plus F&B Version 1.0 – A New Chapter in Low-Carbon Transformation for the F&B Sector
HKGBC Exclusive Policy Luncheon 2026 – Charting the Future of a Sustainable Northern Metropolis
CCG x CityUHK x Hang Seng Jointly Present Future-Ready Hong Kong Summit 2026
Chinachem Group (CCG), City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and Hang Seng Bank (Hang Seng) jointly hosted the "Future-Ready Hong Kong Summit 2026: Driving a Low-Carbon Ecosystem, Inspiring the Silver Generation" on 12 June at Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West. The summit marked a key milestone in the tripartite partnership, bringing together global experts to address, for the first time through an integrated dialogue, two of Hong Kong's most pressing structural challenges: climate change and population ageing.
The event featured an international line-up of speakers, including Nobel Laureates and leading academics, and saw the launch of a joint white paper, Creating a Green and Silver Economy: Policy, Finance, Technology, and the Built Environment, outlining a practical roadmap for Hong Kong's future. As rising temperatures and demographic shifts converge, the need for integrated, cross-sector solutions has become increasingly urgent.
The summit convened close to 500 participants, including Guest of Honour Mr CHEUK Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government, alongside senior government representatives, business leaders, and academics from across sustainability, finance and the silver economy sectors. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions and cross-sector dialogue, the summit explored how Hong Kong can better respond to these intersecting challenges.
From left: Mr WONG Hung-han, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Chinachem Group; Professor LEE Chun-sing, Acting President of City University of Hong Kong; Professor Omar M. YAGHI, James and Neeltje Tretter Chair Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley; Mr Andy CHEUNG, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Chinachem Group; Ms Luanne LIM, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank; Professor the Honourable Michael NGAI, Council Chairman of City University of Hong Kong; Professor Susumu KITAGAWA, Executive Vice President and Distinguished Professor, Kyoto University; and Ms Regina LEE, Head of Commercial Banking, Hang Seng Bank, jointly hold the white paper Creating a Green and Silver Economy: Policy, Finance, Technology, and the Built Environment, which was officially launched at the Future-Ready Hong Kong Summit 2026. The white paper outlines cross-sector strategies and actionable recommendations to advance Hong Kong’s low-carbon transition and silver economy.
A Cross-Sector Model for a "Green-Silver" Future
The summit reflects a unique collaboration across three sectors. CCG brings expertise in shaping the built environment and community spaces, CityUHK contributes academic and technological innovation, while Hang Seng Bank leads in green finance and sustainable banking, and advances financial inclusion.
Together, the partnership aims to move beyond traditionally siloed approaches, advancing a more integrated framework that links environmental transition with demographic change and social inclusion.
Beyond the on-stage discussions, the summit also featured a series of interactive booths in the foyer, showcasing ideas and innovations from the three organisers as well as start-ups exploring solutions at the intersection of ageing and sustainability.
As a symbolic takeaway, guests received a set of traditional "five stones" (抓子), individually handcrafted by elderly artisans from Gingko House. The nostalgic toy, familiar to earlier generations in Hong Kong, embodies the spirit of intergenerational connection and purposeful ageing at the heart of the summit.
Professor Omar M. YAGHI, James and Neeltje Tretter Chair Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, delivers a keynote speech.
Professor Susumu KITAGAWA, Executive Vice President and Distinguished Professor, Kyoto University, delivers a keynote speech.
Ms Do Do CHENG in dialogue with Professor WONG Kam-sing, Former Secretary for the Environment of the HKSAR Government and Chairman of Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation.
The full white paper and key findings are available at: https://tripartite-hk.com/whitepaper.html
More details about the summit: https://www.chinachemgroup.com/en/sustainability/sustainability-conference/future-ready-hong-kong-summit-2026/
HKGBC Establishes Strategic Partnerships in Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan to Expand BEAM Plus Internationally
The Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) is accelerating the global expansion of BEAM Plus, Hong Kong’s leading green building rating system. Recently, the Council established strategic partnerships with major organisations in Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan, thus further strengthening its role in advancing sustainable development, green building standards and green finance collaboration, while deepening its presence across Belt and Road markets.
Earlier this month, HKGBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Astana International Financial Centre Green Finance Centre (AIFC GFC), a leading platform promoting green finance and sustainable investment in Central Asia. Building on its experience in this field, AIFC GFC will work with the Council to foster closer collaboration between the green building and green finance sectors in this growingly-important region.
Earlier this month, HKGBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Astana International Financial Centre Green Finance Centre (AIFC GFC), a leading platform promoting green finance and sustainable investment in Central Asia. Building on its experience in this field, AIFC GFC will work with the Council to foster closer collaboration between the green building and green finance sectors in this growingly-important region.
The Kazakhstan MOU is signed by Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Chairman of HKGBC, and Mr Manas GIZHDUANIYEV, Chief Executive Officer of AIFC GFC.
Also last month, HKGBC signed another MOU with the Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA), the official body responsible for regulating and advancing Saudi Arabia’s construction sector. The partnership further strengthens the Council’s presence in the Middle East.
The Saudi Arabia MOU is signed by Ir Harry LAI, Executive Director of HKGBC, and Mr Mohammed AL-AJLAN, Chairman of SCA, witnessed by Mr Nicholas HO, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the Government of the HKSAR.
The two MOUs establish a strategic collaboration platform spanning the Middle East and Central Asia, bringing together green building expertise and green finance capabilities to support sustainable urban development. Areas of co-operation include the exchange of green building standards, sustainability frameworks and technical expertise; promoting the alignment of green building and green finance practices; delivering professional training and capacity-building programmes; advancing sustainable investment opportunities; and enhancing market development, pilot projects, data sharing and cross-border collaboration.
Through continuous expansion of its global partnership network, HKGBC is advancing the adoption of BEAM Plus across diverse markets. The Council aims to strengthen alignment with regional regulatory, policy and financing frameworks, thereby facilitating knowledge transfer and professional exchange, and supporting Belt and Road economies in achieving decarbonisation and sustainable development goals. HKGBC has established a growing portfolio of international collaborations across Asia and beyond, including partnerships in Malaysia, Thailand, the Chinese Mainland and Macau. The Council is also working with leading developers to explore the application of BEAM Plus in overseas projects, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a regional green hub.
Through continuous expansion of its global partnership network, HKGBC is advancing the adoption of BEAM Plus across diverse markets. The Council aims to strengthen alignment with regional regulatory, policy and financing frameworks, thereby facilitating knowledge transfer and professional exchange, and supporting Belt and Road economies in achieving decarbonisation and sustainable development goals. HKGBC has established a growing portfolio of international collaborations across Asia and beyond, including partnerships in Malaysia, Thailand, the Chinese Mainland and Macau. The Council is also working with leading developers to explore the application of BEAM Plus in overseas projects, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a regional green hub.
Official Launch of BEAM Plus F&B Version 1.0 – A New Chapter in Low-Carbon Transformation for the F&B Sector
The Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) and BEAM Society Limited (BSL) held the official launch ceremony of BEAM Plus F&B Version 1.0 on 17 July, when certificates were presented to nine food and beverage premises participating in the pilot assessment. Nearly 100 industry leaders and F&B stakeholders attended the event to mark the milestone launch of this sustainability assessment tool tailored for the F&B sector.
The ceremony was graced by Mr TSE Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology as our officiating guest. He was joined by fellow HKSAR Government officials Mr Albert YUEN Yuk-kin, Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene; Mr Raymond POON Kwok-ying, Director of Electrical & Mechanical Services; and Mr David LAI Kwok-wai, Assistant Director (Food Waste & Resources Recycling) of the Environmental Protection Department, as well as by Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Chairman of HKGBC, and Ir Colin CHUNG Chi-leong, Chairperson of BSL. Their coming together to witness the official roll-out of this brand-new assessment tool served as powerful recognition of the F&B sector's unified determination to drive green catering development and practise sustainable living.
The ceremony was graced by Mr TSE Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology as our officiating guest. He was joined by fellow HKSAR Government officials Mr Albert YUEN Yuk-kin, Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene; Mr Raymond POON Kwok-ying, Director of Electrical & Mechanical Services; and Mr David LAI Kwok-wai, Assistant Director (Food Waste & Resources Recycling) of the Environmental Protection Department, as well as by Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Chairman of HKGBC, and Ir Colin CHUNG Chi-leong, Chairperson of BSL. Their coming together to witness the official roll-out of this brand-new assessment tool served as powerful recognition of the F&B sector's unified determination to drive green catering development and practise sustainable living.
Mr TSE Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, performs the launch ceremony alongside fellow Government representatives, the Chairman of HKGBC and the Chairperson of BSL.
BEAM Plus F&B Version 1.0 features a highly flexible certification mechanism suitable for large catering groups, fast-food chains and neighbourhood eateries alike. It serves not merely as a rating standard, but also as a practical and down-to-earth operational guide tailored to the industry's needs, helping businesses fulfil their environmental responsibilities while maintaining stable business growth. Since its launch, the new assessment tool has received strong support from the industry. Six pioneering companies, spanning nine diverse F&B premises, have successfully achieved certification, demonstrating the tool's wide applicability. Regardless of their size or market positioning, establishments can meet industry-recognised sustainability standards by refining their operational workflows in an environmentally friendly manner.
Nearly 100 industry leaders and F&B stakeholders attend the ceremony to witness the official roll-out of this brand-new assessment tool.
Representatives from the nine pilot catering premises receive their certification.
During a panel discussion, representatives from the pilot teams share their real-world operational experiences and insights from trialling BEAM Plus F&B Version 1.0, while calling upon their catering peers across Hong Kong to actively participate in building a green catering culture together.
BEAM Plus F&B Version 1.0 delivers three core values to the catering sector:
- Optimising Operational Processes: Helping businesses reduce resource wastes at source and achieve long-term reductions in operational expenses.
- Enhancing Frontline Staff Health and Wellbeing: Incorporating the kitchen work environment and hygiene facilities into the assessment criteria, so as to improve working conditions for catering practitioners.
- Promoting Green Living to the General Public: Introducing in-store eco-friendly measures such as food waste reduction and plastic minimisation, thus subtly cultivating low-carbon living habits among customers and encouraging the entire community to build a green lifestyle together.
HKGBC looks forward to the widespread adoption of BEAM Plus F&B Version 1.0 across the F&B sector. By embedding sustainable initiatives into every eatery, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation and eco-friendly procurement, the industry can collectively open a new era of sustainable dining in Hong Kong. Learn more about BEAM Plus F&B HERE.
HKGBC Exclusive Policy Luncheon 2026 – Charting the Future of a Sustainable Northern Metropolis
The Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) hosted its prestigious Exclusive Policy Luncheon 2026 on 9 July, bringing together an elite assembly of C-level executives and senior leadership from top-tier HKGBC Patron Members. This successful high-level round table event served as a valuable platform for strategic dialogue and insightful exchanges with the Government, focusing on the development of the Northern Metropolis, one of Hong Kong’s most transformative and forward-looking urban development projects.
Ms Pecvin YONG, JP, Deputy Secretary for Development (Planning & Lands) 1 of the Development Bureau, The Government of HKSAR, together with C-level executives and senior management of Hong Kong’s leading developers, consultants, utility companies, suppliers and banking corporations, convene for a high-level dialogue centred on the future of the Northern Metropolis.
In her address as Distinguished Speaker, Ms Pecvin YONG, JP, Deputy Secretary for Development (Planning & Lands) 1 of the Development Bureau, The Government of HKSAR, shared invaluable, first-hand insights into the Government's overarching vision for the Northern Metropolis and its latest planning paradigms for this landmark mega-project, highlighting how it was poised to elevate sustainable living and economic vitality in the region.
This topic was further examined during a dynamic Dialogue Session hosted by Ir Dr Bruce CHONG, Director of the HKGBC, which explored the technical and strategic avenues through which sustainability had been built into the very DNA of the Northern Metropolis from its inception. Ms YONG emphasised the project’s uncompromising commitment to rigorous environmental standards, noting that it established a high-performance benchmark by requiring buildings within the Northern Metropolis to achieve BEAM Plus Gold or Platinum ratings. To drive quality and functionality, the integration of AI and advanced, innovative construction technologies was strongly encouraged, she added. Designed with a 20-year development horizon in mind, the project would continuously leverage evolving technologies to adapt to and combat climate change. Ms YONG stressed that the realisation of this modern urban showcase must be a collective endeavour, requiring the unified strength of the Government, industry and the wider public to build a world-class smart city that Hong Kong could proudly present to the globe.
This topic was further examined during a dynamic Dialogue Session hosted by Ir Dr Bruce CHONG, Director of the HKGBC, which explored the technical and strategic avenues through which sustainability had been built into the very DNA of the Northern Metropolis from its inception. Ms YONG emphasised the project’s uncompromising commitment to rigorous environmental standards, noting that it established a high-performance benchmark by requiring buildings within the Northern Metropolis to achieve BEAM Plus Gold or Platinum ratings. To drive quality and functionality, the integration of AI and advanced, innovative construction technologies was strongly encouraged, she added. Designed with a 20-year development horizon in mind, the project would continuously leverage evolving technologies to adapt to and combat climate change. Ms YONG stressed that the realisation of this modern urban showcase must be a collective endeavour, requiring the unified strength of the Government, industry and the wider public to build a world-class smart city that Hong Kong could proudly present to the globe.
Left photo: Ms YONG delivers first-hand insights into the latest developments and sustainable vision of the Northern Metropolis.
Right photo: Ms YONG addresses a query from Bruce CHONG regarding the phased development and long-term implementation of the Northern Metropolis.
True to its established role, this exclusive Policy Luncheon served as a valuable platform for directly connecting HKGBC Patron Members with the Government. By facilitating the exchange of forward-looking ideas and uniting efforts from diverse sectors, it paved the way for exciting new possibilities to fuel future developments and advance a more sustainable built environment.
C-level executives and senior leadership from top-tier HKGBC Patron Members enjoy dynamic exchanges with Ms YONG during the Luncheon.
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