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Climate Innovators Mixer - WICS24 Opening Night
10 October 2024
In-person
October – November 2024
Followed by overwhelming success of 2 editions in 2022 and 2023, WLAB’s Inclusive Cities Summit (WICS) is coming back in Q4 2024 as a full-scale Summit, with wider reach on the verticals: Social Impact Innovation & Sustainability, Youth Empowerment, Future of Work, Natural Ecosystem, Heritage and Ageing Society.
#WICS24
Driving change through enterprise: In this pillar, we will showcase how entrepreneurs and businesses are integrating sustainability into the core of their operations. Discussions will feature breakthroughs in social entrepreneurship and the development of sustainable business models that prioritize community welfare and environmental stewardship. Panelists will include pioneers who are setting benchmarks for success that values both profit and planet.
Empowering the leaders of tomorrow: This segment will concentrate on amplifying the voices and skills of young individuals who are to become tomorrow’s leaders. We will explore innovative educational models, engage in discussions about digital literacy, and provide platforms for youth advocacy in social and environmental causes. Our workshops will equip young participants with the necessary tools to influence policy, innovate within their communities, and sustain engagement in civic matters.
Adapting to evolving work landscapes: The Future of Work will examine how technological advancements such as AI, remote work trends, and global connectivity are reshaping career landscapes. This topic will address the skills gap issue, discuss policies for inclusive hiring practices, and explore how AI and automation are both disrupting and creating job opportunities. Our goal is to prepare workforces to thrive in dynamic, modern economies through resilience and adaptability. Reskilling/upskilling – employee wellbeing.
Preserving our past, inspiring our future: Heritage will focus on the intersection of cultural preservation and urban development. We will discuss how Hong Kong can maintain its historical integrity while evolving into a modern hub. This track will highlight successful case studies of local changemakers that have integrated cultural heritage into their economic and social development plans, fostering a sense of identity and continuity amidst change.
This pillar will spotlight comprehensive strategies to support and protect vital natural environments. Discussions will explore sustainable development approaches, in-depth case studies of nature conservancy programs, and potential site visits to collaborate with local NGOs.
Enhancing quality of life as we age: The ageing population of Hong Kong is increasing at an alarming rate from 20.5% in 2021 to 36% by 2046. This means that more than one-third of the population in Hong Kong will consist of elderly individuals. HK elderly face multiple challenges, including poor housing & living conditions, employment & income poverty, the lack of healthcare & welfare system, and social isolation & stigma, to name a few. The recent family structure changes contributed to the fact that 7.3% of elderly live alone. Our summit will spotlight innovative solutions and policies that support the elderly. This will cover advancements in geriatric healthcare, age-friendly city planning, and the role of technology in enhancing daily life for older adults. We aim to foster an inclusive society where aging is treated with dignity and opportunities for engagement and contribution continue throughout life.
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect and collaborate on co-creating inclusive cities and driving impactful ESG initiatives. Come prepared to mingle, exchange contacts, and explore meaningful partnerships as we work together towards a sustainable future.
We will be joined by 6 climate entrepreneurs from South Korea from “'beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship'' program.
beVisioneers is a global fellowship that equips eco-innovators aged 16 to 28 with the training, expert support and resources to bring their planet-positive projects to life. bV Fellows hail from all corners of the globe and are tackling the biggest sustainable challenges in their local communities and beyond. They're currently looking for 1000 new Fellows for their next Cohort and applications open October 14th!
RSVPLOUDER Connect presents the very first Radical Debate Pitch competition (Practice).
The Radical Debate Pitch will pull startups out of the safety and comfort of a traditional pitch and place them into the dynamic and competitive context of presenting next to comparable peers.
By Invitation Only24 October 2024
In-person
This round table will focus on exploring proactive strategies for youth engagement while acknowledging the "lying flat" phenomenon. By addressing this trend, we aim to foster a collective sense of moving forward and finding solutions to empower young people.
Discussions will delve into the topic through multiple lenses—educational, psychological, economic, and philosophical—providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities at play.
RSVP29 October 2024
In-person
Mother of Buffalo is a 30-minute documentary film following one woman’s struggle to protect an endangered herd of wild water buffalo on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island. It’s a story of perseverance, of the connection and conflict between humans and nature, and a rarely-seen side of Hong Kong amidst transformative change.
Produced by Daedalum Films. Join us for this rare opportunity to view the film and meet the director ahead of its public release. Learn more at www.motherofbuffalo.com
RSVP30 October 2024
In-person
What if it were simple? What if we could all become part of the solution?
Join us for an evening with an incredible lineup of changemakers and leaders from Hong Kong's social impact scene.
Experience a live recording of the #impact Podcast — one of Hong Kong's first and top social impact podcasts, ranking in the top 5% globally. Hosted by Regina Larko, founder and host of #impact, in collaboration with The DO.
And if you're feeling brave (which you will after this evening!), you'll have the chance to share your own voice on the #impact Podcast too!
RSVPWe will explore the following topics:
14 November 2024
In-person
Join us for an engaging discussion on the innovative work being done at Vidi Labs, a Hong Kong-based startup dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with low vision. Their flagship product, Seekr, is a compact, wearable AI device specifically designed for elderly and visually impaired individuals.
In this talk, we will delve into the importance of making spaces inclusive for everyone, focusing on how technology can facilitate this goal without the need to alter existing architecture. Seekr utilizes advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to provide users with a better understanding of their surroundings. Together, we can create a world where everyone can thrive, free from limitations and social stigma.
RSVPThe Art in MTR programme is Hong Kong’s largest collection of public art. Started in 1998, it now comprises of over 80 artworks. This tour will take participants on a journey to seven stations where we will see some of the very first works to be commissioned as part of the Airport Express/Tung Chung Line and some of the more recent works at Wan Chai, Admiralty and the West Island Line stations.
Led by Andrew Mead, MTR’s Principal Advisor, Architecture, the tour will start with a brief history of MTR and the commissioning of the first artworks and as we go through the stations, the Andrew will explain how the artists are selected and stories about how they created the artworks in the stations. Further details are at: http://www.artinmtr.com.hk/
RSVP18 November 2024
In-person
Join us for a captivating exploration of the intricate dance between tradition and modernity in Hong Kong, set against the backdrop of the city's iconic architecture and storied landscapes. Our esteemed panel of experts will delve into the pivotal role of technology in cultural preservation, the significance of community engagement, and the enduring legacy of Hong Kong's rich cultural tapestry.
As one of the city's most iconic landmarks and member of Historic Hotels Worldwide, The Murray Hong Kong is the ideal venue for this panel discussion.
RSVPA discussion regarding how the development of the sustainability & ESG function will impact the talent market in Hong Kong.
As sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices become top priorities for companies, there is a growing demand for professionals equipped with the skills to drive this transformation.
But how is the talent market evolving to meet these needs?
Join us to explore the challenges facing this rapidly expanding sector, from skills gaps and recruitment hurdles to retaining top talent.
RSVPThe panel focuses on the role of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in corporate settings and its impact on employee well-being and organizational performance. This comprehensive session will cover correlation between IAQ best practices, employee well-being and ESG.
It sheds lights on direct link between IAQ and employee health, productivity, and engagement. Industry pioneers will share best practices for enhancing air quality in corporate environments, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved overall health outcomes.
RSVPJoin us for an exclusive demo featuring some of the most promising Green FinTech startups in Hong Kong. See firsthand how their solutions are paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Following the demos, our expert panel will dive deep into a discussion on FinTech's role in driving sustainability, exploring key trends, challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving space.
RSVPFollowed by overwhelming success of 2 editions in 2022 and 2023, WLAB’s Inclusive Cities Summit (WICS) is coming back in Q4 2024 as a full-scale Summit, with wider reach on the verticals: Social Impact Innovation & Sustainability, Youth Empowerment, Future of Work, Natural Ecosystem, Heritage and Ageing Society.
COMING SOONJoin us for an exclusive demo featuring some of the most promising Green FinTech startups in Hong Kong. See firsthand how their solutions are paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Following the demos, our expert panel will dive deep into a discussion on FinTech's role in driving sustainability, exploring key trends, challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving space.
RSVPDr. Rina Lai
Founder
SynergisED
Brian Cheng
Chief Executive Officer
Generation Hong Kong
Regina Larko
Founder, Host & Producer
#impact Podcast and Podcasting with Impact
Colin Ward
Senior Partner at
Foster + Partners
Mathew Gollop
Managing Director & Head
ConnectedSearch
Patrick Fung
CEO
Clean Air Network
Krishnamoorthy (Krish) Sundaresan
General Manager
Pfizer Hong Kong and Macau
Belinda Esterhammer
CEO
The DO Asia
Olivia Wong
General Manager Environmental & Social Responsibility
MTR
Derek Chan
Technical Manager
Hongkong Land
Patrick Newell
Vision Navigator and Co-founder
Tokyo International School
Aigul Safiullina
Head of Ecosystem & Sustainability
The DO Asia
Andrew Mead
Head of Architecture
MTR
Musheer Ahmed
Founder
FinStep Asia
Luis Tapia
Director and cinematographer of ‘Mother of Buffalo’ Documentary Film
Betty Wan
Group Head of Organisational Development & Talent
CPL
Diana Au Yeung
Head of People and Leadership
The DO Asia
Turzo Bose & Lamia Sreya Rahman
Co-founders
Seekr
Shashank Singh
APAC Sustainability Lead
Colgate Palmolive
Professor Véronique J. A. Lafon-Vinais
Adjunct Associate Professor of Finance,
Co-Director, BSc in Sustainable & Green Finance program
HKUST
Melanie Kwok
Assistant General Manager (Sustainability) and the Head of Sustainability
Sino Group
Lewis Ho
Co-founder/Chief Executive Officer
Avalon SteriTech
Dean Dimitriou
General Manager
The Murray Hong Kong
Deborah Wai
Innovation Lead
Carbonless
Victor Yim
Head of Fintech
Cyberport
King Leung
Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech and Sustainability
Invest HK
More information about these special events is coming soon. Meanwhile, you can find hotel recommendations for your stay during Our New World Week here.