WICS WLABs Inclusive Cities Logo

October – November 2024

INCLUSIVE CITIES SOCIAL IMPACT INNOVATION YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FUTURE OF WORK HERITAGE AGING SOCIETY SUSTAINABILITY NATURAL ECOSYSTEM WICS24

Program overview

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

2
MONTHS

6
KEY TOPICS

A GLOBAL
COMMUNITY

AGENDA 2024

The WLAB’s Inclusive Cities Summit will cover

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1

Climate Innovators Mixer - WICS24 Opening Night

10 October 2024

In-person

WICS2024 Climate mixer

Climate Innovators Mixer - WICS24 Opening Night

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! 

RSVP

2

MEDIA DAY

16 October 2024

In-person | By invitation only

WICS 2024 Media Day

WLAB's Inclusive Cities Summit MEDIA DAY

By invitation only

3

Radical Debate Pitch

16 October 2024

In-person

WICS 2024 Banner Louder Connect

Radical Debate Pitch with Louder Connect

LOUDER 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 Only

4

The Empowerment Equation: Youth Engagement Beyond “Lying Flat”

24 October 2024

In-person

WICS 2024 SynergisED Banners

The Empowerment Equation: Youth Engagement Beyond “Lying Flat” with SynergisED

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.

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5

Exclusive Preview Screening of Mother of Buffalo Documentary Film and Director Q&A

29 October 2024

In-person

Exclusive Preview Screening of Mother of Buffalo Documentary Film and Director Q&A

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

RSVP

6

How to Make Hong Kong a Better Place: A LIVE #impact Podcast Recording

30 October 2024

In-person

How to Make Hong Kong a Better Place: A LIVE #impact Podcast Recording

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!

RSVP

7

Leading Well: The Future of Workplace Wellbeing

5 November 2024

In-person

WICS 2024 Banners Leading Well

Leading Well: The Future of Workplace Wellbeing

We will explore the following topics:

  • Employee burnout: understanding the signs and implementing measures to prevent burnout in a remote setting
  • Work-life balance: finding ways to help employees maintain boundaries between work and personal life
  • Cultural sensitivity: addressing diverse cultural needs and expectations within the workforce
  • Mental health stigma: reducing stigma around mental health issues to encourage open discussions and support
RSVP

8

Navigating Inclusion: Empowering Independence with Technology

14 November 2024

In-person

Navigating Inclusion: Empowering Independence with Technology

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.

RSVP

9

Art in the MTR Tour

16 November 2024

In-person

Art in the MTR Tour

The 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/

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10

Preserving Legacy, Embracing Innovation: Hong Kong’s Cultural Legacy

18 November 2024

In-person

Preserving Legacy, Embracing Innovation: Hong Kong’s Cultural Legacy

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.

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11

Sustainability Talent - Challenges & Future Demand

20 November 2024

In-person

Sustainability Talent - Challenges & Future Demand

A 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.

RSVP

12

IAQ and ESG Impact Assessment

25 November 2024

In-person

IAQ and ESG Impact Assessment with Clean AIr Network

The 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.

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13

Green FinTech Showcase

27 November 2024

In-person

Green FinTech Showcase

Join 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.

RSVP

14

TBC

November 2024

In-person

WICS 2024 WLAB's Inclusive Cities Summit

Stay tuned for more WICS24 events

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.

COMING SOON

11

Green FinTech Showcase

27 November 2024

In-person

Green FinTech Showcase

Join 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.

RSVP

Meet Our Ecosystem Partners

WICS24 Partner Logos

Meet The Speakers

Dr. 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 - The DO Asia

Belinda Esterhammer

CEO
The DO Asia

Olivia Wong - MTR

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 - Respira Breathwork and The DO Asia

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

Betty Wan

Group Head of Organisational Development & Talent
CPL

Diana Au Yeung

Head of People and Leadership
The DO Asia

seekr

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 WICS24

Melanie Kwok

Assistant General Manager (Sustainability) and the Head of Sustainability
Sino Group

Lewis Ho Avalon SteriTech

Lewis Ho

Co-founder/Chief Executive Officer
Avalon SteriTech

Dean Dimitriou WICS24

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

Hosts

More information about these special events is coming soon. Meanwhile, you can find hotel recommendations for your stay during Our New World Week here

WICS24 will end in

Days
Hours
Minutes

I want to get involved!

Belinda Esterhammer

Chied Executive Officer Asia, The DO

We will be in touch shortly

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Inclusive Cities White Paper 2023