Latest news with #ChristineLoh
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Hong Kong at Maritime Crossroads: New Studies Reveal Unprecedented Opportunity for Kickstarting the Blue Economy
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2025 - In a rare convergence of economic and environmental expertise, three landmark studies released today by ADM Capital Foundation, HKUST and WWF-Hong Kong, presenting a transformative vision—Hong Kong can reinvent itself as Asia's premier blue economy hub. The reports—Port 1.0 to Port 2.0 (HKUST), Blue Finance for a Blue Economy (ADMCF), and Valuing the Invaluable Blue (WWF-Hong Kong)—all agree that the city has a unique opportunity in this moment, wherein: --> Global shipping reforms are creating openings for blue finance leadership --> Port redevelopment s can integrate ecological and economic value --> Marine ecosystems, long undervalued, are essential to regional prosperity and resilience Global shipping reforms – IMOs net zero emission and carbon pricing mandate will force fleet upgrades, fuel transitions and new financial risks. In parallel, the UN has announced an ambitious biodiversity framework to be achieved by 2030. Hong Kong, itself, is striving to re-assert itself as a maritime powerhouse. This alignment, the authors propose, creates an unprecedented opportunity to transform the city into Asia's sustainable blue economy leader. At the heart of this transformation lies 'Port 2.0' – a visionary reimagining of Hong Kong's waters as a multifunctional interface that connects sea, land, city, technology and people, and serve as platforms for innovation, environmental stewardship and civic life. 'What makes this moment truly extraordinary is how these elements intersect with Hong Kong's unique advantages. Our world-class financial ecosystem can mobilise the billions needed for maritime decarbonisation. Our strategic location positions us as the natural hub for green shipping business in Asia. And our existing port infrastructure provides the ideal testing ground for innovative solutions.' said Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment at HKUST and author of the paper 'From Port 1.0 to Port 2.0: Hong Kong's Next Leap to Evolving a Blue Economy Vision'. Hong Kong's status as the world's third-largest capital hub gives it unmatched potential to pioneer blue finance. As ADMCF's Blue Finance report highlights, instruments such as blue bonds can mobilise capital to facilitate port decarbonisation, sustainable aquaculture and marine eco-tourism—transforming the city into Asia's premier blue economy hub, aligning marine protection with economic prosperity. In 2023 there was a surge in blue bonds followed by continued growth in 2024, and Asia was the largest issuing region—led by China. 'If Hong Kong were to issue blue bonds, this would not only signal the city's commitment to improving its status as a leading international maritime hub but also accelerate the growth of blue finance, ensuring a future where economic prosperity and marine resilience go hand in hand,' said Kate Martin, the report's lead author and sustainable finance consultant with ADMCF. This untapped potential aligns with the groundbreaking research in Valuing the Invaluable Blue. The WWF-commissioned study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences has, for the first time, quantified the staggering monetary value of the Greater Bay Area's coastal ecosystems—revealing a Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) worth RMB 4.9 trillion, equivalent to over 35% of the GBA's GDP, with 73% contributed by marine ecosystems. 'This valuation demonstrates our marine ecosystems' critical, yet often overlooked, economic contributions,' said Lydia Pang, Head of Oceans Conservation at WWF-Hong Kong. 'From climate regulation to disaster mitigation, these natural systems provide services worth over one-third of our regional GDP - services that should be factored into development decisions and anchor blue economy planning,' she said. 'What's more, our study shows that Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to adopt this ecosystem accounting framework. With strong data foundations, policy alignment, and technical readiness, we can localise and institutionalise marine GEP accounting to guide planning, investment, and conservation.' The authors' combined focus on a blue economy vision integrates port development with marine conservation, biodiversity, climate resilience, recreation and the responsible use of ocean resources. It builds on China's decades of marine policy leadership, where comprehensive frameworks - from ocean GEP systems to blue finance instruments - have laid the foundation for sustainable maritime development. 'The window to developing a sustainable blue economy and to establish ourselves as the global leader in sustainable maritime commerce is open now, but won't remain so indefinitely.' Said Sophie le Clue, CEO at ADMCF. 'The question isn't whether we can seize this opportunity, but whether we will.'
Arabian Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Hong Kong at Maritime Crossroads: New Studies Reveal Unprecedented Opportunity for Kickstarting the Blue Economy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2025 –In a rare convergence of economic and environmental expertise, three landmark studies released today by ADM Capital Foundation, HKUST and WWF-Hong Kong,presenting a transformative vision—Hong Kong can reinvent itself as Asia's premier blue economy hub. The reports—Port 1.0 to Port 2.0 (HKUST), Blue Finance for a Blue Economy (ADMCF), and Valuing the Invaluable Blue (WWF-Hong Kong)—all agree that the city has a unique opportunity in this moment, wherein: Global shipping reforms are creating openings for blue finance leadership are creating openings for blue finance leadership Port redevelopments can integrate ecological and economic value can integrate ecological and economic value Marine ecosystems, long undervalued, are essential to regional prosperity and resilience Global shipping reforms – IMOs net zero emission and carbon pricing mandate will force fleet upgrades, fuel transitions and new financial risks. In parallel, the UN has announced an ambitious biodiversity framework to be achieved by 2030. Hong Kong, itself, is striving to re-assert itself as a maritime powerhouse. This alignment, the authors propose, creates an unprecedented opportunity to transform the city into Asia's sustainable blue economy leader. At the heart of this transformation lies 'Port 2.0' – a visionary reimagining of Hong Kong's waters as a multifunctional interface that connects sea, land, city, technology and people, and serve as platforms for innovation, environmental stewardship and civic life. ADVERTISEMENT 'What makes this moment truly extraordinary is how these elements intersect with Hong Kong's unique advantages. Our world-class financial ecosystem can mobilise the billions needed for maritime decarbonisation. Our strategic location positions us as the natural hub for green shipping business in Asia. And our existing port infrastructure provides the ideal testing ground for innovative solutions.' said Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment at HKUST and author of the paper 'From Port 1.0 to Port 2.0: Hong Kong's Next Leap to Evolving a Blue Economy Vision'. Hong Kong's status as the world's third-largest capital hub gives it unmatched potential to pioneer blue finance. As ADMCF's Blue Finance report highlights, instruments such as blue bonds can mobilise capital to facilitate port decarbonisation, sustainable aquaculture and marine eco-tourism—transforming the city into Asia's premier blue economy hub, aligning marine protection with economic prosperity. In 2023 there was a surge in blue bonds followed by continued growth in 2024, and Asia was the largest issuing region—led by China. 'If Hong Kong were to issue blue bonds, this would not only signal the city's commitment to improving its status as a leading international maritime hub but also accelerate the growth of blue finance, ensuring a future where economic prosperity and marine resilience go hand in hand,' said Kate Martin, the report's lead author and sustainable finance consultant with ADMCF. This untapped potential aligns with the groundbreaking research in Valuing the Invaluable Blue. The WWF-commissioned study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences has, for the first time, quantified the staggering monetary value of the Greater Bay Area's coastal ecosystems—revealing a Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) worth RMB 4.9 trillion, equivalent to over 35% of the GBA's GDP, with 73% contributed by marine ecosystems. 'This valuation demonstrates our marine ecosystems' critical, yet often overlooked, economic contributions,' said Lydia Pang, Head of Oceans Conservation at WWF-Hong Kong. 'From climate regulation to disaster mitigation, these natural systems provide services worth over one-third of our regional GDP – services that should be factored into development decisions and anchor blue economy planning,' she said. 'What's more, our study shows that Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to adopt this ecosystem accounting framework. With strong data foundations, policy alignment, and technical readiness, we can localise and institutionalise marine GEP accounting to guide planning, investment, and conservation.' ADVERTISEMENT The authors' combined focus on a blue economy vision integrates port development with marine conservation, biodiversity, climate resilience, recreation and the responsible use of ocean resources. It builds on China's decades of marine policy leadership, where comprehensive frameworks – from ocean GEP systems to blue finance instruments – have laid the foundation for sustainable maritime development. 'The window to developing a sustainable blue economy and to establish ourselves as the global leader in sustainable maritime commerce is open now, but won't remain so indefinitely.' Said Sophie le Clue, CEO at ADMCF. 'The question isn't whether we can seize this opportunity, but whether we will.' Hashtag: #ADMCapitalFoundation The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Hong Kong at Maritime Crossroads: New Studies Reveal Unprecedented Opportunity for Kickstarting the Blue Economy
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2025 - In a rare convergence of economic and environmental expertise, three landmark studies released today by ADM Capital Foundation, HKUST and WWF-Hong Kong, presenting a transformative vision—Hong Kong can reinvent itself as Asia's premier blue economy hub. Hong Kong at Maritime Crossroads: New Studies Reveal Unprecedented Opportunity for Kickstarting the Blue Economy The reports— Port 1.0 to Port 2.0 (HKUST), Blue Finance for a Blue Economy (ADMCF), and Valuing the Invaluable Blue (WWF-Hong Kong)—all agree that the city has a unique opportunity in this moment, wherein: Global shipping reforms – IMOs net zero emission and carbon pricing mandate will force fleet upgrades, fuel transitions and new financial risks. In parallel, the UN has announced an ambitious biodiversity framework to be achieved by 2030. Hong Kong, itself, is striving to re-assert itself as a maritime powerhouse. This alignment, the authors propose, creates an unprecedented opportunity to transform the city into Asia's sustainable blue economy leader. At the heart of this transformation lies 'Port 2.0' – a visionary reimagining of Hong Kong's waters as a multifunctional interface that connects sea, land, city, technology and people, and serve as platforms for innovation, environmental stewardship and civic life. 'What makes this moment truly extraordinary is how these elements intersect with Hong Kong's unique advantages. Our world-class financial ecosystem can mobilise the billions needed for maritime decarbonisation. Our strategic location positions us as the natural hub for green shipping business in Asia. And our existing port infrastructure provides the ideal testing ground for innovative solutions.' said Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment at HKUST and author of the paper 'From Port 1.0 to Port 2.0: Hong Kong's Next Leap to Evolving a Blue Economy Vision'. Hong Kong's status as the world's third-largest capital hub gives it unmatched potential to pioneer blue finance. As ADMCF's Blue Finance report highlights, instruments such as blue bonds can mobilise capital to facilitate port decarbonisation, sustainable aquaculture and marine eco-tourism—transforming the city into Asia's premier blue economy hub, aligning marine protection with economic prosperity. In 2023 there was a surge in blue bonds followed by continued growth in 2024, and Asia was the largest issuing region—led by China. 'If Hong Kong were to issue blue bonds, this would not only signal the city's commitment to improving its status as a leading international maritime hub but also accelerate the growth of blue finance, ensuring a future where economic prosperity and marine resilience go hand in hand,' said Kate Martin, the report's lead author and sustainable finance consultant with ADMCF. This untapped potential aligns with the groundbreaking research in Valuing the Invaluable Blue. The WWF-commissioned study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences has, for the first time, quantified the staggering monetary value of the Greater Bay Area's coastal ecosystems—revealing a Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) worth RMB 4.9 trillion, equivalent to over 35% of the GBA's GDP, with 73% contributed by marine ecosystems. 'This valuation demonstrates our marine ecosystems' critical, yet often overlooked, economic contributions,' said Lydia Pang, Head of Oceans Conservation at WWF-Hong Kong. 'From climate regulation to disaster mitigation, these natural systems provide services worth over one-third of our regional GDP - services that should be factored into development decisions and anchor blue economy planning,' she said. 'What's more, our study shows that Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to adopt this ecosystem accounting framework. With strong data foundations, policy alignment, and technical readiness, we can localise and institutionalise marine GEP accounting to guide planning, investment, and conservation.' The authors' combined focus on a blue economy vision integrates port development with marine conservation, biodiversity, climate resilience, recreation and the responsible use of ocean resources. It builds on China's decades of marine policy leadership, where comprehensive frameworks - from ocean GEP systems to blue finance instruments - have laid the foundation for sustainable maritime development. 'The window to developing a sustainable blue economy and to establish ourselves as the global leader in sustainable maritime commerce is open now, but won't remain so indefinitely.' Said Sophie le Clue, CEO at ADMCF. 'The question isn't whether we can seize this opportunity, but whether we will.' Hashtag: #ADMCapitalFoundation The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Changemakers Program Gains Traction as Hang Lung Partners with Tenants in Vibrant Sustainability Community
HONG KONG SAR and SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 April 2025 - Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) (the 'Company' or 'Hang Lung') is scaling up its collaborative efforts with tenants in reducing energy use and waste, advancing circularity, and improving community wellbeing. Leading the industry shift towards shared responsibility for sustainability, Hang Lung fosters collaboration through its Changemakers: Tenant Partnerships on Sustainability Program (the 'Changemakers Program'), which completed a successful pilot year in 2024. The program was inspired by the Company's pioneering sustainability partnership with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton ('LVMH Group'), launched in 2022. To date, Hang Lung has collaborated with 49 tenants from various sectors – including office, retail, and hospitality – across 17 properties in Hong Kong and mainland China, totaling over 220,500 square meters of leased floor area or 11% of Hang Lung's leasable floor area. Building on insights from early adopters such as AEON Stores (Hong Kong) Co., Limited, Credit Agricole CIB (China) Limited, Decathlon Hong Kong, Longchamp, Qeelin, Siemens Ltd., China Shenyang Branch, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, and Tam Jai International Co. Limited, Hang Lung has enhanced the Changemakers Program for greater impact and engagement, including offering tenants access to a comprehensive energy and carbon management platform. This solution provides tenants with real-time energy consumption analytics across their leased spaces, delivering data-driven, actionable insights to enhance energy efficiency, support sustainability goals, and optimize operational performance. The Changemakers Program also continues to deliver best practice sharing and benchmarking with peers, capacity-building resources, and hands-on support from Hang Lung, including technical services and volunteering opportunities. 'Underpinning all our sustainability efforts is a belief in the power of collective action. Our tenants are essential partners in both business and sustainability, and Hang Lung is proud to join forces with them in pursuit of meaningful impacts for the environment and society,' Mr. Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung Properties and Chair of the Sustainability Steering Committee, said. 'Collaborating with tenants to reduce carbon is also one of our key actions on our pathway to net zero emissions by 2050.' At the recent Changemakers Tenant Sustainability Awards 2025 held in Hong Kong, the community celebrated the accomplishments of tenants from the first year of the Changemakers Program, and invited leading tenants to share their innovative practices with others. Professor Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said, 'Hang Lung's approach highlights the value of partnerships. We know what we need to do; we just need to keep working together and learning from one another.' Professor Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, championed partnership during a panel discussion with sustainability leaders at the Changemakers Tenant Sustainability Awards 2025 in Hong Kong Speaking to Changemakers Program awardees at the Shanghai ceremony, Mr. Brian Linden, Co-founder of The Linden Center and author of Redefining Diplomacy: One Village at a Time, said, 'To be truly effective, any sustainability initiative must go beyond the purely physical, and adopt a more holistic approach. This means incorporating social and cultural traditions to deepen the connection with and involvement from the local community. The Changemakers Program is also cultivating this approach – driving innovation through fostering collaboration and community.' Whether tenants are just starting on their sustainability journey, or ready to lead, the Changemakers Program offers a path for collaboration, impact, and recognition. For more information, please email Sustainability@ Note to Editors: Tenants can opt to participate at either the Foundational or Advanced level of the Changemakers Program, joining a vibrant sustainability community that supports shared learning and measurable action. Hang Lung office, retail, and hospitality tenants already making an impact as early adopters under the Program include: List of tenants and awards – Changemakers Tenant Sustainability Awards 2025 Hashtag: #HangLungProperties The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Hang Lung Properties Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the '66' brand, the company's Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the 'Pulse of the City'. Hang Lung Properties is also recognized for leading the way in enhancing sustainability initiatives in the real estate industry, all the while pursuing sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities. At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Changemakers Program Gains Traction as Hang Lung Partners with Tenants in Vibrant Sustainability Community
Enhanced Changemakers Program and LVMH Group collaboration drive momentum for shared ESG commitment HONG KONG SAR and SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 April 2025 - Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) (the "Company" or "Hang Lung") is scaling up its collaborative efforts with tenants in reducing energy use and waste, advancing circularity, and improving community wellbeing. Leading the industry shift towards shared responsibility for sustainability, Hang Lung fosters collaboration through its Changemakers: Tenant Partnerships on Sustainability Program (the "Changemakers Program"), which completed a successful pilot year in 2024. The program was inspired by the Company's pioneering sustainability partnership with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton ("LVMH Group"), launched in 2022. To date, Hang Lung has collaborated with 49 tenants from various sectors – including office, retail, and hospitality – across 17 properties in Hong Kong and mainland China, totaling over 220,500 square meters of leased floor area or 11% of Hang Lung's leasable floor area. Building on insights from early adopters such as AEON Stores (Hong Kong) Co., Limited, Credit Agricole CIB (China) Limited, Decathlon Hong Kong, Longchamp, Qeelin, Siemens Ltd., China Shenyang Branch, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, and Tam Jai International Co. Limited, Hang Lung has enhanced the Changemakers Program for greater impact and engagement, including offering tenants access to a comprehensive energy and carbon management platform. This solution provides tenants with real-time energy consumption analytics across their leased spaces, delivering data-driven, actionable insights to enhance energy efficiency, support sustainability goals, and optimize operational performance. The Changemakers Program also continues to deliver best practice sharing and benchmarking with peers, capacity-building resources, and hands-on support from Hang Lung, including technical services and volunteering opportunities. "Underpinning all our sustainability efforts is a belief in the power of collective action. Our tenants are essential partners in both business and sustainability, and Hang Lung is proud to join forces with them in pursuit of meaningful impacts for the environment and society," Mr. Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung Properties and Chair of the Sustainability Steering Committee, said. "Collaborating with tenants to reduce carbon is also one of our key actions on our pathway to net zero emissions by 2050." At the recent Changemakers Tenant Sustainability Awards 2025 held in Hong Kong, the community celebrated the accomplishments of tenants from the first year of the Changemakers Program, and invited leading tenants to share their innovative practices with others. Professor Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said, "Hang Lung's approach highlights the value of partnerships. We know what we need to do; we just need to keep working together and learning from one another." Speaking to Changemakers Program awardees at the Shanghai ceremony, Mr. Brian Linden, Co-founder of The Linden Center and author of Redefining Diplomacy: One Village at a Time, said, "To be truly effective, any sustainability initiative must go beyond the purely physical, and adopt a more holistic approach. This means incorporating social and cultural traditions to deepen the connection with and involvement from the local community. The Changemakers Program is also cultivating this approach – driving innovation through fostering collaboration and community." Whether tenants are just starting on their sustainability journey, or ready to lead, the Changemakers Program offers a path for collaboration, impact, and recognition. For more information, please email Sustainability@ Note to Editors: Tenants can opt to participate at either the Foundational or Advanced level of the Changemakers Program, joining a vibrant sustainability community that supports shared learning and measurable action. Hang Lung office, retail, and hospitality tenants already making an impact as early adopters under the Program include: List of tenants and awards – Changemakers Tenant Sustainability Awards 2025 Hong Kong Foundational Awards AEON Lai Chi Kok Store – AquaMarine Gyu-Kaku Buffet – Grand Plaza AEON STYLE Mong Kok – Gala Place TamJai SamGor Mixian – Kornhill Plaza AEON STYLE Kornhill – Kornhill Plaza TamJai Yunnan Mixian – Amoy Plaza Decathlon Hong Kong – Grand Plaza Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited – Standard Chartered Bank Building Gyu-Kaku – Kornhill Plaza UPS Parcel Delivery Service Ltd. – 9 Wing Hong Street Advanced Awards Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society Limited – Shui On Centre Mott 32 – Standard Chartered Bank Building Cuisine Continental (HK) Ltd. – alfafa – Kornhill Plaza Special Mention Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society Limited – Shui On Centre Kabushikigaisha Limited – Gyu-Kaku – Kornhill Plaza and Gyu-Kaku Buffet – Grand Plaza Decathlon Hong Kong – Grand Plaza Mott 32 – Standard Chartered Bank Building Mainland China Foundational Awards Credit Agricole CIB (China) Limited – Plaza 66, Shanghai Longchamp – Olympia 66, Dalian KPMG China – Plaza 66, Shanghai Longchamp – Spring City 66, Kunming Longchamp – Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai MUFG Bank (China), Ltd. – Center 66, Wuxi Longchamp – Heartland 66, Wuhan Taikang Life Insurance Co., Ltd. Hubei Branch – Heartland 66, Wuhan Advanced Awards ANTA – Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai Qeelin – Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai Conrad Shenyang – Forum 66, Shenyang Qeelin – Plaza 66, Shanghai HSBC China Wuxi branch – Center 66, Wuxi Siemens Ltd., China Shenyang Branch – Forum 66, Shenyang Special Mention ANTA – Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai Credit Agricole CIB (China) Limited – Plaza 66, Shanghai Conrad Shenyang – Forum 66, Shenyang HSBC China Wuxi branch – Center 66, Wuxi Hashtag: #HangLungProperties The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Hang Lung Properties Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the '66' brand, the company's Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the 'Pulse of the City'. Hang Lung Properties is also recognized for leading the way in enhancing sustainability initiatives in the real estate industry, all the while pursuing sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities. At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well. For more information, please visit Hang Lung Properties
