Latest news with #WinstonChow
Bloomberg
30-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Legal Risks Seen Accelerating Nations' Climate Adaptation Plans
By and David Stringer Save Countries that fall short in efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C face growing legal risks that could push them to accelerate climate adaptation efforts. The threat of lawsuits now looms over companies and governments that don't take aggressive climate action, following an advisory opinion from the International International Court of Justice, said Winston Chow, a professor of urban climate at Singapore Management University.
Bloomberg
30-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Is the 1.5C Goal Dead? Climate Experts Weigh In
"Winston Chow, Professor, Urban Climate, Singapore Management University and Christina Ng, Managing Director, Energy Shift Institute discuss the future of climate goal setting in business and finance with Bloomberg's David Stringer at the 2025 Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summit in Singapore." (Source: Bloomberg)
Korea Herald
04-07-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Global experts at SMU City Dialogues Vienna: Urban resilience requires trust, equity and 'smart enough' solutions
SINGAPORE and VIENNA, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As a partner event of the Mayors Forum of the World Cities Summit 2025, the fourth edition of SMU City Dialogues was successfully organised by Singapore Management University (SMU) in partnership with Urban Innovation Vienna (UIV) on 2 July 2025 at Vienna City Hall. City Dialogues Vienna welcomed over 100 attendees from 20 countries; with representation from more than 20 universities and over 30 private and public organisations – a testament to the diversity and dynamism of our global community, and the urgency and relevance of the dialogue topic of urban resilience. The event opened with a welcome address by SMU Provost, Professor Alan Chan, followed by remarks from Mr Melvyn Ong, Permanent Secretary (Development) at the Ministry of National Development, Republic of Singapore. The keynote address was delivered by Mr Jürgen Czernohorszky, Executive City Councillor for Climate, Environment, Democracy and Personnel of the City of Vienna. Centered around the guiding question "What is the value of urban resilience?", the event brought together urban leaders, policymakers and academics from Europe, Asia and beyond to exchange actionable insights towards resilient, inclusive and future-ready cities. The programme featured three thematic tracks, each addressing a core dimension of urban resilience: These parallel discussions concluded with a joint key takeaway session led by SMU professors Winston Chow and Orlando Woods, alongside UIV's Johannes Lutter. Their insights made one thing clear: urban resilience is not a buzzword, but a lived responsibility which requires trust, participation, and context-sensitive action. Professor Winston Chow, Co-Chair of the IPCC Working Group II and Professor of Urban Climate at SMU, said, "Resilience isn't just about surviving, it's about thriving. We need to align financial systems with social goals, build trust through good governance, and empower communities to shape their own future." Prof Chow also cautioned against over-reliance on public-private partnerships, noting that "public-private partnerships can be powerful tools, but they are not universal solutions. They require competent, stable governments, extensive due diligence and clear alignment of interest." SMU Professor of Geography Orlando Woods, who is also Director of the SMU Urban Institute, reflected on the limitations of digital solutions in addressing complex urban challenges. While his group was tasked with exploring innovation and technology, much of the discussion shifted toward the structural problems that technology alone cannot resolve. "It's not about being a smart city. It's about being a smart enough city. Smart enough relative to the context, the specific problem we are trying to solve with the technology that we have." He emphasised that overreliance on data and digital tools often leads to oversimplified responses, while masking deeper systemic issues like inequality, mental health, or infrastructural neglect. Dr Johannes Lutter Senior Urban Planner at Urban Innovation Vienna, outlined three key messages on how resilience can be made more socially inclusive and locally grounded. "Given our limited resources, it is essential that we take targeted action—focusing in particular on those who are most vulnerable. To do so effectively, we must have a clear understanding of who is at risk." "We must restore agency to communities—not by shifting responsibility onto them and stepping back, but by fostering a structured dialogue between governments and communities, ensuring genuine collaboration between public institutions and the people they serve," he added. Initiated in 2019 by Singapore Management University, the City Dialogues series fosters candid exchange among policymakers, academics and business leaders. It aims to generate actionable recommendations for sustainable and inclusive urban development. Previous editions held in Singapore and Bangkok successfully brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia to engage in honest, action-oriented conversations.
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
HKSTP Tech Companies Shine at GITEX Asia 2025 in Singapore
i2Cool won First Place at the Supernova Pitch Challenge HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 April 2025 - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has triumphantly wrapped up its high-impact delegation to GITEX Asia 2025 (GITEX Asia) in Singapore, highlighted by park company i2Cool Limited (i2Cool) won first place at the prestigious Supernova Pitch Competition in AI Everything Abu Dhabi Award. HKSTP led a delegation of 15 innovative tech companies to exhibit at the HKSTP Pavilion, showcasing I&T achievements across three major innovation categories: AI, Telecommunications, and Green and Construction. The exhilarating three-day GITEX Asia served as an international platform on which HKSTP tech companies could shine. At the HKSTP Pavilion, 15 of HKSTP's tech companies showcased market-ready breakthroughs spanning AI, telecommunications, green technologies, and construction tech to a global audience representing more than 60 countries and regions. During the Supernova competition and Expand North Star Dubai Pitch Competition, tech companies impressed judges and audiences with their groundbreaking technologies, as they competed against many global innovators for recognition and investment opportunities and gained the experience and exposure that will help them accelerate their growth. i2Cool won first place in the Supernova Pitching Competition at Abu Dhabi Award. The company received US$5,000 as well as opportunities for international exposure, networking, and meetings with top-tier investors and partners. Representative from i2Cool mentioned, 'We are deeply honored to receive the AI Everything Global Award at GITEX Asia. This recognition highlights the innovation behind our electricity-free cooling technology. At i2Cool, we not only deliver superior cooling materials but also integrate AI-driven optical theory predictions and using AI to provide comprehensive pre-assessment and post-verification energy-saving reports. This prestigious award empowers us to further enhance our AI calculation system, particularly in the accuracy of complex climate factor analysis across different regions. We remain committed to delivering the highest level of service to our existing clients and look forward to expanding our presence in the Middle East and ASEAN markets.' Leaders from the built environment and innovation ecosystem gathered to announce the partnership for The GEAR by Kajima Startup CoLab Programme (From left): Beth Henderson, Lead, Startup Programmes of The GEAR by Kajima; Prof Winston Chow, Professor of Urban Climate at Singapore Management University and Co-Chair of Working Group II, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP; Luke Wu, Managing Director of The GEAR by Kajima; Heng Teck Thai, Deputy CEO of Building and Construction Authority; Christine Wong, Assistant CEO of Cluster Group, JTC Corporation; Magdalene Loh, Deputy Executive Director of Manufacturing, Enterprise Singapore; and Patrick Lim, CEO of Action Community for Entrepreneurship. GITEX Asia also saw the official debut of The GEAR by Kajima's Startup CoLab Programme 2025. As the programme's sole overseas technology ecosystem partner, HKSTP is spearheading an international platform that connects cutting-edge tech companies with industry leaders to accelerate innovation in construction sustainability and smart building solutions. This vibrant platform enables HKSTP to spotlight Hong Kong's technological prowess, turbocharging I&T enterprises' market expansion across Southeast Asia and energising Hong Kong's thriving innovation ecosystem. As part of its strategic partnership with The GEAR by Kajima, HKSTP will nominate promising tech innovators to the Startup CoLab Programme 2025. Eight companies will be selected from global applicants to receive expert mentorship, business advisory support, networking opportunities, and access to key Southeast Asian markets. This initiative aims to fast-track their growth, enable effective scaling, and create a lasting impact on the region's smart city landscape, exemplifying HKSTP's commitment to fostering innovation and expanding tech companies' market reach in the built environment ecosystem. Panel session 'From Local to Global: How HKSTP Facilitates Market Expansion for Hong Kong Startups' moderated by Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP (1st from Right), featured insights from panellists Vriko Yu, CEO of Archireef Limited (2nd from Right); Kiki Zhang, CFO of FJDynamics International Limited (1st from Left); and Prof. Samuel Au, Founder & CEO of Cornerstone Robotics Limited (2nd from Left). Archireef announced a new nature-based coral restoration research project in Singapore, partnering with Swire Bulk Pte Ltd, Singapore's National Parks Board, and the Reef Ecology Lab at the National University of Singapore. Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, remarked, 'HKSTP is dedicated to driving innovation in the built environment and shaping sustainable, resilient smart cities. Our partnership with The GEAR by Kajima creates vital pathways for Hong Kong tech companies to expand across the region and develop impactful solutions that address real-world challenges. This collaboration also attracts tech innovators from neighbouring nations to join HKSTP's comprehensive and diverse innovation and technology ecosystem – offering access to R&D expertise, talent development programmes, and market expansion support. Looking ahead, we're empowering tech companies to accelerate innovation and grow from Hong Kong's international I&T hub into Mainland China and global markets.' At GITEX Asia, HKSTP showcased its commitment to fostering innovative tech companies, spotlighting Archireef, one of the exhibiting park companies specialising in marine ecosystem restoration. Archireef announced a new nature-based coral restoration research project in Singapore, partnering with Swire Bulk Pte Ltd, Singapore's National Parks Board (NParks), and the Reef Ecology Lab at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The project utilises Archireef's 3D-printed terracotta Reef Tiles™ to restore coral reefs, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen ecosystem resilience through nature-based solutions. This initiative underscores HKSTP's dedication to supporting deep tech ventures that drives sustainable environmental impact and global expansion. HKSTP's successful participation at GITEX Asia has not only showcased Hong Kong's leading-edge innovations in AI, telecommunications, green tech, and construction technologies but also strengthened its role as a gateway for tech companies to access Southeast Asian and global markets. Appendix: List of 15 exhibiting park companies at GITEX Asia 2025 Hashtag: #HKSTP The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 14 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,200 technology companies from 25 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc. Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined. Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more. Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong. More information about HKSTP is available at
