The 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change ("COP30") in Belém, Brazil, marked a pivotal moment in the global climate agenda, serving as the deadline for nations to submit their updated Nationally Determined Contributions ("NDCs") and setting the trajectory for the next decade of climate action. Key themes emerged around the operationalisation of global carbon markets, the "Mission 1.5" roadmap, and the urgent need to mobilise private capital through blended finance mechanisms.
Organised by Business Environment Council ("BEC"), the Post-COP30 Hong Kong Forum convened Hong Kong's COP30 participants, business leaders, and key sustainability stakeholders to decode the outcomes of the conference. This forum focused exclusively on the corporate and financial implications for the region.
As Hong Kong solidifies its position as a leading green finance hub, this forum provided critical insights into how China's 15th Five-Year Plan, evolving ISSB disclosure standards, and the shifting global regulatory landscape will impact corporate strategies and operations.
Event Details
Date: 13 January 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 2:30p.m. – 5:00p.m. (Registration starts at 2:15p.m.)
Venue: BEC Auditorium, G/F, 77 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong
Language: English
Fee: Free of charge but registration is required
Programme
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2:30 - 2:35p.m. |
Opening Remarks
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2:35 - 2:45p.m. |
Hong Kong SAR's participation in COP and inputs for China's NDC
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| 2:45 - 2:55p.m. |
COP30 sharing and takeaways: a business perspective
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2:55 - 3:10p.m. |
COP30 Highlights – Success & Failure
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3:10 - 3:25p.m. |
China's climate ambition – interpreting China's Nationally Determined Contributions and 15th Five-Year Plan
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3:25 - 3:55p.m. |
Coffee Break |
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3:55 - 4:55p.m. |
Panel Discussion: Mobilising Capital and Managing Compliance: The 2026 Outlook for Hong Kong Businesses Following the global stocktake at COP30 and the unveiling of China’s updated NDCs, the focus shifts to implementation. Framing itself as the superconnector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between China’s climate ambition and global green transition needs. This panel brings together policymakers, investors, and industry experts to explore the dual challenge of regulatory compliance (or disconnect) and capital mobilisation for transition in 2026 and beyond.
Moderator: Merlin Lao, Head – Policy & Research, Business Environment Council Panellists:
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Speakers *arranged in alphabetical order by last names
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Mr Wai-shin Chan Wai-Shin is a highly experienced analyst integral in driving the global climate and sustainability agendas. He provides cutting-edge thought-leadership for diverse stakeholders such as investors, corporates, and regulators by analysing, distilling and synthesising sustainability information, trends and developments. He is currently an independent sustainability advisor – working across various platforms: as senior sustainability advisor to Metis ESG; as Director of Research for Asia Research and Engagement; and as an ecosystem partner with KanataQ. Wai-Shin was previously Head of HSBC’s Climate Change Centre of Excellence and also Global Head of ESG Research. This dual role involved analysis of climate change and its multi-asset implications as well as the integration of ESG within Global Research. His research was highly sought after across multiple departments of HSBC as well as around the world by diverse clients of HSBC. Prior to HSBC, Wai-Shin worked as a fund manager at Environmental Investment Services Asia and was deeply involved in the incorporation of ESG issues into the investment decision-making process. He is a former Executive Director of the Association for Sustainable and Responsible Investment in Asia, and was Asia’s first dedicated ESG equity analyst in 2006. Before sustainability, Wai-Shin was a transportation equity analyst for several years with JPMorgan. He holds a degree in Mathematics and Physics from Durham University (first class honours) and is a CFA charterholder.
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Ir Dr Bruce Chong Ir Dr Bruce Chong is a Fellow and Director at Arup, where he leads climate, urban sustainability, and smart city services across Asia. He established Arup's Centre of Excellence for Climate Modelling, enabling organizations to make resilience both measurable and actionable in planning sustainable climate adaptation strategies. Bruce has advised global institutions including the World Bank, IFC, ADB, and AIIB on climate adaptation, sustainable infrastructure, smart cities, and circular economy initiatives. He founded the Asia Corporate Coalition for Climate Resilience (A4CR), guiding influential businesses in the region to address climate risks and future-proof their assets and operations. A Fellow of HKIE, CIBSE, ICE, and IET, Bruce serves on multiple industry and policy committees. These include Director of HKGBC; Vice Chair of the Real Estate & Infrastructure Committee at HKGCC; Co-Chair of the Real Estate Working Group at HKGFA; Committee Member of the ESG Group at the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC); Working Group Member on Engineering & Climate Change at the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO); and Council Member of the Appointment Advisory Board at the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC). His latest publication, Tackling Climate Hazards in Coastal Urban Areas of East and Southeast Asia: Connecting Climate Science, Engineering, and Finance, was launched during COP30 in November 2025.
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Mr Merlin Lao Mr Merlin Lao is Head – Policy & Research at BEC. He leads the team to develop clear policy positions on pressing climate and environmental topics in Hong Kong, through undertaking research on latest domestic and international trends, engaging with the Hong Kong SAR Government and connecting insights of the local business sector. He is keen on net-zero transition that not only looks at decarbonisation, but also a more equal and liveable built environment. Mr Lao is a programme management professional with over 10 years of climate change and environment career experience across private, public and non-profit sectors in East Asia, with major exposure in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea. Prior to joining BEC, he was the senior programme manager at an international non-governmental organisation driving sustainable cities agenda in China, Japan, Mongolia and South Korea, covering topics such as air quality, low-emission development, urban resilience, circular economy and nature-based solutions.
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Mr Arthur Lee Mr Arthur Lee serves as the Commissioner for Climate Change in the Environment and Ecology Bureau of HKSARG, spearheading the city's efforts in combating climate change and advance sustainable development toward the ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Together with the Office of Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality, Mr Lee adopts a whole-government approach to formulate comprehensive decarbonisation strategies. His office collaborates with local, Mainland and overseas authorities and stakeholders to promote low-carbon development while mobilising community-wide participation to foster environmental sustainability and drive the growth of green economy.
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Mr Kendrew Leung Mr Kendrew Leung serves as a Manager (Policy Research) at the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC). As a member of the Policy Research team, he contributes to the formulation of proposals to support the continued development of Hong Kong’s financial services industry, with a focus on green and sustainable finance, alternative investments, and capital market development. Prior to joining the FSDC, Kendrew worked as a researcher supporting the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong. Before that, he was with CBRE's research team, where he conducted macroeconomic, real estate, and capital markets research Kendrew holds a Master's degree in Global Political Economy from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Bachelor of Business Administration from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
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Ms Hao Tian Hao Tian is an Advisor to the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) and a Senior Advisor to the Global Climate Finance Accelerator (GCFA). Hao has over a decade of experience in finance and sustainability across global banks in both developed and emerging markets. She has held key roles in global capital markets, sustainability, advisory, technology, and risk management. With a strong track record in leading multi-million-dollar debt structuring and managing C$100 million in climate tech PE/VC fund investments, Hao aims to drive high-impact financial solutions that accelerate sustainable development. Hao is also committed to advancing sustainable finance through academic engagement. She teaches the course "Financing Sustainability" at the University of Toronto and is pursuing a PhD at HKUST, focusing on blended finance. She holds a Master of Finance and a Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability from the University of Toronto, along with a Bachelor of Economics from the Central University of Finance and Economics. Hao is also a certified Financial Risk Manager and holds the IFRS (ISSB) FSA Credential.
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Ms Landico Wong Landico Wong is the Senior Sustainability Manager at DFI Retail Group, an HKICPA member and a Certified ESG Planner by the International Chamber of Sustainable Development. She is responsible for sustainability governance and strategy, carbon emissions and waste management, sustainability reporting and ratings, and team member engagement and training. Landico drives alignment across functions and banners on climate actions and targets, spearheading initiatives that reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency. She also leverages external partnerships to foster collaboration, supporting the transition of the company and industry toward a more sustainable future.
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Mr Tony Zhao Xiuye (Tony) Zhao is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, with a concentration in global governance. Prior to joining Tsinghua, he spent many years conducting subnational diplomacy between China and the U.S. As the Director of Asia Operations at the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, Zhao spearheaded the establishment of the "U.S.-China Subnational Legislative Exchange Mechanism" in 2015. Previously he worked at the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution where he published several articles on Sino-U.S. subnational diplomacy and renewable energy policy. Zhao's research interest focuses on the role of subnational governments in global governance, especially in the context of climate and energy policy. He has a master's degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University.
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