Stepping into its 5th edition, ReThink HK is the city’s ambitious business event for sustainable development, a large-scale, cross-sector platform that champions ESG transformation and showcases game-changing innovation.
We seek to inspire ambitious target setting, induce behavior change, and mobilise collective action towards a carbon-neutral Hong Kong by 2050. Civic Exchange is proud to announce that we are a Content Partner of Rethink HK to be hosted on 12 -13 September 2024 at HKCEC! “Rethinking Mobility & Transportation Programme” will be held on Day 2. The Rethinking Mobility & Transportation Programme will explore the future of urban mobility, touching on topics such as aviation, the intriguing relationship between shopping trends and transportation choices, the intricacies of road smart mobility, and the seamless integration of multi-modal solutions. It will embark on a journey to reimagine how we navigate our cities. Our programme is designed to spark innovative ideas and foster collaboration across various domains. Be part of the transformation as we rethink mobility, reduce emissions, and enhance quality of life.
Check session details below or view here!
10:30 – 10:40
Opening Welcome: Rethinking Mobility & Transportation
Speakers: Mr Ambrose Cheong, Chairperson of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Hong Kong Association, and Mr Evan Auyang, Chairman of Civic Exchange
10:40 – 10:50
Keeping Cities Moving
Speaker: Ms Gill Meller, Legal and Governance Director at MTR Corporation Limited
10:50 – 11:20
Unpacking Transport Trends, Opportunities and Challenges in Hong Kong
The transport industry in Hong Kong helps interlock and join us together, how our businesses are able to support the decarbonisation will impact the bigger picture of the city’s mission. Join us as leaders in their field gather to discuss the intricate tapestry of urban mobility.
We will explore three key areas of mobility Rail, Roadways and Fuel. Exploring topics such as how do we balance convenience with congestion, Hong Kong’s transition to e-vehicles, reimagining roads as shared spaces as well as the challenges and opportunities of green fuels and their potential in Hong Kong.
Speakers (TBC): Mr Kenneth Chung, Head of E-Mobility at Shell Hong Kong Limited, and Ms Gill Meller, Legal and Governance Director at MTR Corporation Limited
11:20 – 12:10
Navigating People-centric Smart Mobility
In the quest for sustainable urban development, public transportation is pivotal in the decarbonization effort. Hong Kong exemplifies this with a staggering 90% public transport ridership. Yet, the city faces a paradox: the number of private vehicles is surging, exacerbating congestion and undermining the reliability and efficiency of public transport system. Compounding the issue is the antiquated and restrictive design of public transport interchanges, which deters the public’s preference for mass transit.
The panel discussion will center around smart people-centric mobility and its aim to explore innovative initiatives that enhance the user experience of public transportation, ultimately promoting increased usage. Our panelists, esteemed experts in their respective fields, will engage in a comprehensive discussion on a wide range of initiatives and strategies that have the potential to positively impact public transportation. Specifically, they will delve into areas such as data accessibility, infrastructure improvements, and provisions for individuals with special needs, all with the overarching objective of making public transport more appealing, accessible, and attractive to the general public.
Speakers: Mr Jens-Peter Brauner, Chief Executive Officer at Siemens Mobility Limited, Mr Kelvin Cheng, Managing Director – Transportation & Water at AtkinsRéalis, Mr Jackie Cheung, Chief Digital Development & Innovation Manager at MTR Corporation Limited, and Ms Waltraut Ritter, Director Research at Mobility Research Project.
Moderator: Mr Andy Chan, Executive Director, Traffic and Transport Planning at AECOM
12:10 – 13:00
Creating Solutions for Low Emission Road Transport
Road mobility is a double-edged sword: it’s essential for logistics within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Hong Kong, yet it’s also the source of significant roadside emissions, contributing to 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. The cross-boundary transport not only affects roadside air quality but also poses a challenge to public health and climate change mitigation efforts.
The panel discussion will focus on evaluating the integration of road transport within the urban mobility masterplan and exploring impactful strategies, technological advancements, and policy measures to mitigate emissions and enhance air quality in road transportation across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. We will also examine Shenzhen’s initiative to establish low-emission zones and decarbonize its logistic fleet which presents a unique opportunity for Hong Kong to accelerate its own fleet decarbonization and enhance air quality.
Speaker: Prof Edward Chan, Co-Founder of the HK E-Vehicles Business General Association, Dr Saraansh Dave, Director – eMobility at CLP Power Hong Kong, Ms Eva Deng, Overseas Business Operation Director at Digital Sustainable Transport (DST), and Mr Ralph Xu, Head, Green Transportation at Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre.
Moderator: Mr Lawrence Iu, Executive Director of Civic Exchange
13:50 – 14:40
Successful Aviation Decarbonisation Through SAF & Innovations
Aviation is one of the hard-to-abate sectors because of the use of carbon intensive jet fuel without alternatives. With the latest technological advancement, lower-carbon Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is considered the most feasible solution in near- to medium-term. However, Maximising the decarbonisation potential of SAF requires collaboration between sectors in the supply chain, and the policy incentives from the Government to make the business environment favourable to the uptake of SAF. Aside from SAF, industry stakeholders are also exploring other technological and systemic innovations to decarbonise aviation. This session will discuss such innovations and how to strengthen SAF development in Hong Kong.
Speakers: Ms Grace Cheung, General Manager Sustainability at Cathay Pacific, Mr Vincent De Givry,
Principal at Blunomy, Ms Sarah Lang, Chief of Staff/ Sustainability Representative APAC at Lufthansa Group, and Mr Chris Wong, Assistant General Manager – Property Portfolio & Aviation Franchises at Airport Authority Hong Kong
Moderator: Mr Merlin Lao, Head – Policy & Research at BEC
14:50 – 15:40
Steering Hong Kong Towards Sustainable Ports: Strategies for a Greener Future
As global awareness of environmental challenges continues to grow, the maritime industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices for a greener future. Hong Kong, being a major international port hub, plays a crucial role in driving this transformation.
Ports face several pressing issues, including port congestion, climate and weather risks, environmental pressure, increasing competitiveness, and the need for rapid adoption of new technologies. Managing the transition to green fuels is of paramount importance, but digitalization also plays a vital role in verifying the use of these fuels.
Speakers: Mr Roberto Giannetta, Chairman at Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association, Mr Steven Jones, Founder at Seafarers Happiness Index, and Mr Sham Man Fai, Chief Operating Officer-Green Fuels & Chemicals at Towngas
Moderator: Ms Tabitha Logan, Director of Projects at Cetus Maritime
15:40 – 16:30
Unleashing the Power of Multi-Modal Transport in Hong Kong
In an era of rapid urbanization and increasing population density, efficient and sustainable transportation systems are critical for the growth and well-being of cities. Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant economy and dynamic lifestyle, faces unique challenges in managing its transportation networks. The convergence of various modes of transport such as planes, buses, trains, ferries, and cycling paths offers immense potential for enhancing connectivity, reducing congestion, and promoting environmental sustainability. Join us as we bring together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the untapped potential of multi-modal transport in Hong Kong.
Speakers: Mr Horace Chan, General Manager, Landside at Airport Authority, Mr Phil Jones, Chairman at PJA, and Mr Hok Hei, Kenny Kan, Head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department at The Kowloon Motor Bus Company(1933) Ltd.
Moderator: Mr Clement Ho, Director at Arup
