The FHKI "BOCHK Corporate Low-Carbon Environmental Leadership Awards 2023" Seminar, themed "Small Business, Big Impact: Developing ESG in SMEs to Drive Social Sustainable Development," concluded successfully on 14 November 2023.

The seminar was inaugurated by Mr. Jude Chow, FHKI Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Awards’ Organising Committee and Judging Panel, who provided a comprehensive introduction to the Awards' background. The forum then transitioned to a series of insightful presentations on low-carbon initiatives from three distinguished guest speakers. These included Mr Louis Chan, Deputy Director of Research, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Gordon Tam, CEO of Farm66 Investment Ltd, winner of the Awards 2022 SME Award; and Mr Neo Lau, Assistant General Manager of the Commercial Banking Department at Bank of China (Hong Kong).

Recognising the significant presence of SMEs in Hong Kong, the seminar highlighted their crucial role in driving sustainable development. Despite the importance of concepts such as low-carbon practices, social responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, they are yet to see widespread adoption among SMEs. The seminar aimed to enlighten SMEs about these low-carbon and ESG principles and promote the understanding that environmental protection does not merely imply an increase in costs. In fact, it can unlock long-term opportunities for their business growth.