CHAIR'S MESSAGE Dear Members, This edition of the magazine focuses on clean innovation and the potential technology that can accelerate efforts to combat the effects of climate change. It follows on from a very successful ReThink Hong Kong conference which BritCham was honoured to support. At the ReThink event, we participated in panel discussions and were also pleased to meet exhibitors bringing new technology and solutions to Hong Kong. The future is very much today in terms of action, which is urgently needed, and many speakers gave good examples of how to address and fund the solutions. It is of note that the event continued without a hitch in the midst of tremendous rainstorms, which reminded us of the climate imperatives. Through the hot and humid summer, we have continued to connect across the membership and enjoy many events and activities, not least the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held in midSeptember 2023. At this meeting, I was very pleased to be confirmed into my second year of the two-year term, together with two extremely capable and supportive Vice Chairs, Jeremy Sheldon and Paul McSheaffrey. We are delighted to welcome Keith Pogson as our new Treasurer, along with a very strong General Committee, and together with Committee Chairs and the Executive team, we look forward to having a sensational year ahead. The five pillars or focus areas for the Chamber I set out this time last year remain in place, and our focus of activities will centre on: Hong Kong Rebound, Hong Kong’s reinvention as an international finance centre, Hong Kong in the context of the Greater Bay Area and in relation to ASEAN, as well as the Creative Industries. Hong Kong’s rebound takes many different forms, one of which is the return of many wonderful in_______
person, restriction free celebrations, and as part of the celebrations for the Mid-Autumn festival, our Executive Director, Paul McComb, represented the Chamber at the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CPPIT) Networking Dinner. We are happy to be reunited with other Chambers and government organisations in Hong Kong. Paul also enjoyed National Day celebrations for the 74th Anniversary of the Founding of the PRC by attending the Flag Raising Ceremony cum National Day Reception held on 1 October 2023. Personally, I was disappointed to miss the celebrations in real time, but saw some fantastic footage of fireworks shared on social media. Absolutely not to be missed next time! One of BritCham’s contributions to Rebound Hong Kong includes, but is absolutely not limited to, the hosting of our annual Summit. This is where we gather industry experts together to share insights in various formats, including significant opportunities for networking. Following on from the Chief Executives Policy Address, the Summit took place on 26 October 2023, where we “Explored the business opportunities and challenges in rethinking, reinventing and redefining Hong Kong in the region”. _____________
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