Co-organized by the alumni teams of HEC Paris and HKUST Business School, this thought-provoking event features a panel of leading experts, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the complexities of sustainability in our rapidly evolving world, including the challenges we face and the opportunities that lie ahead in our quest for a sustainable future. From climate change to resource management, we will delve into a range of critical topics, offering insights, inspirations, and practical strategies across various sectors. Whether you are a seasoned professional in the field or simply passionate about making a difference, this event promises to educate, engage, and empower participants. Together, let's navigate the path towards a greener future.
Panelists (in alphabetical order by family names)
 | Fabrice BAYON As the Managing Director of PALO IT, an innovative software development company, Fabrice is dedicated to empowering organizations to swiftly transform their visions into impactful digital products. His extensive background as an executive, combined with the education from one of the top Executive MBA programs at HEC, equipped him to lead innovative and sustainable strategies for over 20 years. He is driven by a visionary and entrepreneurial mindset, underscored by a steadfast commitment to driving value creation across industries. Fabrice believes that success is not merely about achieving goals but about creating a sustainable legacy of innovation and positive change. |
 | Alfred CHANG Alfred is a Sustainable Investment Product Specialist based in Hong Kong. He advises Wealth Management clients on their sustainability journey and works closely with the investment services teams as well as stakeholders across the group towards a holistic sustainable investment offering. Prior to joining BNP Paribas, Alfred worked in Equity Research at Credit Suisse, covering ESG in Asia Pacific. He also held different roles at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Alfred holds a Bachelor in Economics from University of Cambridge and a Master in Finance from Imperial College London. |
 | Dr. Bessie CHONG Bessie is the Director of Partnership Development at Esquel Group, a leading advocate for sustainability and ESG initiatives in the fashion industry. With a background as a trained Ph.D. Economist and Organizational Development professional, she spearheads the development of a comprehensive knowledge hub to nurture, create, and transfer best practices in sustainability and ESG. Bessie's expertise encompasses studying the business implications of sustainability from various perspectives. She actively fosters collaborations and forges partnerships with higher education institutes and like-minded organizations, emphasizing the value created through sustainable actions in business to build a better future for the planet, institutions, and humanity. Bessie holds a Master of Science degree from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. |
 | Venisa CHU Venisa leads L’Occitane Group’s sustainability transformation in Asia Pacific balancing the creation of social, economic, and environmental values. She is responsible for crafting APAC’s strategy to align with the Group’s achievement as a certified B Corporation™. With over 15 years of experience in sustainability, real estate, and technology sectors, her expertise lies in stakeholder engagement, business operations and strategy, and risk mitigation in North America and Asia. Venisa holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Electrical Engineering) from the University of Toronto and a Master of Business Administration from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. |
Moderator
 | Professor Veronique J A LAFON-VINAIS Prof. Veronique J A LAFON-VINAIS is a seasoned financial market professional with over 20 years of banking and capital markets experience. She has worked in all the major financial markets and has extensive experience in all the major debt markets. Veronique joined Credit Agricole in Paris in 1980 after graduating from HEC. She moved to First Chicago (now part of JP Morgan) in London in 1984 then to Chicago in 1990. In 1994, she moved to Hong Kong and joined First Chicago as Managing Director, Head of Financial Markets, Asia Pacific. Since 2001, Veronique has dedicated herself to education and teaching in various business programs in the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
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Event Details
| Date: | March 20, 2024 (Wednesday) |
| Time: | 12:30 - 2 p.m. (Reception starts at 12 noon; light lunch will be served) |
| Venue: | BNP Paribas office 63/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong |
| Language: | English |
| Registration: | Click here |
Remarks
- Due to the venue’s limited capacity, seats are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Successful registrants will receive a confirmation email no later than a week before the event.
- Kindly note that photographs will be taken at the event for record and publicity use. By attending this event, you agree your image may be used for these purposes.
Inquiry
Kindly contact the External and Alumni Relations Team of HKUST Business School.