Eco Expo Asia to Spotlight Green Technologies and Local Start-ups
October 24, 2017
The 12th Eco Expo Asia will be held Oct. 26-29 at the AsiaWorld-Expo. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, and co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the expo will feature nearly 340 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions.
New group participations from Bavaria (Germany), Italy, Korea and Shanghai will join 14 international pavilions, including those from Canada and the Netherlands, which will stage the country's largest group exhibition to date, along with returning pavilions from Europe, Japan and Switzerland. Together, they will showcase an array of green products and solutions from around the world.
Speaking at the press conference, Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, highlighted the opportunities in the green markets of Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.
He pointed out that the latest figures show the value added of Hong Kong's environmental protection industry grew to HK$7.9 billion in 2015, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.1 per cent. Meanwhile, a report by the People's Bank of China last year estimated that mainland investment in low-carbon architecture, green transportation and clean energy will amount to RMB6.6 trillion by 2020.
Alice Cheung, Deputy Director of Environmental Protection of the Environmental Protection Department, said that through strengthening government-industry cooperation and exchange, Eco Expo Asia will help to foster green business opportunities in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, encourage green procurement among private entities and Government Departments, and promote environmental protection in public education.
Under the theme "Innovative Solutions for Greener Cities," this year's expo will feature 10 product zones displaying a full spectrum of green products and technologies. Prominent zones include the Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency, Green Transportation, Waste Management and Recycling, Water Treatment and Quality Management as well as the new Startup Zone.
A highlight of this year's expo, the new Startup zone will showcase new start-ups engaged in green business, offering a prime opportunity for start-ups to meet potential investors and business partners. Fourteen start-ups from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Singapore and the United States will showcase their innovative products and technologies. On 27 October, a Startup Forum will be organised for these young companies to present their ideas, products and services. Business-matching services will also be offered to connect start-ups with buyers.
Several eco-vehicles and charging devices will be on display at the expo, including the Hyundai IONIQ Electric, which will make its public debut in Hong Kong at the event. With a fully-electric powertrain and high-performance design, the vehicle's large-capacity battery offers a range of up to 280 kilometres, with 80 per cent chargeability in under 30 minutes.
Local company Laplace Electric Ltd will showcase its evMega electric car-charging system, which connects to a smartphone app, allowing users to search for charging stations, set charging times, settle payments and check the charging status.
The Eco Asia Conference will gather government officials and business leaders from various countries and regions to discuss important environmental policies and business opportunities. At the government-related session on the first day (26 October), speakers will include Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment, HKSAR Government; Marten van den Berg, Vice Minister for Foreign Trade of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Ren Xianguang, Deputy Director-General, Department of Resource Conservation and Environmental Protection, National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China; and Wang Kaiyu, Deputy Director-General, Department of Science, Technology and Standards, Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China.
In addition, experts including Antoine Grange, CEO of Recycling and Recovery, SUEZ Asia; Jim Schlaman, Director of Water Sources, Black & Veatch, USA; John O'Brien, founder and Managing Director, Australian
The concurrent Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo at the AsiaWorld-Expo will showcase outdoor lighting, industrial lighting, advertising lighting, lighting accessories, parts and components for commercial and industrial use. In addition, the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will be held from 27-30 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), adding synergy and more business opportunities for exhibitors.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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