Shaping a Sustainable Future: Meet the Co-Chairs of the Sustainable Development Committee

As we step into a new year, what better time to highlight the groups and leaders who are working to frame a more sustainable future? This post kicks off a new series where we shine a monthly spotlight on one of CanCham Hong Kong’s dynamic committees.

For January, we are featuring the Sustainable Development Committee (SDC), a group at the heart of the Chamber’s efforts to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable economic growth in Hong Kong and Canada.

The Driving Mission

The SDC provides a vital platform for members to discuss pressing global and local sustainability issues. Their work centers on the belief that through constant dialogue and shared knowledge, we can forge a common path toward a sustainable future for Hong Kong.

The committee’s mission is multi-faceted and action-oriented. It aims to:

• Unite Professionals: Bring together passionate individuals from diverse sectors like banking, construction, energy, academia, NGOs, consultants and young professionals.
• Focus on Key Issues: Tackle critical topics including decarbonization, energy transition, waste management, sustainable construction, and environmental policy.
• Drive Advocacy: Support CanCham in dialogues with government and stakeholders, contributing to policy submissions and advocacy.
• Share Best Practices: Introduce and promote leading sustainable development practices, particularly drawing from the Canadian experience.
• Support Hong Kong’s Leadership: Champion Hong Kong’s role as ‘Asia’s World City’ by advocating for continuous environmental improvement to attract talent and ensure long-term prosperity.

A Conversation with the Co-Chairs and get to know them!

Steven Lu

Steve is a banking and finance professional who specialized in project and structured financing with broad working experience in Canada, China and Hong Kong.  After stepping away from full time employment a few years ago he is still practicing as a consultant to a multilateral development bank in financing the energy transition, renewable energy projects as well as digital transformation. 

Steve had a long banking career in Hong Kong with senior roles at HSBC, the Macquarie Group, ANZ Bank and Rabobank. Prior to returning to Hong Kong in the mid-1990s, he worked in both banking at Bank of Montreal and CIBC and consulting in Canada and China for the Coopers & Lybrand Consulting Group (now PwC). Steve also successfully crossed over to the buy-side when he joined Canadian Solar International in Hong Kong in a corporate finance role.

Steve holds both a BA and MA (Economics) from the University of Manitoba.

He first joined the Sustainable Development Committee in 2018 and was nominated as its Co-chair in 2023.

Sharon Wong

Sharon Wong, Director, Corporate Banking CIBC

Sharon is a Director for CIBC’s Corporate Banking business in Hong Kong and Singapore and has over 10 years of corporate lending experience in Asia Pacific.

She recently took on a representative role for ESG initiatives for CIBC Corporate Banking Asia and have since been involved in various renewable transactions in Europe and Australia.

Before joining CIBC, she worked for Citibank N.A. and Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
 

Here’s a glimpse into what drives them:

Q: What motivated you to take on a leadership role with the SDC?
Steven: When our past Chair Ron Chung approached me to take over from his mantle in 2023 to chair the SDC, I already had 5 years of experience participating in the committee and its events.  I found the SDC to be inspiring with some members bringing years of experience in the field and where they can share with me their combined knowledge and reinforce my conviction in terms of sustainability as we go forward.  The opportunity to be able to lead the committee is also fitting for a retiree like me who has the time and the commitment to represent the committee within CanCham and the wider HK community.  I am also delighted to have Sharon join me soon after to be an excellent Co-Chair.

Sharon: I had a very positive impression when I attended my first SDC led event; the atmosphere was welcoming, and everyone was genuinely passionate and knowledgeable. I wanted to contribute and make a positive impact in the sustainability community in Hong Kong by taking on a leadership role.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of this work?
Steven: It allows me to extend my passion on the subject following years of being a banker financing large infrastructure and renewable energy projects, which always require a social and environmental impact assessment beforehand, timely monitoring throughout a project's life and a credible rehabilitation plan when the project terminates.  More importantly, the SDC provides me with the networking opportunity where I can meet new friends and other professionals whatever their age or background maybe but all with a common belief that we must create a more sustainable world for the next generation rather than do nothing.  As I always say "there is no Planet B"!  My spirits are always lifted when members or event participants tell me that they have thoroughly enjoyed a thought provoking panel event, learnt something new, met a new contact, felt invigorated from beach cleaning or would like to join and contribute to the SDC.

Sharon: Meeting people from different paths who are passionate about making a difference in sustainability and hearing positive feedback from our members and event attendees on SDC led events!

Q: How can new members get involved and contribute?
Steven: If you believe that a sustainable world makes for a better world, then jump onboard.  Simply join CanCham and become a member of the SDC.  Share with us your knowledge, ideas and passion.  Help us to spread the sustainability message widely.  Create an impact for Hong Kong. The journey will be long, the results will not be apparent immediately but it is a trip well worth taking.

Sharon: We welcome ideas from our members as to how we can be more relevant and ways to collaborate.

Q: What’s on the Horizon for 2026-2027
Steven: We will be bringing more impactful panel discussions featuring special topics and gaining from the combined wisdom of industry experts.  We may focus on climate change, the circular economy, energy transition, biodiversity, sustainable urban and city environment, etc.  We will work with our partners like the ESG Club of HK to conduct visits to noteworthy corporations and facilities to learn about their sustainability journey and strategies.  We will continue with the annual fun but worthwhile beach cleaning family event for members and the young ones to make their contribution to a cleaner marine environment. The SDC will continue to represent CanCham at the annual ReThink HK Conference and Exhibition - Hong Kong's most important business event  for Climate Action & Sustainable Business Solutions.

Be Part of the Journey

The Sustainable Development Committee exemplifies how focused collaboration can drive real-world impact. If you are passionate about environmental issues and how they lead to a path of sustainable development, whether you’re a seasoned expert or simply eager to learn, the SDC offers a welcoming forum to connect and contribute.

We hope you enjoyed this first committee spotlight. Stay tuned next month as we feature another group of dedicated CanCham members driving innovation and community in Hong Kong.

👉 Ready to get involved? Visit the Sustainable Development Committee page for more information and to see details on upcoming events.