Package waste is a major environmental issue, causing overflowing landfills and pollution. The Plastic Restriction Regulation, recently implemented in Hong Kong, along with the forthcoming Waste Charging Policy, has elevated this issue to the attention. Will these pay-as-you-throw regulations help foster packaging innovations that are both environmentally friendly and commercially viable? This forum will address this question by exploring emerging packaging solutions capable of tackling the challenges posed by regulations and evolving consumer preferences.

The advent of generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) is sparking controversy over AI’s impact on education. While concerns such as reduced human interaction, stifled creativity, and regulatory gaps have been raised, it is undeniable that AI possesses tremendous potential for revolutionizing educational outcomes. To delve deeper into the transformative role of AI in education, this forum convenes experts from various fields to explore how AI can augment human intelligence to enhance teaching effectiveness and foster personalized learning experiences.

Underrepresented individuals, including those with physical and mental disabilities as well as those from ethnic minority groups, often encounter job barriers. Yet, today's technological advancements have expedited the development of innovative strategies aimed at overcoming these barriers. Join prominent practitioners to explore these strategies and their transformative impact on unleashing the untapped capabilities of underrepresented individuals, advocating for unbiased recruitment practices, and fostering a thriving workforce that values diverse perspectives.

Carbon trading has gained traction in Europe and the US, allowing companies to trade credits (emission permits) as a means of curbing their overall emissions of greenhouse gases. However, it was not until late 2022 that Hong Kong launched its international carbon marketplace. Can such a marketplace empower companies to contribute to mitigating global warming while fostering business growth in Hong Kong? Industry experts will delve into this question by analyzing real-world trading scenarios and examining recent technological innovations.

Clean energy adoption is essential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, particularly for Hong Kong, which heavily relies on fossil fuels with high energy demands. Among other clean and renewable fuels, hydrogen emerges as a promising solution to a wide range of applications. For example, hydrogen-powered buses have already appeared in Hong Kong. Industry and academic experts will explore global cases and focus forum discussions on the potential of hydrogen in addressing Hong Kong's energy and environmental challenges.

Hong Kong's global reputation as a food and fashion paradise is overshadowed by the issue of massive waste, causing harm to the environment. Why should future generations bear the consequences of our current enjoyment? To take responsibility for our wasteful behaviors and build a sustainable world, industry experts will explore the innovative solution of upcycling discarded food into wearable art and the opportunity for overcoming the challenge. Join the forum and learn “if you can't eat it, wear it!”