YEA 4th Edition, Day 8: Human Library Insights and Innovation Hub Visit

On 15 August, students from Young Environment Ambassador Programme (YEA) were privileged to welcome eight distinguished guests from the sustainable business sector for the 3rd Human Library event. This special gathering offered an invaluable opportunity for small-group conversations, allowing students to engage directly with experts who are shaping the future of sustainability across industries.

Our honoured guests included Mr Charles Lam, Senior Sustainable Development Officer from Swire Properties; Ms Priscilla Lin, Manager, Strategy & Sustainability at Schneider Electric; Ms Crystal Tsang, Manager, Sustainable Finance at HSBC; Ms Serena Mak, Executive Director, Sustainable Finance at DBS Bank; Mr Merlin Lao, Head of Policy & Research at the Business Environment Council; Mr Harry Wong, Founder of Beetales; Ms Tiffany Leung, Circular Fashion Programme Manager for School Education at Redress; and Ms Margaret Wong, ESG Manager at Towngas.

Following these enriching small group discussions, our guests shared their final reflections with the whole group, offering expert insights and encouragement.

Mr Merlin Lao reminded the students that environmental issues are often complex and challenging to untangle. He urged them not to begin from a purely environmental perspective — recognising that some stakeholders may be reluctant to engage on those terms. Instead, Mr Lao encouraged students to consider multiple points of view, emphasising that understanding the perspectives of others is crucial to finding solutions.

Ms Margaret Wong expressed her hope that this experience would spark greater interest in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and broader environmental issues among the students, highlighting its growing importance in today’s world.

Ms Serena Mak emphasised the diverse opportunities within the sustainable finance sector. She encouraged students to see how environmental concerns intersect with many fields and to actively engage with sustainability efforts while they are still young, underlining the impact they can make no matter their career path.

Mr Charles Lam spoke passionately about the value of university opportunities, such as minors, for discovering new subjects beyond one’s major. He observed that environmental challenges cannot be addressed by technology or AI alone — human collaboration and discussion remain essential, with young people playing a vital role.

Ms Priscilla Lin highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration. She advised students not to limit their focus to one group but to work openly and cooperatively across different sectors, leveraging connections and collective impact to achieve success.

Mr Harry Wong encouraged students to participate in a wide range of workshops while they are young, as these experiences can open minds and broaden career possibilities. His message was clear: there is no need to worry about making the ‘right’ choice immediately — instead, explore and try new things.

Ms Tiffany Leung challenged students to consider the impact and sustainability of their projects. Beyond environmental benefits, sustainability can encompass many areas, and it is crucial to think about whether a project can sustain itself economically and socially, as well as the scope of its influence.

Ms Crystal Tsang thanked the students for their thought-provoking ideas throughout the day. She encouraged them to build networks by talking to diverse people and expressed hope that the day’s experiences would deepen their learning and commitment to sustainability.

In the afternoon, the students visited Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hubs. Ms Priscilla Lin kindly greeted the group with an introductory talk and video presentation, explaining Schneider Electric’s work and sustainability initiatives.

Mr Mathew Wong, an Industrial Solution Engineer on the team, then shared insights into how Schneider monitors energy use — including analysing data on the school’s air conditioning usage, with a strong focus on both technology and user safety. He also introduced the students to advanced concepts such as microgrids, energy management systems, smart cities, and the company’s current challenges and visions, including rising energy demands, carbon emissions, and the role of data-driven decisions and EV charging infrastructure.

Lastly, Ms Charlotte Wang, the Strategic Marketing Specialist, discussed the importance of energy audits in improving efficiency and reducing costs. She also proposed amendments to the existing energy audit regulations to enhance their effectiveness and ensure compliance with current industry standards.

We, Civic Exchange, extend our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers and partner organisations for making this day so fruitful. We hope that our students have gained valuable knowledge, inspiration, and motivation to continue exploring sustainability and creating positive environmental impact.