Since its debut in 1980, the Annual Workshop of United College has evolved into a cherished tradition. Each year, the college selects a compelling topic, inviting leading experts of the respective professions to share insights and engage in discussions with the audience.

This year’s workshop, themed “The Necessary Costs of Sustainability: Climate Finance, Green Finance and Environmental Levies”, took place at Lecture Theatre 5, Lee Shau Kee Building on 7 April 2025. The College was honoured to have three distinguished speakers who shared their expertise with students and attendees. Professor Lee Hung Kay, Associate Head and Dean of General Education, delivered a welcome address and opening remarks, launching the event with a call to shape a greener future.

The first speaker, Professor Amos P K Tai, Associate Director of Office of University General Education, and Associate Professor of Department of Earth and Environmental, shared on the topic, ‘A glimpse of Current Climate Finance through COP 29’. Professor Tai shared his experiences of attending COP 29 and provided some of his views on the current international situation and the tension among countries regarding climate change.

Following Professor Tai, Ms Serena Mak, Honorary Secretary of Friends of the Earth (HK) and Executive Director of Sustainable Finance, Institutional Banking Group, DBS Hong Kong, took over the podium and delivered a captivating presentation on “The Rise of Green Finance”. As an emerging concept in Hong Kong, green finance drew keen interest from the audience.

The final speaker, Professor Lam Kin Che, Senior College Tutor of United College, and Adjunct Professor of Department of Geography and Resource Management, delivered a presentation on ‘Imposing Environmental Levies in Hong Kong, Yes or No?’. Environmental levies have sparked heated debate in Hong Kong in recent years. Professor Lam highlighted the enduring costs of sustainability and posed the critical question of whether our generation or future generations will bear this burden.

After the three impressive presentations, Dr John H W Lai, Director of Office of Co-operative Education Programme and Principal Lecturer of Department of Management, invited open floor questions from the audience and led a lively discussions between three speakers and the audience.