Dah Sing Bank and Friends of the Earth (HK) Jointly Present Retail and E-Commerce ESG Forum for SMEs ACN Newswire

Dah Sing Bank and Friends of the Earth (HK) Jointly Present Retail and E-Commerce ESG Forum for SMEs

21 9 月, 2022
HONG KONG, Sep 21, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The second industry forum (the "Forum") under the SME ESG Best Practices Recognition Programme ("the Programme") took place today under the joint auspices of Dah Sing Bank, Limited ("Dah Sing Bank") and Friends of the Earth (HK) ("FoE HK"). It gathered business and industry leaders to discuss how SMEs in retail and e-commerce sector can meet market needs and expand their businesses while practising sustainable development concepts, promoting diversification and inclusiveness, improving business operations, and working together to enhance environmental, social and governance ("ESG") standards for a better life together.Mr. Plato Yip, Chairperson, Friends of the Earth (HK) delivering speechMs. Phoebe Wong, Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director, Group Head of Personal Banking, Dah Sing Bank delivering speechMs. Phoebe Wong, Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director, Group Head of Personal Banking, Dah Sing Bank (Right), Mr. Plato Yip, Chairperson, Friends of the Earth (HK) (Left)The Forum - Topic 1: Dialogue with listed companies: ESG trends for the Retail & e-Commerce Sector - Opportunities and Challenges for SMEsThe Forum - Topic 2: Dialogue with SMEs: The ESG impacts for SMEs - How to get started?In recent years, the retail industry has to face various environmental and social challenges. The gradual change in seasonal shopping patterns as a result of environmental risks such as climate change command retailers to be more agile in operation to adapt to the changing sales seasons. Issues such as plastic wastes and more complex logistics are also among the challenges the industry is facing. As for social risks, with consumers' spending patterns changing, and the emphasis on healthy products and food safety growing, retailers need better understanding of customers' brand perception and preferences in order to retain and attract customers. In addition, technologies and their applications are changing the retail industry landscape. With fewer manpower needed at physical stores, employees need to be more capable of dealing with customers and managing changes. Practising ESG will help SMEs strengthen their ability to mitigate these potential risks.In the opening speech, Mr Plato Yip, Chairperson of FoE HK, said, "In recent years, the epidemic has accelerated the pace of digital transformation of businesses, with online shopping becoming the new norm for Hong Kong consumers. To stand out in this highly competitive market, retailers must not only adapt to the new norm, but also interact more closely with consumers and build closer ties with them. The ability of the industry to position itself accurately, keep abreast of the latest trends, and prepare for the challenges ahead is crucial not only for the businesses themselves but also for the Hong Kong retail industry as a whole. As SMEs seek to accelerate their transformation and breakthrough, ESG is one of the most effective ways to help them save costs, win reputation, and improve their competitiveness in an adverse market."Ms Phoebe Wong, Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director and Group Head of Personal Banking of Dah Sing Bank, said, "The 'SME ESG Best Practices Recognition Programme' is a partnership between Dah Sing Bank and FoE HK to raise ESG awareness among SMEs in different industries, and our aim is to encourage them to implement ESG practices to save costs and gain customers and word-of-mouth in a competitive market. The retail industry contributes enormously to Hong Kong's economy, and e-commerce has also been growing rapidly in recent years. However, increasing consumer attention on eco-lifestyles and responsible consumption is presenting challenges and opportunities for both traditional retail and e-commerce operators. We hope that today's Forum will inspire and encourage SMEs to take their first step towards sustainable business practices."The first half of the Forum was moderated by Mr Ryan Fung, ESG Analyst and Media Advisor, and Ms Freda Au, Head of Content at EDigest, NMG. Executives from large retailers and online shopping platforms shared how businesses can optimise resource management, promote social wellbeing, improve corporate governance, and encourage different stakeholders to promote sustainable development through various means like procurement, supplier selection and talent acquisition. Chaired by Ms Serena Mak, Board Governor of FoE HK, the second panel of SME business representatives discussed the problems faced by SMEs in the retail and e-commerce sector when implementing ESG concepts, and provided advice on how to fulfil sustainability commitments while showcasing their products, services and brand image as well as enhancing their competitive advantages and maintaining business growth. The Forum attracted the participation of close to 100 business leaders, executives, and media representatives.The Programme is the first sector-specific ESG recognition scheme for SMEs to encourage them to adopt ESG best practices to promote sustainable development in their industries. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework, it evaluates the sustainable development strategies and policies of SMEs and their ability to manage and drive sustainable development. SMEs are recognised for achieving a certain level of improvement within a specific period of time. The Programme is sponsored by Dah Sing Bank and participation is complimentary for SMEs. Additionally, Dah Sing Bank is offering further incentives in the form of fee discounts and cash rebates to all participating and/or recognised SMEs, and an exclusive cash award of HKD1,000 will be given to the recognised participants. SMEs in the retail and e-commerce industries can enrol in the Programme from now until 18 November 2022. Please refer to the attached fact sheet for details.The team of professionals behind the Programme can be described as "ESG doctors" for enterprise development. Consultancy firms offering such services are plentiful and typically command fees of more than HKD100,000. SMEs taking part in the Programme will have access to similar support free of charge, helping them to identify areas for improvement in their business as early as possible and to plan ahead.This year marks the 75th anniversary of Dah Sing Bank. A series of celebratory activities has been launched since June to engage local communities, SMEs and customers as well as to promote green lifestyles. Through these activities, the Bank hopes to thank and share its joy with the public and its customers, express its advocacy for sustainable lifestyles, and bring vitality to Hong Kong's communities and economy. For details, please visit the Bank's 75th anniversary webpage on http://www.dahsing.com/75Anniv/en.About Dah Sing Bank Dah Sing Bank, Limited ("Dah Sing Bank") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dah Sing Banking Group Limited (HKG:2356) which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Founded in Hong Kong 75 years ago, Dah Sing Bank has been providing quality banking products and services to our customers with a vision to be "The Local Bank with a Personal Touch". Over the years, Dah Sing Bank has been rigorous in delivering on our brand promise to grow with our customers in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond - "Together We Progress and Prosper". Building on our experience and solid foundation in the industry, Dah Sing Bank's scope of professional services now spans retail banking, private banking, business and commercial banking. Meanwhile, Dah Sing Bank is also making significant investments in our digital banking capabilities to stay abreast with smart banking developments in Hong Kong and to support financial inclusion at large. In addition to its Hong Kong banking operations, Dah Sing Bank also has wholly-owned subsidiaries including Dah Sing Bank (China) Limited, Banco Comercial de Macau, S.A., and OK Finance Limited. It is also a strategic shareholder of Bank of Chongqing with a shareholding of about 13%. Dah Sing Bank and its subsidiaries now have around 70 operating locations in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China.About Friends of the Earth (HK) Friends of the Earth (HK), as a leading environmental advocate, focuses on protecting our local and regional environment, offers equitable solutions to help create environmentally sustainable public policies, business practices and community lifestyles and engages government, business and community to act responsibly. Friends of the Earth (HK) is dedicated to promote green finance and cultivate ESG talents to transition HK and Asia Pacific region into a carbon neutral economy. Friends of the Earth (HK) closely partners with SME associations in Hong Kong (with coverage >3,000 companies), as well as international associations (e.g., World Benchmarking Alliance), with strong access to ESG & green finance talents professionals in Hong Kong, through our CESGA alumni network. Friends of the Earth (HK) launched the first Green Finance Roadmap of its kind in the APAC region in 2019. One of our key focus would be on building capacity for industry practitioners and general public towards green finance, and hence our events are centered around "Green Finance Connect Education Series". Examples include Sustainability Leadership Seminars, our Green Finance Symposium on ESG integration. We aim to work with all sectors of the community to build a sustainable society and environment.Media EnquiriesDah Sing Bank, LimitedGigi Lee +852 2507 8629 gigiwclee@dahsing.com Friends of the Earth (HK)Tiffany Yip +852 3184 1510 tiffanyyip@foe.org.hk Strategic Financial Relations LimitedMargaret Lam +852 2114 4956 margaret.lam@sprg.com.hkCynthia Ng +852 2114 4952 cynthia.ng@sprg.com.hk Dah Sing Bank and Friends of the Earth (HK) Jointly Present:The SME ESG Best Practices Recognition ProgrammeTimetableIndustry #1 Property and Construction / Industry #2 Retail and E-CommerceKick-off Ceremony: 8 June 2022Industry Forums Registration Begins: 8 June 2022 to 24 June 2022 / 23 August 2022 to 18 September 2022Industry Forums / Programme Application Opens: 27 June 2022 / 21 September 2022Programme Application Period: 27 June 2022 to 31 August 2022 / 21 September 2022 to 18 November 2022Programme Application Deadline: 31 August 2022 / 18 November 2022Online Questionnaire Completion & Supporting Documents Submission: Until 31 December 2022 / Until 28 February 2023 Programme Result Announcement: Q1 2023 / Q2 2023 Programme websitehttps://bit.ly/3x7tSS4Dah Sing Bank offers exclusive Programme Incentiveshttps://bit.ly/3OncS0lThe Roadmap to a Sustainable Retail & e-Commerce Sector - Opportunities and Challenges for SMEsGuest ListTheme: Dialogue with listed companies: ESG trends for the Retail & e-Commerce Sector - Opportunities and Challenges for SMEsModerators- Mr. Ryan FungESG Analyst and Media Advisor - Ms. Freda AuHead of Content, EDigest, NMGGuest Speakers:- Ms. Cerin YipESG Director, Alibaba Group- Mr. Johnny SiuESG Finance Manager, DFI- Ms. June LamChief Executive Officer, HomePlus (Hong Kong) LimitedTheme: Dialogue with SMEs: The ESG impacts for SMEs- How to get started?Moderator:- Mr. Anthony CheungVice-chairperson & Green Finance Convenor, Friends of the Earth (HK)Guest Speakers:- Ms. Jane TongTreasurer, SME Sustainability Society- Mr. Thomas CC WongExecutive committee Member, The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of HK- Ms. Pam MakLife Honorary President, HK Small & Medium Enterprises Association- Mr. Eric YeungVice President, HK General Chamber of Small and Medium Business Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. 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Dah Sing Bank and Friends of the Earth (HK) Jointly Present Property and Construction Industry ESG Forum for SMEs ACN Newswire

Dah Sing Bank and Friends of the Earth (HK) Jointly Present Property and Construction Industry ESG Forum for SMEs

27 6 月, 2022
HONG KONG, Jun 27, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The first industry forum ("the Forum") under the "SME ESG Best Practices Recognition Programme" ("the Programme") took place today under the joint auspices of Dah Sing Bank, Limited ("Dah Sing Bank") and Friends of the Earth (HK) ("FoE HK"). Held in the theme of "ESG Practices in Property Development Supply Chain - Opportunities and Challenges for SMEs", the Forum featured listed company senior executives and leaders in the property and construction sector to share their insights on the impact environmental, social and governance (ESG) trends have on the outlook and operating models related to their industries.Dah Sing Bank and Friends of the Earth (HK) Jointly Present: The SME ESG Best Practices Recognition Programme"ESG Practices in Property Development Supply Chain - Opportunities and Challenges to SMEs" Guest ListMs. Mei Ng, BBS, Chairperson, Friends of the Earth (HK) delivering speechMs. Phoebe Wong, Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director, Group Head of Personal Banking, Dah Sing Bank delivering speechMs. Phoebe Wong, Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director, Group Head of Personal Banking, Dah Sing Bank (Right) Ms. Mei Ng, BBS, Chairperson, Friends of the Earth (HK) (Left)The Forum - Topic 1The Forum - Topic 2Addressing the Forum, Mrs Mei Ng, BBS, Chairperson of FoE HK, said, "SMEs are closely intertwined in every aspect of our daily lives. Notwithstanding their contribution to our society, economy and livelihoods, they also impact on our ecological environment, social development and daily production in a big way. FoE HK believes there is a critical and urgent need to help local SMEs transform, upgrade, strengthen and enhance their competitiveness as well as their ESG accountability. ESG can help SMEs come to grips with matters concerning their survival, risks, transformation, potential and opportunities, helping them to achieve profitability without polluting the world, run their business worry-free while winning word of mouth, customers and investors, and a bright future."ESG implementation may become one of the ways for SMEs to overcome adversity in a down market. The convergence of external economic pressures and the pandemic is presenting unprecedented challenges for SMEs. With the rise of a green economy, corporations are becoming more demanding in their partnership and supply chain governance standards and requirements. For listed companies, ESG implementation is not just to meet regulatory requirements, but also to help enhance the sustainability of their supply chains. As such, SMEs stand to gain from reviewing their existing operating models for alignment with global sustainable development strategies. The integration of an ESG mindset into their business operations and decisions will enable their products, services and brand image to stand out, thereby helping them enhance their competitiveness and resilience.Through the sharing of insights from industry leaders, the two-part Forum seeks to help SMEs understand the latest ESG trends and the opportunities that may arise through ESG implementation, thereby encourage them to develop sustainable business strategies. Moderated by Ms. Athena Ng, General Manager, Corporate Finance and Corporate Communications of China Overseas Land and Investment & Board Governor and Honorary Treasurer of Friends of the Earth (HK), the first part of the Forum focused on the relevance of ESG to the real estate development supply chain and how to seek win-win with SMEs through collaboration in ESG implementation. The second part of the Forum explored the directions and approaches of ESG implementation; moderated by Ms. Ophelia Lin, Founding President of SME Sustainability Society & Board Governor of Friends of the Earth (HK), the guest speakers suggested ways for SMEs to embark on their ESG journey to enhance the competitiveness of their businesses.The team of professionals behind the Programme can be described as "ESG doctors" for enterprise development. Consultancies offering such services are a commonplace practice in the market and typically command fees of more than HKD100,000. SMEs taking part in the Programme will have free access to similar support, so that they may be able to identify areas for improvement in their businesses as early as possible and to plan ahead.Ms. Phoebe Wong, Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director, Group Head of Personal Banking of Dah Sing Bank, said, "SMEs typically lack ESG-related knowledge and resources. Dah Sing Bank is sponsoring FoE HK to launch this Programme so that more SMEs will become aware of the most pressing ESG issues that concern them, and enable them to identify improvement areas through the Programme's free assessment and ESG guidelines. Last year, the Hong Kong Government announced its target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. As buildings are the main source of carbon emissions in the city, it is pertinent to feature the property and construction sector in the first forum under the Programme. This will create awareness of the urgency for the sector's SMEs to transition to a low-carbon operating model, and will bring new ideas and opportunities to inspire them to embark on adopting sustainable business practices."The Programme is the first of its kind that takes on an industry-specific approach to lobby and recognise ESG best practices adoption by SMEs and to promote sustainable development in industries. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as framework, it evaluates the sustainable development strategies and policies of SMEs and their ability to manage and drive sustainable development performance. SMEs that attain a certain level of improvement within a specific period will be commended for their commitment and contribution. The free-to-join Programme is sponsored by Dah Sing Bank. Additionally, Dah Sing Bank is offering further incentives to all the SMEs participating in the Programme and / or receiving recognition in the form of fee discounts and cash rebates, while recognised participants will also receive an exclusive HKD1,000 cash reward. SMEs in the property and construction industries can enroll in the Programme starting today (27 June) until 31 August 2022. Please refer to the attached fact sheet for details.This year marks the 75th anniversary of Dah Sing Bank. A series of celebratory activities will be launched from June onwards to reach out to the community, SMEs and customers as well as to promote green lifestyles. Through these activities, the Bank hopes to thank and share its joy with the public and its customers, express its advocacy for sustainable lifestyles, and bring vitality to Hong Kong's communities and economy. For details, please visit the Bank's 75th anniversary webpage on http://www.dahsing.com/75Anniv/en.About Dah Sing BankDah Sing Bank, Limited ("Dah Sing Bank") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dah Sing Banking Group Limited (HKG:2356) which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Founded in Hong Kong 75 years ago, Dah Sing Bank has been providing quality banking products and services to our customers with a vision to be "The Local Bank with a Personal Touch". Over the years, Dah Sing Bank has been rigorous in delivering on our brand promise to grow with our customers in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond - "Together We Progress and Prosper". Building on our experience and solid foundation in the industry, Dah Sing Bank's scope of professional services now spans retail banking, private banking, business and commercial banking. Meanwhile, Dah Sing Bank is also making significant investments in our digital banking capabilities to stay abreast with smart banking developments in Hong Kong and to support financial inclusion at large.In addition to its Hong Kong banking operations, Dah Sing Bank also has wholly-owned subsidiaries including Dah Sing Bank (China) Limited, Banco Comercial de Macau, S.A., and OK Finance Limited. It is also a strategic shareholder of Bank of Chongqing with a shareholding of about 13%. Dah Sing Bank and its subsidiaries now have around 70 operating locations in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China.About Friends of the Earth (HK)Friends of the Earth (HK), as a leading environmental advocate, focuses on protecting our local and regional environment, offers equitable solutions to help create environmentally sustainable public policies, business practices and community lifestyles and engages government, business and community to act responsibly. Friends of the Earth (HK) is dedicated to promote green finance and cultivate ESG talents to transition HK and Asia Pacific region into a carbon neutral economy. Friends of the Earth (HK) closely partners with SME associations in Hong Kong (with coverage >3,000 companies), as well as international associations (e.g., World Benchmarking Alliance), with strong access to ESG & green finance talents professionals in Hong Kong, through our CESGA alumni network. Friends of the Earth (HK) launched the first Green Finance Roadmap of its kind in the APAC region in 2019. One of our key focus would be on building capacity for industry practitioners and general public towards green finance, and hence our events are centered around "Green Finance Connect Education Series". Examples include Sustainability Leadership Seminars, our Green Finance Symposium on ESG integration. We aim to work with all sectors of the community to build a sustainable society and environment.Media EnquiriesDah Sing Bank, LimitedGigi Lee +852 2507 8629 gigiwclee@dahsing.com Friends of the Earth (HK)Tiffany Yip +852 3184 1510 tiffanyyip@foe.org.hk Strategic Financial Relations LimitedMargaret Lam +852 2114 4956 margaret.lam@sprg.com.hkPinky Hui +852 2114 2897 pinky.hui@sprg.com.hkCynthia Ng +852 2114 4952 cynthia.ng@sprg.com.hk Programme websitehttps://bit.ly/3HJDgPj Dah Sing Bank offers exclusive Programme Incentiveshttps://bit.ly/3OncS0l Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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