Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
Hong Kong is a foodie’s paradise. At every street corner, diners are enticed by degustation: from the nondescript mom-and-pop bakery to the dynamic neon signages of bars at Lan Kwai. Shirley Kwok, who has managed to find her own niche as an F&B “momtrepreneur,” is among the many Hong Kongers who love to eat – but Shirley approaches this differently, and much more mindfully.
“[Becoming a mother] made me even more passionate about healthy living and nutrition,” she mused. “I wanted to ensure my daughter had the best start in life, which meant focusing on what we ate.” Since then, she’s shifted careers, willfully focusing on baking while taking a step back from her former position as a banker.
Courtesy of Shirley Kwok
Though she describes the decision as a “difficult” one, it seems to have been well worth it. Since her default to baking, Shirley has founded White Owl Group, under which she helms four brands. There’s The Cakery, a “wellness-forward bakery” in Hong Kong, Keeping It Real & Raw (KIRR), an e-commerce platform for plant-based food, skincare, and sustainable fashion, Maya, a vegan bakery and bar in Quarry Bay (with a new joint story with The Cakery at IFC), and Cultured, a brand that offers fermented vegan cheese and pantry staples.
Courtesy of Shirley Kwok
Her offerings are unique and exciting. Take Maya’s egg tarts, which have been renamed as "Not Egg Tart," come in flavors such as classic and milk tea, or Cultured’s fermented vegan cheese flavors that include smoked applewood cheddar. Each of these is not only delicious, offering complex flavor profiles that are as delightful as they sound, but they’re also a great alternative for the health-conscious.
“Sustainability and health have become increasingly important to Hong Kongers,” observed Shirley. “But there can be some confusion between the two concepts. Many assume that plant-based products are inherently healthy; however, it’s essential to recognize that not all plant-based options are created equal. In fact, some are highly processed.”
Courtesy of Shirley Kwok
Her promise then, becomes this: honest ingredients, customizable products, and plenty of support for those on their wellness journey. “I love to push the boundaries of traditional recipes, especially when it comes to creating healthier and more sustainable options or incorporating Asian ingredients that are close to my heart,” she added.
Aside from sheer talent, Shirley credits her team as a huge factor in her success. All her team members are passionate about wellness and committed to excellence. “This keeps customers happy and coming back,” the leader noted. “It's also important to build a team that works well together, supports each other, and is creative.”
Courtesy of Shirley Kwok
Of course, balancing all her responsibilities as an entrepreneur has come hand-in-hand with raising her two daughters. Arguably, her children are the reason she’s built such a solid entrepreneurial foundation. They are, after all, her raison d’etre. Currently, she’s been getting her girls to be more involved in the businesses.
“I involve my older daughter in some design and tasting work,” Shirley said. “We’re also working on a project with her on sustainability, to be launched soon. I want them to start learning from a young age while I’m also working. One stone hitting two birds!”
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
MarketingPulse is returning on Mar. 19, 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event will gather nearly 80 industry leaders to explore AI-driven branding, ASEAN’s e-commerce boom, and emerging consumer trends.
This year’s theme, "Inspiring Possibilities," will focus on AI, data-driven marketing, and cultural integration. Prof. Darren Thayre of Googleand former Netflix executive Nikkia Reveillac will discuss AI’s role in consumer engagement and brand storytelling.
AI, Inclusion, and ASEAN’s Market Potential
Experts will explore AI’s impact on marketing automation and personalization, while BMW’s Prof. Dr Thomas Girst and LVMH’s Fabien Vallérian will discuss how brands can use art, music, and storytelling to convey a universal message. The conference will also highlight inclusive marketing, with insights on neurodiverse consumer engagement.
With ASEAN’s rapid e-commerce growth, HKTDC Principal Economist Galvin Chia will present market trends, alongside leading discussions on the halal economy’s business potential.
Pet KOLs and Networking Opportunities
A trending topic will be pet influencers, or KOLs, and their role in consumer engagement and brand loyalty.
The event will also offer networking, business matching, and an exhibition featuring 40+ industry leaders, making it a must-attend for marketing professionals.
Enjoy a special 40% off discount upon purchasing your passes by entering the following discount code: MBTP4PW05
Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.
To commemorate St. Patrick’s Day 2025, The Beat Asia sat down with Sadbh O’Reilly, the Deputy Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao to explore Ireland’s long history in the region and lasting impact.
Through her role as Deputy Consul General, Sadbh oversees cultural promotion as well as engagement of the city’s Irish community. Organizations such as the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (ICC) work alongside Sadbh and the Consulate to further raise cultural awareness and enrich Ireland-Hong Kong relations.
One such cultural festival, also known as Ireland’s National Day, is St. Patrick’s Day, which is observed around the world, and Hong Kong is no exception. Learn about how the Consulate General of Ireland, Hong Kong and other Irish communities celebrate in the city and get involved this year!
Curious about a career in diplomacy? Sadbh shares the journey to her appointment, dives into Irish culture in Hong Kong, and the Consulate’s exciting lineup of events happening this year, starting with St. Patrick’s Day of course!
Can you introduce us to your role at the Consulate General of Ireland, Hong Kong?
I work with the Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong, Jennifer Bourke, and the rest of the team at the Consulate. Our role is to strengthen the relationship between Ireland and Hong Kong.
That means promoting Ireland, cultural promotion, economic promotion, two-way trade, and supporting the Irish community here, which is one of our largest in the Asia Pacific region.
I specifically look after cultural promotion. That might mean supporting Irish artists to come out here for HKWalls or Art Centraland increasing awareness of Ireland's cultural history and heritage. I am also the lead on the Irish community and support their initiatives wherever we can.
Can you share your professional journey leading up to your appointment as Deputy Consul General?
I went to university thinking I was going to be a therapist, then I did one International Relations course and it completely changed the trajectory of my career. I've always been interested in different people and cultures. I’m mixed race myself, so I'm constantly navigating between different cultures and was exposed to many different cultures growing up. As soon as I found out that there's a way to take those personal relationships that I built across communities and cultures, on an international scale, I was hooked from the get-go.
I studied Politics and International Relations and earned a Diploma of Languages in French. I started my career in public service and then joined the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. My first role was in the Reconciliation Fund in the Northern Ireland Unit, and then I moved on to the China desk in the Asia Pacific Unit, and then I came out to Hong Kong!
I really wanted to come to Hong Kong and feel very lucky to be here. It’s such a vibrant and unique city.You have mountains, the harbor, and the built environment is just incredible. It's unlike any other city that I've been to. I'm very much in tourist mode right now, just trying to soak up as much of Hong Kong as possible.
What is your advice for young professionals looking to work in the diplomatic space?
You have to have an interest in politics, international relations, and current affairs. So, it's an understanding of what trends are driving countries to take certain approaches and the history of relationships between different countries.
Another thing that would help is living and working abroad. Also, working across cultures because that's at the heart of diplomacy. If you have some cross-cultural collaboration experience, that really will help you.
Can you elaborate more on the important role the Consulate plays in Ireland-Hong Kong relations?
Strengthening the Ireland-Hong Kong relationship is at the core of what we do. It comes in many different forms, and we usually think of it in a few different pillars.
The first one is Economic, promoting Ireland's interests and trying to strengthen and deepen the relationship between Ireland and Hong Kong. There are a lot of areas of cooperation between Ireland and Hong Kong, particularly in the Finance space.
Another key role that the Consulate plays is with consular services: renewing passports, as well as consular assistance in the case of Irish citizens needing support with tricky situations. Then, Cultural, promoting Irish culture and more broadly, awareness of Ireland. It could be film, Irish dance, fine arts, anything like that.
We also promote our values in conjunction with the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, as well as strengthen relationships with senior officials in the government.
What’s a surprising fact about Ireland and Hong Kong?
What I found surprising is how long and deep the relationship between Ireland and Hong Kong is. Even though they are thousands of kilometers away, there is a very good understanding of Ireland in Hong Kong.
When I first arrived in Hong Kong, I was driving down Connaught Road, turning onto Hennessy Road, and then walking up O'Brien Road, these are all Irish names. So, I was like, ‘Am I in Ireland?’ That just goes to show that the relationship is very deep compared to other places.
What are some of the community initiatives the Consulate drives or takes part in?
There are many Irish community organizations here in Hong Kong that also work to strengthen the relationship between Ireland and Hong Kong, including the St. Patrick’s Society, the Irish Chamber of Commerce, and the Hong Kong Gaelic Athletic Association. We have very close relationships with all of them. They mostly drive what's happening in the community, and we try to support them as much as possible.
Ireland's vast diaspora is well known, and the Irish Government has a specific funding stream called the Emigrant Support Programme to support community organizations all around the world that are servicing Irish citizens.
We also have our own events that we run, like St. Brigid’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Bloomsday, and Halloween.
For those interested in business opportunities between Ireland and Hong Kong, why are adjacent organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce instrumental to promoting trade and fostering strong bilateral ties?
The Chamber acts as a link for Irish businesses wanting to invest in Hong Kong or vice versa. They possess local information or provide relevant contact points for businesses or individuals wanting to trade or invest.
The Chamber also has a Young Professionals Network that's been relaunched, so those who might be starting out in their careers and want to learn about specific industries or Ireland in general, you can join the Network to learn more.
What do you personally love about the Irish community in Hong Kong?
The Irish community here is a big one, and extremely vibrant.What I love is that they retain a connection and love for Ireland, even though many of them have spent decades out here.
I see that connection with Ireland being passed down different generations, like Irish dance! I recently went to an Irish dance charity event where children with or without Irish Heritage were doing Irish dance, so that was lovely to see.
How is the Consulate celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year?
As part of the Government’s St Patrick’s Day Programme, the Consulate welcomed Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD to Hong Kong for a three-day visit, where he met with the Irish community, business stakeholders, and his counterpart Secretary for Housing, Ms. Winnie Ho. Following his visit to Hong Kong, he will continue to Shanghai and arrive in Beijing on Mar. 17 for St. Patrick's Day itself.
One of the main events, which I was most looking forward to, is the annual Ireland Trophy Night at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. During this year's event, the Minister presented the Ireland Trophy to the owner of the winning horse.
Many people might not know, but 10 to 15% of horses in Happy Valley are from Ireland; there's a strong connection.
I'm always struck when St. Patrick's Day comes around, to have our National Day celebrated across the world on the scale that it is. For a country as small as ours, it is quite significant. I am really excited to see how Hong Kong does St. Patrick's Day!
What are some other Irish observances you celebrate annually?
We just celebrated St. Brigid's Day, which falls on Feb. 1 and marks the start of spring in Ireland and celebrates the creativity and achievements of women. This year, we invited Dr. Emma Howard, who's the Chair of the Irish Society for Women in Economics, to Hong Kong and Singapore, where she presented her expertise on women in economics and the Irish economy more generally.
Instagram/ IrelandinHK
Bloomsday is a celebration of the life of Irish writer James Joyce and his famous novel Ulysses, and the events of the book that took place on June 16. Then, Halloween, which many people might not know, has its roots in the Irish Pagan Festival of Samhain, and I know Hong Kong has a tradition of celebrating.
What’s been a memorable moment for you since you started working in Hong Kong?
In work, there have been two standout moments for me. One is the EU office co-hosted an event on achieving same-sex marriage equality in Europe. I was particularly pleased that they screened the Irish documentary “The 34th” which outlined Ireland's experience achieving same-sex marriage, and we were the first country to do that by popular vote by a referendum.
The second one was: I was lucky enough to go to Macao for the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macao Special Administrative Region and that was a spectacle.
What can we look forward to seeing from the Consulate in 2025?
We just want to deepen our engagement with all the events, not just the ones that we're organizing, but the events that are happening in Hong Kong as well. We want to get involved in everything, whether that be supporting Irish artists to come for the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, HKWalls, or the Rugby Sevens.
We recently launched a Community Newsletter, so consider signing up by emailing [email protected].
Learn more about the Consulate General of Ireland, Hong Kong here, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more updates!
Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to make it to the C-suite? We sit down with corporate leaders and changemakers to get to the heart of their success. What was their first job? What does it take to found your own company? We cover all of these questions and much more in Executive Impact, our interview series that explores actionable advice, corporate social responsibility, leadership challenges, and building on a legacy that will have a tangible impact on the future.
In the inaugural edition of our Executive Impact interview series, which highlights corporate executives who are making a tangible impact on younger generations and the wider community, The Beat Asia dives into the story of Christian Talpo, Co-Founder of Pirata Group, who had a jubilant homecoming when he returned as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in early 2024. Christian offers a unique perspective into his personal life, his philosophy that has brought Pirata to its status as a leading restaurant group in Hong Kong, and key learnings from his early start as an F&B entrepreneur to today.
While Pirata holds its status as an industry giant, Christian is very humble and always brings the conversation back to his roots. His amicability translates into the Group's reputation for industry-leading hospitality, a standout achievement in Hong Kong. Christian also has a long history in F&B, from his first job at a hotel as a teenager to helming notable names like Aqua Restaurant Group, Zuma, and Gaia Group, to opening his first restaurant and founding Pirata Group.
A year after Christian's return as CEO, he has successfully brought the magic back to Pirata, reinvigorating their brands and leading celebratory activations for the Group's 10-year anniversary. Guests have been delighted with new menus and their recent popular Chinese New Year crossover between Pici and The Chilli Lab.
The Chilli Lab x Pici Event
Believe it or not, to this day, Christian meticulously makes sure to sample every single dish that is served across the Group's 16 brands. Not only does he share his joy for service with his front of house staff, but he works closely with his chefs, constantly updating the menus even when they are live. After our conversation with Christian, he was on his way to workshop Honjokko's latest menu. His "people first" approach is truly the beating heart of Pirata and key to the Group's legacy.
Read on to explore Christian's origins- and surprising hobbies- personal advice on success, growth mindset, and a very exciting year ahead for Pirata Group! Kicking off the interview, we ran 10 questions from the Proust Questionnaire by Christian:
1. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Straight for the jugular! My greatest achievement would be my kids — I have three children: 17, 10, and 4. They bring me a lot of joy in life. I'm very proud and a very happy father.
Second, building a business. We started with next to nothing, so to build it to 26 restaurants, I'm very proud.
Also, other things that are not business related. I'm an around-the-world sailor; I'm very proud of that achievement because it was a 4-year commitment. So, to get to the start line and compete in an Around the Word Yacht Race was significant. I’m very happy to report that I survived and placed on the podium!
2. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A lot of things make me happy — my kids laughing, a happy guest, when my restaurants work and they're full and profitable.I try to remind myself that nothing is permanent and everything is changeable. So I don't get super elated or desperate; I tend to be very stable. I sometimes have to remind myself to celebrate.
3. What was your first job?
I started work at 14 years old in a local mountain hotel. I was a waiter, dishwasher, stable boy, and room service attendant, depending on the time of the day. It was a seasonal job, and I worked basically all throughout the summer without a day off from six in the morning until 11 o'clock at night. And then with my friends, we would scale the wall of the hotel and go find a bar where we would drink a couple of cheeky beers at two in the morning.
4. When and where are you the happiest?
I ride motorcycles; a full tank of gas, an empty road, and the longer way to a destination make me truly happy. I lived in Singapore for a few years, and nothing made me more happy than getting up at four in the morning and then riding all the way to Thailand, or we rode all the way to Vietnam [one time].
Of course, there are other things, but if you put me on a motorcycle, I’m happy.
5. What is it that you most dislike?
I don't think there is one thing that I particularly dislike. I'm quite understanding when it comes to the day-to-day, but I don't like people who are mean-spirited or who bully weaker people.
6. What is your greatest fear?
I fear nothing when it comes to myself, but I am scared for my kids. I'm conscious of the fact that they will go through hardships in life, we all do eventually, and that scares me.
7. Which talent would you most like to have?
A certain amount of carefree and cheerfulness. I surround myself with people who are carefree and happy; these kinds of people I really envy. I really like that attitude in life, and sometimes I take myself a little bit too seriously.
8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
My godfather said this to me when I was younger, and I didn't believe it [at the time], but he told me intelligence. But in life, eventually, I came to realize that one of the most overrated [virtues] is intelligence. A lot of people who are very intelligent are failing in life because they don't have the right determination or courage to put things in motion. So intelligence, by itself, is not enough.
9. Which living person do you most admire?
There is one person I truly admire. Unfortunately, he passed away not so long ago and his name was Bernard Moitessier, who was a sailor.
Sir Charles (Chay) Blyth is also a sailor, and he was the first person who sailed around the world single-handed in 1968. He was an ex-paratrooper, had never sailed before, and decided one day, I can do this, and taught himself how to sail, sailed around the world, unassisted, against the currents and the winds alone.
I met him a couple of months ago, for the reunion of my sailing race and I bumped into him in a lift. It's quite a funny experience to bump into my hero in a lift in a hotel, and we had a very good chat. I love this man a lot. He’s a very strong and determined person.
10. What is your motto?
I have two — one I use a lot. I asked my wife, and she told me: ‘You can lead a donkey to the water, but you can't force it to drink.’ Apparently, I use that a lot.
And then, ever since I was young, I fell in love with a motto I heard in history class, which was ‘Aut viam inveniam aut faciam,’ which is Latin meaning, ‘I'll find a way or I'll make one.’ It was a statement by Hannibal, a general in the Phoenician Empire invading Rome in the Second Punic War. He was leading elephants from Africa into Northern Italy, through the Alps. Eventually, they found a way and invaded Italy for four years, so they were a menace. I [even] have a tattoo on my arm somewhere of it!
La Favorita, The Sixteenth
As we transitioned from the Proust Questionnaire for Christian’s in-depth profile, his impeccable hospitality skills shone through as he made sure we were comfortable and all settled in the venue.
Reflecting on your journey co-founding Pirata Group to your return as CEO, how does it feel to look back and celebrate the Group’s growth?
It’s been a crazy journey; we never imagined we would be a group, and that we'd grow to this size.
In the beginning, our goal was to start a restaurant that we would be proud of. We started a second restaurant because the first one was successful, and it wasn't until our sixth that we realized maybe we should start considering ourselves a group and thinking about the business in a different way. The good thing about this growth is that it hasn’t felt forced, but natural and ergonomic.
Honjokko
What is a crucial piece of leadership advice you wish had been shared with your younger self?
Start earlier and have no fear.
I tried several times to [make] my own restaurant, prior to starting Pirata, and for one reason or another, I never really went through with it. Have no fear and just roll with the punches.
What is an unexpected aspect of your role that would surprise your younger self?
Back in the day, when I looked at people at the top, I used to think they must be geniuses [and] I’ll never get there. And when you get there, you realize you’re just a bunch of people trying your best. We’re not geniuses; we’re just normal people who followed through with their ideas and dreams. It’s just determination, hard work, and a little bit of carefulness.
Congratulations on hitting the 10-year milestone in 2024! What's a memorable experience in Pirata Group’s history you’d love to commemorate?
Opening my first restaurant and the joy it gave me, getting to turn the key and say we are here, entering the first service on the first night was a particularly proud moment.
But be careful what you wish for — [by] day two, we started worrying about payroll, rent, marketing, food, the location. You start to have so many other worries, especially for people who depend on you for their livelihood, and that has never gone away.
The second proudest [moment was] probably when I paid back the total investment within the first year. That’s when I [knew] we were on our way.
Pirata
Coming to a year following your return as Group CEO, what impact are you looking to make?
[2024] has been all about rebuilding the engine. I think we lost our way in the last couple of years. We felt we were losing the magic ingredient that made us special, and most importantly, our team was not super happy. Our creed has always been staff first.
Coming back last year was about making sure that I fixed the fixable and prepared the company for the future. This year, I'm going to be focusing on expansion and growth.
Do you have a personal favorite out of all the establishments?
It’s like asking who’s my favorite kid! I do, but I'm not going to tell you. *laughs* Different restaurants bring different memories, and I have a soft spot for all of them but for different reasons.
Tempo Tempo, The Sixteenth
With Hong Kong just entering its post-pandemic recovery, how is Pirata Group looking to distinguish itself and be at the forefront of the city’s hospitality industry in 2025?
Hospitality in Hong Kong is one of the best, and I'm blessed to be even considered in the same realm as some of the heavyweights. There are some real capable people working in the industry and really smart people in this business.
The nature of Hong Kong, because it's so fast-paced and constantly evolving, makes us never stop innovating. If you stop innovating, growing, and investing in your restaurant, you won't last very long. Some of my restaurants are now 10 years old, and for Hong Kong standards, that's dog years. So I’m looking forward to Pirata Group achieving, as well as my friends in the industry.
For us, we’ll stay true to the three pillars of Pirata Group: good food, good service, and good value for money. This is something we established very early on and what made us different at the core.
Honjo
For emerging F&B entrepreneurs looking to tackle this tough market and make a difference, do you have a main takeaway to share with them?
Just be bold, stick with it, be creative, and let go! You cannot know all the answers, but you need to have confidence that you will figure it out as you go.
Pirata Group is renowned for its superb hospitality and service offered by your “Pirates,” what is the key to inspiring and building such a dynamic and engaged team?
First of all, it's not just telling people, but living what we say we're going to do. When I say 'team first,' I really mean it, and we live by it.
We try to hire people who have hospitality in their blood already or are cheerful people. We need creativity and a lot of other qualities like toughness. And we want our team to grow and do well in life. We have a lot of old managers who started their own restaurants, so it’s really been sensational to follow their careers.
Pirata Group Team
What’s your favorite part about working in F&B in Hong Kong?
To tell you the truth, I hated most of it for the longest time. When I got to my twenties and was thinking I really don't like this job, I did start a business importing food and wine in Hong Kong. We did that for a couple of years, but I really missed being on the floor with guests and being part of a restaurant. It’s one of those things where you know you don't realize how good you had it until you don't have it anymore.
When I became an owner, I learned a whole number of things I didn't know before. I opened and ran Zuma for several years, worked in hotels and independent restaurants, and was a COO of multiple outlets. I thought I had it all figured out until I became an owner, and then I realized that that was only one-quarter of the job; there was so much more I had yet to learn.
Right now, with these many restaurants under my belt, I still feel I have so much to learn.
The Optimist
What’s something unique you’ve discovered about serving Italian food to Hong Kong people?
Oh, that's very easy. There are so many things in common. Look at the noodles, dim sum, and pocket pasta. The love and joy that we have when we sit around a table. We love everything about food. It’s very easy to see the bridge between the two cultures.
What can we look forward to seeing from Pirata in 2025?
Growing Pane e Latte, Pizza Project, and definitely Pici.
Are there any last words you’d like to share?
Thank you. That's all I can say. Thank you for believing in us, and thank you for thinking that we deserve attention.
Enjoyed this article? Check out future Executive Impact profiles here.
Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.
At the 11th Annual TransPacific Entrepreneurial Conference hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (CanCham) and Hong Kong-Canada Business Association, The Beat Asia had the privilege to attend the prestigious event conducted in Centricity in Central as a media partner.
Kicking off the new year on Jan. 15, 2025, The Beat Asia interviewed Charles Edwin Reeves, Consul General of Canada to Hong Kong and Macao, Alex Tam, Chief Executive Hong Kong, Managing Director Asia Pacific Region, CIBC Capital Marketsand Chairman of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Michael Yue, the Managing Director & General Manager at Google Hong Kong, and Tina Wei, Managing Partner at PristineView Capital Advisers.
Courtesy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Focusing on the theme “The Pursuit of the Next Decade: Hong Kong SuperConnecting Asia and Canada,” six elite panels dove into leadership, sustainability, cross-regional collaboration opportunities, innovation, wealth management, HealthTech, and mutually beneficial business growth strategies. The invitation-only event welcomed guests from across the region, as well as a Canadian delegation, industry-leading speakers, alongside virtual panelists and attendees for a thought-provoking and productive day of international commerce.
Courtesy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Identifying Hong Kong as a “Super-Connector” between Canada and Asia, the city was cited as a tangible and valuable entry point for Canadian businesses, and vice versa for innovators in Asia looking to expand to the west. Additionally, the conference spotlighted key investment opportunities from Asia into Canada.
“The TransPacific Entrepreneurial Conference is one of our flagship conferences that brings people together from around the world. This is what the Canadian Chamber can do. We have over 2,500 members, over 400 company members, and being a member can give you access to this. The Canadian Chamber is part of the bridge [between Hong Kong and Canada that] helps Canadian businesses or Canadians in Hong Kong access that bridge,” commented Alex Tam, the Chairman at CanCham.
Main sponsors of the event included The Ivey Academy, Saltagen Ventures, Hongkong Land, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), Bain Capital, Foregrowth, Letko Brosseau, Northleaf, Pristine View Capital Advisors, and Chapmain Craig.
Courtesy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Identifying Key Growth Opportunities Across the Pacific
A recurring theme amongst the Conference’s expert speakers was the sheer growth potential in Hong Kong, Asia, and Canada. The importance of cross-region collaboration and resource-sharing was emphasized in accelerating innovation and creating mutually beneficial opportunities.
The panelists also touched on important incentives and financing schemes for entrepreneurs or business owners looking to expand to either region, as well as how rapid advancements in technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) will soon be an instrumental tool in wealth management.
Courtesy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
“Hong Kong has a great infrastructure when it comes to capital market, knowledge, and also the advisors, as well as GPs that invest offer guidance and invest in APAC. Hong Kong is agreat gateway for Canadian investors who want to have exposure in Asia. [The city] has a really great geographic location for foreign investors looking to invest in Asia as a whole,” Tina Wei, the Co-Founder of PristineView Capital Advisers shared with The Beat Asia.
Weighing in on Hong Kong’s ideal location and accessible status for Canadian business owners, Alex Tam added: “Hong Kong is a great place for Canadian businesses to step off the plane to Asia. It's English speaking. But more importantly, Hong Kong has a very strong Canadian understanding, and also a very large number of Canadians in this market here that can help provide information. Not only do the people here have strong knowledge of Canada, but they also have a strong linkage to the rest of Asia. So I think this is a great place for anyone looking to do business, to start off. In fact, Hong Kong investors are some of the largest investors across Asia.”
He emphasized how Hong Kong is the headquarters for many of APAC’s largest foreign direct investors such as Australia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, so even those eyeing expansion to other countries in the region may find the support and funding they are seeking locally in Hong Kong. As Asia’s financial capital, the city is home to over 140 international banks, the APAC base for many consulates, and countless other important resources.
Courtesy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Charles Edwin Reeves, the Consul General of Canada, also noted that although Hong Kong offers countless growth opportunities, business owners need to make strategic long-term plans rather than anticipate immediate results. Especially when considering expanding to a different continent, time and effort need to be spent establishing relationships and a strong network.
“Opportunities in Asia aren't a quick, overnight success story. You need to be persistent and consistent.It's about building relationships, committing to the long term, and showing that you're sincere, whether that's coming once a month, [or] once a year, but being in regular contact with the businesses that you're trying to build trusting relationships with,” said Charles.
Hong Kong as Asia’s "Super-Connector”
As Asia’s “Super-Connector” with the West, Hong Kong has a long history as an entry point for the continent. 2025 is no different as the city continues to serve its role as a “bridge.” Not only does Hong Kong welcome foreign business expansion, but it is also a great place for startups to achieve business growth and make connections across Asia. Government organizations like Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Science Park, and Cyberport all offer funding, key resources, and unique opportunities for entrepreneurs to make their mark.
Consul General Charles Edwin Reevesshared: “Post-COVID, we've seen a real uptick in the number of Canadian businesses coming to Hong Kong, and I hope to see this continue. I'd like for folks to see the strengths that Canada has to offer in agri-food, health sciences, and clean tech.”
Courtesy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Advice for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in 2025
Looking ahead to the new year, the Conference’s panelists dove into the importance of leadership and well-researched planning when building a company up for a sustainable future. Setting a business up for success does not lie on its founder alone, but on a strategically placed senior team that upholds personal accountability, empathy, and integrity in leadership.
Alongside the constant technological advancements that are being made and ever-shifting geopolitical climate, business owners need to be dynamic and flexible whilst leading with strength and by example.
Michael Yue, Google Hong Kong’s Managing Director, shared: “The most important leadership quality for the next decade is really focused on two things: how do you continue to be bold and responsible at the same time? First and foremost, we are living in the most exciting technological time in our history, and so it's very important for leaders to continue to be bold, but to make decisions responsibly, and to lead with empathy and integrity.”
Courtesy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Touching on the importance of continuing to push DEI initiatives alongside highly sensitive global awareness, Consul General Charles Edwin Reeves continued: “Regardless of what industry you're in, you need to have a China strategy, whether you're dealing with China or not. You also have to have other strategies, like responsible business conduct profiles, and looking at governance and environmental issues. What's also really important is equity, diversity, and inclusion — championing women in leadership roles, ensuring that Indigenous people have leadership roles in your business, and just making sure that people that have historically been marginalized have opportunities.”
Prioritizing these values across all facets of a business’ operations is guaranteed to drive sustainable growth and success.
Courtesy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Alex Tam also offered his personal advice: “2025 is a year where we probably need to be a little bit more patient, do more research, and see how things settle down. In 2024 we had a lot of elections around the world, and so a lot of new governments [are coming into play]. With a new US President, and a new Canadian Prime Minister, it's a good time for businesses to do their research, invest their time, and be patient. The opportunities will be there.”
Following six panels, a VIP luncheon, and jubilant closing remarks, the Conference ended with a warm networking session resonant with CanCham’s friendly community. After a day of insightful and productive conversation, the over 700 collective guests in attendance eagerly shared their anticipation for next year’s edition.
Courtesy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Watch the full conference, highlights, and interviews here.
For more information about the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and upcoming events, visit their website and follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
Following the success of its debut event last year, LOUDER Connectis set to return on Oct. 23, 2024 at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum and Star Ferry. This year’s event will focus on responsible technology and its potential to shape a more sustainable and equitable future. Bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, LOUDER Connect aims to spark meaningful conversations about how technology can serve the greater good.
The event will open with welcoming remarks from Yamilette Cano, Founder of LOUDER Global. With over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry and a passion for empowering momtrepreneurs, Yamilette will share her journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship while advocating for global communication and purpose-driven leadership.
Website/LOUDER Connect
One of the event's major highlights will be the debut of the STAR FERRY RADICAL DEBATE PITCH™, which will challenge startups to present bold ideas in a high-stakes, competitive setting.
On the Main Stage, we haveCasey Lau, Founder of HKG DAO & co-host RISE, Web Summit, Collision, who will start off the RADICAL DEBATES™ on "AI and I: What is AI Doing to Me?" in the morning. Later in the day, while Hong Kong's iconic ferry traverses Victoria Harbour, Adam Thacker, Co-founder of PAKT, will lead thought-provoking discussions on "Responsible Tech: Should Social Impact Be Our First Priority?". With a diverse career that spans education, sustainability, and creative design, Casey and Adam bring a wealth of experience to the table, ensuring dynamic and insightful exchanges.
Among the featured speakers is Mandy Pao, Founder of Eloquence International and an award-winning entrepreneur. Known as the "Woman of Wellness," Mandy has worked with renowned brands like LVMH, UNESCO, and Forbes. She will share her holistic approach to brand-building and business growth, helping entrepreneurs align their ventures with purpose and values.
Naman Tekriwal, the Co-founder of Breer, a Hong Kong-based food upcycling startup, will discuss how his company transforms surplus bread into craft beer. Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asiahonoree, Naman’s story of using sustainability to drive impactful change will resonate with those looking to turn challenges into opportunities.
Website/LOUDER Connect
Also joining the speaker lineup is Rasheed Shroff, Founder of Banyan Workspace, Hong Kong’s most eco-friendly coworking space. With over 25 years of experience in building brands and businesses across Asia-Pacific, Rasheed will share his insights on creating socially conscious enterprises that prioritize community and sustainability.
New to LOUDER Connect this year is Jessie Li, CEO and Co-founder of Relief X. A former investment banker turned AI health entrepreneur and social media influencer, Jessie is dedicated to philanthropy, empowering young girls, and challenging gender biases and has gained recognition from Insider's International Women's Day Campaign and Vogue China.
Similarly, Jodie Chan, a Google Women Techmaker Ambassador, is a SaaS product developer at Chinafy, which aims to support companies entering China markets. By night, she becomes "Joya," a Hong Kong-based independent artist and Spotify Radar HK Artist for 2024, with her music featured in major media and performances across Asia.
With a mix of networking opportunities, mentorship sessions, and engaging debates, LOUDER Connect 2024 promises to be an inspiring platform for those passionate about driving responsible tech and ethical innovation.
We're offering our readers 70% off on tickets with code LOUDERTHEBEAT. Get yours now!
For tickets, more information, news, and updates, you may visit LOUDER Connect's official website.
Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.
ReThink 2024,Hong Kong’s most well-attended and ambitious business event for sustainable development, truly lived up to its reputation in its fifth edition this year.
Held on the 12 and 13 of September, 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Sustainable Business Forum and Solutions Expo drew more than 8,000 attendees over two days, including over 6,000 in-person participants from 2,255 organizations, making the event a smashing success.
The Beat Asia
This year also marked the event's fourth yearofpartnership with the Business Environment Council (BEC), continuing their exclusive co-organizer role. It was inspiring to see nearly 41% of delegates involved were in board-level or sustainability lead roles, all committed to making transformative investments for their businesses.
But ReThink 2024 wasn't solely focused on business—it also supported local nonprofits, with all delegate proceeds directed to NGOs chosen by The ReThink Foundation.
Over the two days, the business ecosystem event was a hive of activity, spanning eight theatres and stages, deep-dive workshops, and stimulating roundtable discussions. Over 500 experts contributed to the sustainability discourse across more than 120 sessions.
The Beat Asia
From fresh-faced startups to Hong Kong’s largest sustainable corporations, the expo offered a rich variety of showcases, providing eco-friendly solutions by 250+ companies, and featuring a diverse range of products and services.
We chatted with many innovators, like UNIFi3D, a fashion digital transformation company reducing carbon footprints, and Materials Creation, which recycles and repurposes materials for buildings, furniture, lighting, and accessories, showcasing the diverse, sustainable, and forward-thinking approaches to community functionality in Hong Kong.
The eight theatres and stages highlighted key facets of sustainable development, addressing issues specific to various industries and job functions. This year, ReThink also launched a Smart Mobility and Transportationsection, showcasing cutting-edge low-carbon fuel solutions and innovations in sustainable infrastructure and vehicles.
A standout was Alexander Dennis’zero-emission bus, the Enviro100EV. This bus was not only roomy and modern but also boasted a small vehicle footprint, making it an excellent choice for urban environments.
Sustainable Bus
Another highlight of the event was the closingGreat Debate on achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Moderated by Brian Wong, the debate featured six guest speakers from corporates, NGOs, and business associations, and was entertaining throughout, while rigorously scrutinizing current business policies, technologies, and collaborative efforts.
The Beat Asia
ReThink concluded with a heartfelt message from Founder Chris Brown, who brought his child with him to the stage. Together they were a poignant image, aptly emphasizing the importance of taking better care of our planet for the sake of future generations.
Looking ahead, ReThink 2025 will return on September 11-12 with exciting new developments, including PAC Pavilion Roundtable Luncheons, an Innovation Pitching Stage, and an expanded Smart Mobility & Transportation sector.
Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.
With sustainability at the forefront of discussions on Hong Kong’s development, multiple drivers have always worked to promote solutions amongst key stakeholders in the city. These efforts, however, are often solely comprised of individual parties’ objectives, lacking a unified stance and the collaboration needed to build that sustainable future we all dream of.
After arriving in the city and recognizing this gap, Chris Brown, the Founder of ReThink Hong Kong, set out on a mission to unite Hong Kong in its sustainable development efforts.
Since he founded the conference in 2019, successfully maintaining its growth throughout the global pandemic, ReThink has now become the largest sustainable business event in Hong Kong. Its 2024 edition, however, was even bigger, welcoming over 8,000 attendees to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. The event aims to not only act as a platform to support cross-business collaboration, but also support local nonprofit organizations — all proceeds from attending delegates go towards NGOs carefully selected by the ReThink Foundation.
Facebook/ ReThink HK
Building on his background working in the events industry for 23 years, Chris found his calling in Hong Kong, which he has now made his lifelong mission. Facilitating discussions on sustainability is no easy task in one of the world’s financial centers which prioritizes convenience over anything, but Chris and his team have effectively engaged Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), multinational corporations, and the local government from day one of ReThink, supporting each step the city takes towards building a circular economy.
The Beat Asia sat down with Chris to reflect on five years of positive influence in Hong Kong, celebrating progress made along the way and highlighting the important work yet to be accomplished, ReThink HK 2024, and how everyone has the power to make an impact.
Can you start off by sharing more about ReThink HK with our readers?
Website/ ReThink HK
Rethink Hong Kong is now Hong Kong's largest, but more importantly, most ambitious and impactful business event for sustainability.
Our job is to design and host a platform that brings together the full business and impact sustainability ecosystems, like a melting pot of ideas and inspiration, to share best practices, and try and overcome challenges. To build partnerships and collaboration that support the
triple bottom line: the planet, people, and profit.
It's been a crazy journey to get to where we are. It's been hugely rewarding, creatively challenging, and stressful, but ultimately, we provide something totally different and unique that genuinely helps individuals, businesses, and the wider community to make progress towards a cleaner, greener, more equitable Hong Kong.
What led you to found ReThink HK – the city’s largest sustainable conference?
Facebook/ ReThink HK
I've been working on business events for 23 years and I feel very privileged to be able to take all that experience and put it towards something good. I've done [events] for the nightclub industry, dentists, bulk transportation, and theme park owners, but to be able to do it for something so important, for a city that I absolutely love and that I want to continue to call home in the future for me and my little family, I honestly never dreamt that I'd be responsible for something like that.
I just really enjoy working on events, but it's evolved into something really special, and it's given me a purpose. This is what I might be here [for]; I've never felt so passionate or determined.
When I first came up with the idea [for ReThink] and was soliciting ideas and feedback, there were comments like ‘Oh, we don't need another sustainability event,’ and that was in 2019. What people really meant to say is ‘We just don't want another [bad] sustainability event.’ So we broke down [what was going wrong and] identified what people want and need from a sustainability event.
Right from the beginning, it was designed and influenced by heavyweight sustainability leaders or practitioners, and some very influential Hong Kong organizations. A lot of them are now our big sponsors, partners, and strategic advisors.
[ReThink is] their annual festival for everyone who is either directly or indirectly connected to sustainability or sustainable transition for their business.
Our event provides an open, accessible, neutral platform, and people see a lot of value in [that]. There are no barriers. If you’re able to contribute, doesn't necessarily mean financially, then there's a seat for you at the ReThink table. If you can help raise awareness, help people understand how to really prove that business case, you can demonstrate that you're doing it, how you've done it, and the difference it's making, then we will find a seat for you somewhere in the event.
Can you share more about the ReThink Foundation?
LinkedIn/ ReThink HK
The first two years [of ReThink HK] was [during] COVID-19 and [we received] cash donations for charities who needed extra [funds] to keep supporting [their causes].
Then the projection for the delegate revenue as we moved to the Convention Centre, started to get quite [substantial]. Alongside that, I was getting approached by NGOs [asking to be a] charity partner. So, we decided that we would set up a separate entity which is called the ReThink Foundation.
So that is a not-for-profit [and] the custodian of all the delegate fees. [When] they get paid to ReThink, we transfer that to the Foundation. We have a separate board for the Foundation, and they help us assess the impact projects that get submitted. Going into our second cohort of projects, we had 84 project submissions which went down to three, so, those projects were announced at ReThink [2024].
We've already started funding them and announced them on the keynote stage. In a way, everyone in that room has contributed towards the funding of those projects, whether that's because they bought a ticket, are a sponsor, or a speaker. Everyone contributed towards the overall ReThink proposition that people want to pay to come to an event [where their] money goes to fund those projects.
Have you always had an interest in promoting circular solutions? Can you share more about your sustainability journey with us?
Facebook/ ReThink HK
We always knew that running big events is inherently wasteful, but when [we were] running those events in the past, did we really think about it? [When] I moved to Hong Kong in 2015 to launch some events and that project finished, I did a bit of consultancy work in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai, and was [using] that as an opportunity to keep working and have a rethink about what did I want to do?
I was back in Hong Kong for a couple of weeks from traveling and there were about four different things that happened over three months that if I look back, all contributed towards me going [into sustainability].
I just talk about one of them because it's slightly funny. Every Tuesday or Wednesday morning, I’d go into a restaurant for their breakfast offer. I went to the toilet [one morning] and the tap in the sink was running water. I went back and [told the server] and he said, ‘I know we're going to get it sorted out.’ I went back in the next week [and the] tap was still running. I said [to him again], ‘Has this tap been running [all week]?’ He said, [he’d] spoken to management but [they] just don't care. Me and my partner went back a few weeks later, and it had been fixed.
Reflecting on five years since you founded ReThink HK, what sustainable development have you observed in the city?
Website/ ReThink HK
I think ReThink is a pretty useful barometer of what's happening in the sustainability space. Our job is to be near the forefront of what's happening: discussing and debating what's actually happening, as well as what should and could be happening. I hope that people see a reflection of reality in ReThink.
This core vision around proving the business case for sustainability has been challenging over the last five years; COVID-19 and the impact it had on global economies. I read a phrase recently that says we're in a sustainability recession, so that is people pulling back on investments, delaying projects, and cutting head count.
Ultimately, I think [the pandemic] was probably a good thing for sustainability awareness. Most people, and hopefully most businesses, are more aware of the fragility of existence. I hope it never happens again, but if you do want to take some positive out of it, there was a shift in human consciousness.
In addition to that, let’s celebrate some of the direct impact ReThink HK has had on the city. What are some notable milestones for you?
Website/ ReThink HK
How we measure success [is because] we're still traditional in terms of what we are, a big expo conference. So, how many people attend, how many sponsors there are, and what do the surveys say? But alongside that, and this is difficult to measure, is what impact does ReThink HK really have?
The more people that attend, the bigger the pot that goes to the Foundation [to support local sustainability projects], so there's an impact there, and of course, we ask our stakeholders how has coming to the event changed the way you're going to do things, but that's all pretty subjective.
So where can we make a real difference? What I really want to do is change the way events are run in Hong Kong. I want to put pressure on my peers within the trade and expo industry and hold the lens up to them.
We try to be this best example; we have our own internal sustainability expert who's helping to run the event as sustainably as possible, measure everything, rapport, and disclose everything. Our goal is that, after this year's event, we will set our first [sustainability] targets.
A major barrier to Hong Kong’s sustainability journey is its import dependent economy. How do you foresee the city working to transform into a more circular model?
The way Hong Kong is traditionally operated is it’s market-led, so business leads the way, and at the point where they need or require government intervention or government support policy, the government will respond and provide that pathway forward. From a sustainability perspective, five years ago, that was still very much the way things were working. But with the government setting a 2050 Target, that really put the focus on the four key areas of the decarbonization of Hong Kong: buildings, transport, energy, and waste.
There’s been a lot of media in the last weeks from South Korea about how they now recycle 97% of their food waste. It is phenomenal. Now, it didn't happen overnight, but a clear vision and investment [was required] for that to happen. And I think that's what the sustainability sector is looking for here.
An impressive achievement at ReThink has been your continued partnerships with large corporations, including HSBC, JLL, Lufthansa Group, etc. Although their participation is crucial, how do you hold these large businesses accountable for their greater impact or lack of sustainability initiatives compared to the scale of their operations?
Fundamentally, I believe that the impact, the outcomes, and the progress that ReThink helps to facilitate is real. In order for us to do that and continue to build on it, we need commercial support.
What we can do is ensure that those sponsors do not use the platform to gloss over the issues that they're facing. You can probably imagine that some financial institutions have to be very careful about who they put on stage and who can say what. But we make them very aware that we are not going to control or restrict the discussion to protect them.
Because we're not a membership organization, we have editorial neutrality. Our job is to host the discussion. And we've done a good job of that.
What were the highlights of the 2024 edition of ReThink HK?
LinkedIn/ ReThink HK
This is a really hard one because we put so much time, effort, and care into designing [the event]. It’s like going to a one-day conference but there's eight of them happening in the same room at the same time. The highlight, hopefully, is that someone came for half a day, a day, or two days, and built their own snapshot of sustainability in Hong Kong. I truly hope that everyone took at least something away with them.
If [I were] to pick one thing, I'm going to have to go with something that was totally new this year: the closing debate.
All the programs ended earlier than normal, and we closed the event on the main stage with a debate. Hopefully, that provided an element of ceremony and provided the audience with something lively, but thought-provoking. There was also a live vote before and after the debate on whether the attendees at ReThink believe that we have a credible path to carbon neutrality.
What is an effective and achievable goal businesses can start to apply today to become more sustainable in their operations?
Website/ ReThink HK
If you are thinking about it, and you're starting to put the wheels in motion to do something about it, there is probably someone else who is either in exactly the same position as you, or a few steps ahead.
There will be others, in very close proximity to you, that will have already started that journey. They may not have made much progress, or they could be a step ahead of you, and I promise, if you reach out to them, they'll be very grateful that there's someone else out there who's thinking about the same challenges that they are.
You know who your competitors and suppliers are, you know your customers are all interlinked. You all have this Venn diagram of challenges, and it's so much easier than doing it on your own.
What’s next for Hong Kong?
Facebook/ ReThink HK
Hong Kong has a proven history of being able to adapt and I don't think that'll be any different for sustainability. The pace of transition might be slower than is required, but there will be an inflection point, and I think as Hong Kong has proven many times in in the past throughout its history, there will be a real call to arms from businesses if Hong Kong starts losing out in certain areas.
You'll get a response. It will all come together, and there will be a point when it will change, and when it does, it will change quickly.
That's why, I'm committed to Hong Kong. That's why I'm hugely excited about the future for ReThink, and to be a key touch point in that transition process around sustainability, but also other areas of transformation as well.
Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.
