Program Details

Introduction

Co-organized by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology and Temasek Foundation, OneEarth NextGen Leaders 2025 is a dynamic program that is designed to ignite passion and empower young leaders to confront pressing environmental and social challenges head-on. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of sustainability and innovation leaders,equipping them with the knowledge and tools to become effective change-makers in your communities and industries. 

Over three action-packed days, we unite 100 talented participants from Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and China, including students, young professionals, and emerging leaders. You’ll have the valuable opportunity to interact and learn from world-renowned climate and sustainability leaders, as well as innovators and entrepreneurs from various fields.

 

Program

 Please note that the below program is subject to changes and amendments.

26 March 2025 (Wed) - Arrivals (Day 0)
11:00 - 16:30 Airport Pickup HK International Airport
Before 17:00 Hotel Check-in Regala Skycity Hotel
18:00 - 21:00
(180 mins)
Welcome Dinner
Officially kick off NextGen Leaders 2025 at the welcome dinner. Be inspired by speeches and remarks from the co-organisers and prestigious guests, you finally connect with all 100 enthusiastic delegates that will join you for the exciting days ahead.

Opening Remarks:
1. Prof. Poman Lo, Chair, Organizing Committee, One Earth Summit, Co-Founder, One Earth Alliance, Founder, Institute of Sustainability and Technology; Vice Chairman of Regal Hotels Group (8 mins)
2. Ms. Shin Gee Tan, Senior Director of Temasek Foundation (8 mins)

Keynote Dialogue "Driving Sustainability through Social Innovation and Impact Investing" (45 mins):
1. Mr. Mark Cheng, Founding Advisor of One Earth Alliance and Founder and Managing Partner of Social Innovation Circle
2. Mr. Genio van der Schaft, Chief Operating Officer & Global lead Asset Owner Partnering at APG Investments Asia
3. Mr. Ashley Tan, Global Head of Sustainability & Social Impact, AWS
Regala Skycity Hotel
27 March 2025 (Thurs) - Innovation and Sustainability in Practice (Day 1)
Before 9:00 Breakfast Regala Skycity Hotel
8:45 - 10:15
(90 mins)
Breathing Exercise
"Breathing for Good - Breathing to Connect" by Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China
Regala Skycity Hotel
--- Transit ---
10:30 - 12:00
(90 mins)
JUMPSTARTER 2025
JUMPSTARTER 2025 will spotlight the critical themes of AI and sustainability, showcasing innovative startups while offering high-impact networking opportunities. During this session, you'll have the invaluable chance to witness the final pitches from the Top 30 startups, highlighting groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Additionally, you'll be inspired by insightful speeches from industry leaders, providing you with the knowledge and connections to drive your entrepreneurial journey forward.
Asia-Expo
--- Transit ---
12:10 - 12:30
(20 mins)
Debriefing and Sharing
After the JUMPSTARTER 2025 session, share your thoughts with peers, and explore how these learnings can be applied to your own projects and goals. This session is set to deepen your understanding and turn inspiration into action.
Regala Skycity Hotel
12:30 - 13:30
(60 mins)
Lunch Regala Skycity Hotel
--- Transit ---
14:15 - 17:00
(165 mins)
Kadoorie Farm Sustainability Workshops
Experience Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, an expansive 148-hectare site with nearly 70 years of rich history. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you participate in sustainability workshops that explore essential topics such wildlife-friendly design, and forest restoration. Our goal is to deepen your understanding of the intricate relationship between humans and nature, explore our connections to the environment, and uncover how to achieve a harmonious balance between development and sustainability.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
--- Transit ---
18:00 - 19:15
(75 mins)
Dinner Regal Riverside Hotel
--- Transit ---
19:45 - 20:45
(60 mins)
Hong Kong World Star Ferry Experience
Conclude the day with a unique and memorable experience aboard the World Star Ferry, an environmentally friendly vessel that utilizes the latest low-emission technologies. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Hong Kong's iconic skyline and Victoria Harbour, while also experiencing how sustainable practices can be integrated into tourism and transportation.
World Star Ferry
20:45 Return to Hotel Regala Skycity Hotel
28 March 2025 (Fri) - One Earth Summit 2025 (Day 2)
Before 9:00 Breakfast Regala Skycity Hotel
9:00 - 18:30
(9.5 hrs)
One Earth Summit 2025
One Earth Summit 2025 will be a transformative full-day event, serving as a powerful platform for action and innovation in sustainability. Under the theme "Driving Systematic Change for a Sustainable Future Through Impact Investments and Technology Innovations," OES 2025 will convene 30 influential speakers and 300 participants, including government leaders, private sector executives, and philanthropic pioneers. They will share valuable insights on 3 key topics including Building & Mobility, Energy Transition, and Food & Water. This is a unique opportunity for you to be inspired, gain knowledge, and network with global leaders in sustainability and innovation.
Regala Skycity Hotel
18:30 - 19:00
(30 mins)
Break and mingling Regala Skycity Hotel
19:00 - 20:00
(60 mins)
Dinner
Esteemed Guest:
Mr. Frank Wong, Former CEO, Scholastic Asia, PepsiCo Snack China, and Nabisco China
Regala Skycity Hotel
20:00 - 21:00
(60 mins)
Debriefing and Sharing
Reflect on the learning of the day and share your insights with other participants, discuss the key takeaway of the day and how these learnings can be applied to your own sustainability goals and set intentions for the next steps.

Esteemed Guest:
Mr. Frank Wong, Former CEO, Scholastic Asia, PepsiCo Snack China, and Nabisco China
Regala Skycity Hotel
29 March 2025 (Sat) - Green Solutions and Reflection (Day 3)
Before 8:15 Breakfast Regala Skycity Hotel
--- Transit ---
9:00 - 10:30
(90 mins)
HKUST Sustainable Smart Campus and Entrepreneurship Center Visit
Visit to the HKUST Sustainable Smart Campus and Entrepreneurship Center, where you'll explore the principles of sustainable living and innovative entrepreneurship to learn how to apply innovative sustainable ideas in life and lead to a successful business.
HKUST
10:30 - 10:40
(10 mins)
Break HKUST
10:40 - 11:40
(45 mins discussion + 15 mins Q&A)
Panel Discussion
From Idea to Impact: Launching Sustainable Startups
This session will explore the journey of transforming innovative ideas into successful sustainable ventures. Panelists will share their experiences, discuss challenges and strategies for funding and collaboration, and inspire you to turn your sustainable concepts into impactful realities.

Moderator: Mr. Philip Ng, Vice Chairman, Green Development Institute; General Manager, Green Technology Center

Panelist #1: Mr. Tommie Lo, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Preface
Panelist #2: Prof. Martin Zhu, CEO & Co-founder of i2Cool Limited
Panelist #3: Dr. Zac So, Chief Operating Officer, TerraGreen Limited
Panelist #4: Ms. Kathy Ng, Co-founder of MetaGreenX
HKUST
--- Transit ---
11:50 - 13:00
(70 mins)
Lunch HKUST
--- Transit ---
13:30 - 14:45
(75 mins)
Science Park GreenTech Hub Visit
Be among the first to explore the new GreenTech Hub at HKSTP, which highlights cutting-edge green solutions.
InnoCentre
--- Transit ---
15:30 - 15:45
(15 mins)
Expert Sharing #1
"The Role of Technology in Climate Solutions: Exploring how technological advancements can enhance carbon removal efforts and contribute to a sustainable economy" by Mr. Max Zeller, Founder of Carbon Removal Partners
Regala Skycity Hotel
15:45 - 16:00
(15 mins)
Expert Sharing #2
"From Awareness to Action - The Role of Consumer Psychology in Sustainable Consumption: Bridging the gap between consumer awareness of sustainability and actual purchasing behavior through psychological strategies" by Dr. Dimitrios Tsivrikos, Consumer and Business Psychologist at University College London
Regala Skycity Hotel
16:00 - 18:00
(120 mins)
Ideathon
Collaborate with your team to leverage the insights gained throughout the NextGen Leaders 2025 program. This is your opportunity to pitch your innovative sustainability ideas and solutions, showcasing your creativity and vision. Compete for an exciting prize that recognizes your efforts and innovation!

Judges:
1. Mr. Max Zeller, Founder of Carbon Removal Partners
2. Dr. Dimitrios Tsivrikos, Consumer and Business Psychologist at University College London
3. Dr. Kenneth Leung, Director of Sustainability, Net-Zero Office, HKUST
4. Mr. Philip Ng, Vice Chairman, Green Development Institute; General Manager, Green Technology Center
Regala Skycity Hotel
18:00 - 18:15
(15 mins)
Break Regala Skycity Hotel
18:15 - 22:00
(165 mins)
One Earth Closing & Reflection Dinner
We will conclude the program with a meaningful evening of reflection, connection, and celebration. Delegates will share their key learnings and insights from the program, while prestigious guests will discuss the future of sustainability and innovation. Guided mindfulness reflection will explore themes of interconnectedness and wisdom and consciousness, followed by networking opportunities. This dinner celebrates our collective journey and inspires continued commitment to driving sustainable change.

Delegates Sharing of Learning:
1. SEA delegate (3 mins)
2. HK/CN delegate (3 mins)

Mindfulness Reflection (60 mins)
"Compassion for Nature: Building a Connection with Our Environment" by Ms. Amy Fong, President and Board Member of Helport AI Limited, Senior Advisor of FountainVest, Member of Listing Committee of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited

Mindfulness and Sustainability Survey (30 mins)

Closing Remarks (15 mins)
Prof. Poman Lo, Chair, Organizing Committee, One Earth Summit, Co-Founder, One Earth Alliance, Founder, Institute of Sustainability and Technology; Vice Chairman of Regal Hotels Group
Regala Skycity Hotel
30 March 2025 (Sun) - Departure (Day 4)
Before 9:30 Breakfast Regala Skycity Hotel
Before 11:00 Packing and goodbye chat Regala Skycity Hotel
Before 12:00 Hotel Check-out Regala Skycity Hotel