On October 31, 2024, the Faculty of Finance at City University of Macau held a lecture as part of its finance series at the Ho Yin Convention Center. The lecture featured Dr. Kenny Siu from the Greater Bay Area Business School, who presented on the theme "From ESG, Green Finance to Carbon Neutrality".  Among the distinguished guests was Associate Dean Eva Khong of the Faculty of Finance.

Dr. Kenny Siu began by exploring the origins and development of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and its critical role in corporate governance and market competitiveness. He discussed the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's ESG Reporting Guide, detailing the disclosure requirements for listed companies, including key performance indicators (KPIs) on environmental and social aspects. Dr. Kenny Siu introduced core areas in the field of carbon neutrality, such as carbon emissions auditing, carbon management consulting, and environmental project development. Carbon emissions auditing, he explained, involves calculating the emissions of regions, enterprises, and products, a foundational element for any carbon management endeavor.

He also highlighted the importance of carbon trading markets and green financial tools, such as green bonds and carbon credit trading. Dr. Kenny Siu outlined emission reduction policy options, including quantitative tools, pricing tools, and R&D support. Furthermore, he discussed incentives like carbon trading systems, renewable energy subsidies, and investment tax credits. The lecture also covered topics like the integration of carbon neutrality with innovative technologies like blockchain, Web 3.0, the metaverse, and virtual assets, predicting potential future business models. Dr. Shao emphasized the necessity of using ESG and green finance to drive sustainable development and achieve carbon neutrality, showcasing the applications and potential of policies, financial instruments, and emerging technologies. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Kenny Siu stressed the pivotal role of green finance in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development. As an essential tool for transitioning to a low-carbon economy, green finance is gaining increasing attention worldwide.

During the Q&A session, students eagerly engaged, particularly regarding the employment prospects and recognition of ESG in Hong Kong. Many expressed interests in how to leverage ESG knowledge in their future careers and were keen on related certification and internship opportunities. Dr. Kenny Siu thoughtfully addressed their questions, sharing insights on the potential of ESG professions and the latest industry trends. He encouraged students to actively participate in carbon management and green finance projects and pursue ESG and international certifications to enhance their market competitiveness.

The lecture not only deepened students' understanding of ESG and green finance but also offered valuable guidance for their future research and career paths. The Faculty of Finance and its students thanked Dr. Kenny Siu for his enlightening presentation and guidance. The Faculty of Finance looks forward to further collaborations, offering international ESG certification courses and discussions on establishing examination centers to promote ESG sustainability courses and international management training, contributing to the cultivation of ESG talent in Macau.