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Dr. Adam Durant.test

Dr. Adam Durant is the CEO of SATAVIA, a Cambridge (UK)-based company that develops technologies rooted in science to tackle some of the greatest challenges facing aviation. He also holds an Adjunct Professor academic position at Michigan Technological University (USA). Adam is a respected scientist and entrepreneur with a strong track record of in academia and entrepreneurship, and is committed to using software technology to make a positive impact on the world.

Adam received his PhD in Earth Sciences from Michigan Technological University (USA), where he published fundamental research on volcanic ash clouds and ice cloud microphysics. After his PhD, he held roles at the University of Bristol (UK), University of Cambridge (UK), and the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (Norway), ultimately where he worked on developing remote sensing technology for aviation to detect and avoid volcanic ash clouds.

In 2013, Adam founded SATAVIA with the vision of using atmosphere and climate model- and Earth observation-based technologies to digitise the Earth from surface to space. SATAVIA’s technology is used by a wide range of customers, including aircraft operators, Original Equipment Manufacturers, and corporates.

SATAVIA is also developing a voluntary carbon market methodology to provide an incentive for operators to do contrail management to reduce the climate impact of flying. Contrails are linear ice clouds that are formed when airplanes emit water vapor into the cold upper atmosphere. While contrails are not directly harmful to humans, these trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute as much climate warming as all CO2 emissions from aviation.

The methodology is backed by Gold Standard and will create a new type of carbon credit (a ‘Certified Mitigation Outcome Unit’ or CMOU) that specifically rewards airlines for reducing their contrail climate impact. These credits will be traded with businesses and individuals who want to offset their own Scope 3 footprint. This is a significant undertaking that will create a financial incentive for airlines to reduce their non-CO2 climate impact.

SATAVIA’s work on contrail management has the potential to make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change. Adam is a passionate advocate for the use of technology to address the climate challenge and is a frequent speaker at industry events. SATAVIA has been featured in publications such as New Scientist, The Times, The New York Times, and CNN.

Christine Loh

Dr Christine Loh is the chief development strategist at Institute for the Environment, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. A lawyer by training and commodities trader by profession, Dr Loh has spent the bulk of her career in public policy and politics, first serving as a legislator, and then government minister in the Environment Bureau in Hong Kong. She was the CEO of a policy think tank and is a published author of many academic and popular works. She is a director of for-profit and non-profit organizations, and she also advises multinational companies.

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Johnny Wei

Johnny Wei is the Head of Wholesale Banking for OCBC Hong Kong, overseeing the Bank’s corporate and commercial banking as well as financial institutions business franchise.

In 2016, Johnny joined OCBC Bank as Head of Corporate Banking. Following the management integration of OCBC Hong Kong Branch and OCBC Wing Hang Bank in 2021, Johnny was appointed as Head of Wholesale Banking for OCBC Hong Kong; and has further expanded his role as General Manager of OCBC Hong Kong Branch and Alternate Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Hong Kong in 2023.

A seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Johnny’s career includes a spell of over 20 years with Standard Chartered Bank; holding various senior positions including Managing Director & Head of Commercial Clients.

Johnny holds an MBA degree from Monash University, Australia, and a Bachelor of Social Science degree (majored in Economics) from University of Hong Kong and is a CPA Australia.

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Ross Milne

ROSS MILNE is Chief Executive Officer at 10 Design, a dynamic architecture and master planning practice with over 400 architects and designers operating across 9 studios worldwide.

As an architect, Ross has a diverse international portfolio spanning over 36 years on projects across Asia and the Middle East. He has a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver a quality project and strides to encourage innovative solutions to challenges posed by tight programmes and budgetary constraints using the latest available construction technology.

Ross' role as CEO at 10 Design is to oversee the growth strategy globally whilst maintaining the highest design standards. This includes looking at new markets and sectors and tackling complex projects with commercially viable and creative solutions for our clients. His extensive experience and innovative leadership are driving 10 Design’s brand to new heights competing with the best in class.

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Conrad Wong

Ir Dr Conrad Wong is a professional engineer who has over 30 years of building construction experience. He is the Vice Chairman of Yau Lee Holdings Limited, Managing Director of Yau Lee Construction and REC Engineering Co Ltd. He has a keen interest in green building technologies, Building Information Modeling (BIM), modular and precast construction, and manufacturing automation.

Since 2017, Ir Dr Wong has been putting a great deal of effort in developing various robotic and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications for the construction industry. He recevied his Doctor of Philosophy Degree at City University of Hong Kong, specializing in adopting AI to optimize energy consumption for large scale central air conditioning system.

Ir Dr Wong is very active in public and community services. Currently, he is appointed as the Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University, the Chairman of the New Energy Transport Fund Steering Committee, the Member of the Energy Advisory Committee and the Member of the Town Planning Board. In the past, Ir Dr Wong served as the Deputy Chairman of Vocational Training Council, the Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Council, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Green Building Council, the President of the Hong Kong Construction Association, the President of the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations, the Chairman of Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board, the Member of Construction Industry Council, the Member of the Antiquities Advisory Board, the Member of the Advisory Council on the Environment, and the Director of the World Green Building Council.

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CK Lau

Mr LAU Chun-kong is the Managing Director of Colliers Hong Kong and Managing Director of Asia Valuation and Advisory Services, responsible for promoting the growth of Colliers’ business in Hong Kong and heading the Asia Valuation and Advisory Services business. He has over 30 years’ property experience in valuation, real estate consultancy and investment sales market in Asia including Hong Kong and PRC.

Mr Lau is a Past President and Fellow member of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. He is a member of the Hong Kong Housing Authority and its Tender Committee, the Lantau Development Advisory Committee, and the Expert Advisory Panel for Study on the Artificial Islands in the Central Waters. He also serves as an advisor to the Our Hong Kong Foundation and a member of the Tangible Assets Standards Board of the International Valuation Standards Council.

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