Invited by the Centre for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS), a team from GAW Capital delivered a workshop on 31st August 2023, centered around the theme of "Urban Revitalization and Investment for Sustainable Communities – the case of People's Place." The event commenced with Prof. Yuk-shing Cheng, Director of the CSDS, passionately emphasizing the paramount importance of addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability, the CSDS has placed ESG matters at the forefront of its research agenda, aspiring to contribute innovative solutions to tackle the pressing challenges of our time.
During the workshop, Mr. Garry Yu, Director of PE Asset Management at GAW Capital, provided insights on ESG from a property management perspective and introduced the company's global portfolios. Ms. Carmen Ho, ESG Director at GAW Capital, further elaborated on the company's portfolios in Hong Kong, highlighting the adoption of people-centric management approaches in their community projects.
The discussion also touched upon industry trends in the property market, with Mr. Herbin Koh, Senior Director – Head of Growth Equity at GAW Capital, emphasizing the significance of property technologies (PropTech) and climate technologies in the age of green transition and aging communities. He showcased examples of new facility upgrades, such as the installation of two-way escalators and the addition of common areas and EV charging stations in mall renovations.
Mr. Alvin Lo, Managing Director of Asset Management at GAW Capital, shared real-life examples and emerging trends of ESG in the property market. According to Mr. Lo, asset management should cater to residents' spending needs, fostering a happy, loyal, and cohesive community while fulfilling ESG responsibilities. He suggested that achieving this requires efforts such as retaining mom-and-pop tenants, improving the mall's environment, and organizing community engagement activities.
Established in July 2022, the CSDS focuses on examining how institutions, policies, and practices impact the achievement of selected sustainable development goals (SDGs) in both global and local contexts. Additionally, the center collaborates with community partners to organize educational activities related to sustainable development, furthering its mission.