There’s a whole lot in store at this year’s Food’s Future Summit, including an exciting line-up of panellists who will be sharing their knowledge on a wide range of topics. Your biggest problem is going to be working out which session to choose!
For 21 September morning agenda, click here
For 21 September afternoon agenda, click here
For 22 September morning agenda, click here
Find the full agenda at the bottom of this article
Here are the speakers for the afternoon of Saturday, 22 September:
The Future of Urban Farming
Discover all the advances and applications in the burgeoning world of urban farming from those who have been instrumental in its development in Hong Kong.
Pol Fàbrega – Co-Founder, Rooftop Republic
Pol has been pioneering the urban farming movement in Hong Kong over the past five years. Originally from Barcelona, Pol started his career in the non-profit sector working on a wide range of issues, from human trafficking, to education, to human rights. In 2012, he relocated to Hong Kong, where he has been working to help to transform the way in which we grow, consume and think about food. Within the first two years of operation, Rooftop Republic has transformed over 23,000 square feet of underused space into 30 urban farms across Hong Kong and China and has organised more than 230 events related to organic farming and sustainable living. On his own rooftop, Pol is currently growing chilli, pumpkin, aubergine, morning glory, amaranth, rosemary, oregano, basil and mint!
Fai Hui – Founder, Wildroots Organic
Fai is a certified horticulturist and Urban Farming specialist. He grows organic vegetables and herbs on commercial rooftops in Hong Kong, and has been featured on CNN's Going Green. He teaches Urban Farming and Sustainability programmes for HKU, PolyU and other schools and companies. As a production grower, that has earned his Organic Inspector qualification, he brings real-world insight to the challenges faced by farmers. A co-founder of Go Green Hong Kong, he edits and writes articles about agriculture. Fai completed his undergrad in economics at the University of Toronto, and earned his law degree from the University of British Columbia.
Jessica Fong – Co-Founder and General Manager, Common Farms
Common Farms is a Hong Kong-based agriculture start-up devoted to spreading indoor farming practices throughout the local community. In a little over a year, with the help of her co-founders and other partners, Jessica has spearheaded the growth of Common Farms from a 400-square-foot test farm in Cheung Chau to a community engagement and marketing platform. Jessica’s connection to food started during her time establishing a highly successful restaurant group (The Caprioli Management Co – Giando, Fishsteria, EAT.it, Giá Trattoria) in Hong Kong. It was during one of her many sourcing trips to Italy that she realised the importance of making high-quality, nutritious and freshly grown foods more accessible to the wider Hong Kong community.
Edmund To – Founder and CEO, Urban Grow
Edmund has dreams of making sustainable, safe, fresh, local produce affordable to all people. With his connections and knowledge gathered throughout his hospitality management background and his firm grasp on technology, Edmund hopes to bring together agriculture, technology and the local community to transition to a better food’s future.
The Future of Seafood
Ninety per cent of the world’s oceans are fully or overfished, and we may run out of fish by 2045. Find out what else is happening to our seafood – and what we can do about it.
Bertha Lo – Communications Manager, ADM Capital Foundation
Bertha is responsible for driving campaigns to raise awareness on pressing environmental issues. As part of ADMCF’s marine programme, she interfaces with consumers and companies to make sustainable choices. ADMCF is a philanthropic organisation that works to enhance environmental protection in Asia. It has numerous programmes focusing on air quality, water quality, the marine ecosystem, landscapes and the wildlife trade.
Benjamin So – Chairman, Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition, and Founder, 178 Degrees
Ben is both a Hong Kong native and a Kiwi. These dual aspects of his upbringing have been instrumental in the creation of 178 Degrees, founded in 2015. 178 Degrees supplies fine-dining venues, providing healthy and responsibly sourced foodstuffs to Hong Kongers, as well as through a more recently established online retail shop. Sustainability is central to 178 Degrees’ ethos and is a cause that Ben advocates passionately as company founder. Outside 178 Degrees, Ben is the chairman of the Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition, which promotes the consumption of responsibly sourced marine species.
Tracy Tsang – Senior Programme Officer, Oceans Sustainability, WWF Hong Kong
Tracy joined WWF Hong in 2012 and now leads the shark-conservation programme there. She is a a key member contributing to WWF International’s shark-conservation efforts. Early in her career, she was a marketing professional in the media industry.
Tom Burney – Chef and Founder, Invisible Kitchen
Tom is the founder of Invisible Kitchen catering company, whose goal is to be Hong Kong’s greenest and most customer-focused catering company. He has also worked as a private chef (including for celebrities Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, Chris Hemsworth and Keanu Reeves).
The Future of Waste
Ever wondered about the life cycle of a plastic bottle? When we dispose of our waste, where exactly is “away”? Join the Future of Waste panel as we uncover the current situation of waste-management and recycling solutions for Hong Kong and beyond. This panel will be followed by an interactive battle of the straws, where the audience can join the debate on plastic-free alternatives.
Dr Merrin Pearse – Sustainability Adviser, The Purpose Business
Dr Pearse is a facilitator and connector who is passionate about business being a force for good. He has a wide range of international experience working for government departments, SMEs, international companies and NGOs in stakeholder-engagement roles, quality assurance, auditing and sustainability.
Paul Zimmerman – CEO, Designing Hong Kong
Paul is an elected District Councillor representing the Pokfulam constituency and a board member of Civic Exchange, The Professional Commons, Hong Kong Democratic Foundation and the Patient Care Foundation. His Hong Kong government advisory functions include the Harbourfront Commission.
Holly Graham – Editor, DRiNK Magazine
Originally from London, Holly Graham is the editor of DRiNK magazine in Asia, the region’s leading bar industry platform. She is also the co-founder of the HK EnvironMentalists, a group of bar industry professionals striving to minimise waste and implement environmentally friendly practices in bars around town. She can occasionally be found moonlighting at The Old Man.
Tom Egerton – Bar Manager, Potato Head Hong Kong
Brought up in and around restaurants and bars, Tom has spent the better part of a decade working and travelling around the world to develop an international perspective on the hospitality industry. Most recently, Tom was the bar manager of Sydney’s award-winning Eau de Vie, where he developed concept cocktails and drove a team collaboration culture to create unique, original drinks and a diverse range of premium-spirit education packages.
Hannah Chung (Panel Moderator)
Hannah Chung is currently on a zero-waste challenge; she seeks eco-alternatives and green solutions for everyday living while aiming to achieve zero waste in Hong Kong. Originally from London, she’s been shocked to see the lack of infrastructure in place for waste management and recycling in this city and aims to spread the word about the extent of the problem and how individuals can make a difference by making a few simple lifestyle changes. Follow her on Instagram @thezerowastechallenge for regular tips and updates.
Get your tickets now for the Food’s Future Summit 2018!
