Capital into Impact: Financing Asia's Infrastructure-Led Transformation
Asia’s growth and sustainability are driven by unprecedented investment needs across infrastructure, energy systems, sustainable buildings, mobility, and industrial transformation. While global capital is abundant, the real challenge lies in mobilizing and directing it toward opportunities that deliver both financial returns and meaningful impact.
The evening will feature a keynote speech by Prof. Lisa SACHS, and a fireside chat moderated by Prof. Christine LOH, exploring how financial centers—particularly Hong Kong—can evolve beyond disclosure-driven approaches to become active catalysts for investment. The discussion will examine how to connect global capital with Asia’s emerging opportunities, and highlight the financial ecosystems, partnerships, and innovative mechanisms needed to accelerate infrastructure-led transformation across the region.
A dedicated networking session will follow the fireside chat, offering attendees the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and deepen conversations with fellow alumni and industry peers.
Hosted by the HKUST Business School, with the Columbia Alumni Association Hong Kong (CUAAHK) as co-organizer, this exclusive event brings together alumni from both institutions for an engaging and insightful exchange.
Be part of this forward-looking dialogue shaping Asia’s sustainable and resilient future NOW!
HKUST community, please sign up HERE.
Columbia University Alumni, please sign up HERE.
Language
English
Program Rundown
| Time | Agenda |
| 5:30 p.m. | Registration |
| 6:00 p.m. | Welcome Remarks Prof. Frederik ANSEEL Dean, HKUST Business School |
| 6:10 p.m. | Keynote Talk Prof. Lisa SACHS Director, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment Columbia Climate School |
| 7:00 p.m. | Fireside Chat Moderator: Prof. Christine LOH Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment Adjunct Professor, Division of Environment and Sustainability, HKUST |
| 7:30 p.m. | Networking (Light refreshments and drinks will be served) |
| 8:30 p.m. | End of Event |
Keynote Speaker
 |
Prof. Lisa SACHS Prof. Sachs is the Director of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI). She is a globally recognized expert and leading voice on climate finance, sustainable investment, and natural resource governance, and a leading voice on how laws, policies, and financial architecture shape global investment flows in support of development and climate objectives. She is also an Associate Professor and Director of the M.S. in Climate Finance program at Columbia Climate School. Since joining CCSI in 2008, she has built the Center into a leading hub for research, analysis, thought leadership, and policy engagement. Her work spans climate finance and reform of the international financial architecture, energy transition financing, sustainable industrial policy, corporate climate action, and the governance of critical minerals and extractive industries. She advises governments around the world along with multilateral development banks, UN agencies, and intergovernmental organizations, and works closely with companies, investors, and civil society to translate research into practical policy and investment reforms. Prof. Sachs received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard University, a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, and a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School, where she was a James Kent Scholar and recipient of the Parker School Certificate in International and Comparative Law. |
Moderator
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Prof. Christine LOH Prof. Loh is the Chief Development Strategist at Institute for the Environment, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She was the Undersecretary for the Environment in the HKSAR Government (2012-17). Between April 2019 and March 2020, she was the Special Consultant to the Office of the Chief Executive of the HKSAR Government on the ecological civilization aspects of the Greater Bay Area Outline Development Plan. She has a long history in public policy and politics, having been a legislator between 1992-2000, and then was the CEO of Civic Exchange, a non-profit public policy think tank. Prof. Loh is currently a board member of Towngas Smart Energy Company Limited, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, and is Asia Society’s Scholar in Residence (2023-2026). She is also a Steering Committee member of the United Nations International Organization for Migration’s new Climate Mobility Innovation Lab, as well as member of the Advisory Committee of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery at the City University of Hong Kong. She is a published author of many academic and popular works – her latest book by HKUP is on Covid-19 and its socio-economic and political implications. |
- Due to the limited capacity of venues, priority for seats will be given to HKUST Business School alumni and CUAAHK alumni.
- The registration will only be confirmed upon receipt of payment, with a reminder email from the School a week prior to the event.
- The paid registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- HKUST Business School reserves all rights. All terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice.
- Kindly note that photographs will be taken at the event for record and publicity use. By attending this event, you agree that your image may be used for these purposes.
Please contact the External & Alumni Relations (EAR) Team of HKUST Business School.
Jul
15
Jul
15
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. (Registration starts at 5:30 p.m.)
HKUST Business School Central (new center)
Level 4, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong (MTR Admiralty Station, Exit D)
