Accelerating the transition to a sustainable future

Prof. Maria Francesch-Huidobro

Prof. Elvis Au, BBS

Professor Elvis Au, BBS, is the former Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government with over 37 years of experience (including 32 years in the Government) in environmental protection, sustainability, climate and energy, green procurement/buildings, green finance/bond, cross-boundary collaboration, smart city, sustainable campus initiatives, environment research, environment fund/research/education programme for schools.

He is an Adjunct Professor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), teaching climate change and energy, sustainable waste management, urban planning, environmental assessment and sustainability for undergraduate and master degree students. He is also an Adjunct Professor of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, teaching public policy for master degree students and eco-design for undergraduate students.

He is the Former President of the International Association for Impact Assessment (with members from over 120 countries), the former Chairman of the Environmental Division of Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE, with over 5000 members) and the former Chairman of the HKIE’s Green Finance Task Force.

He studied at HKU, University of California (Berkeley), Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, London University and Tsinghua University.

Caitlin Shem

Caitlin Shem is a Regional Sustainability Lead at JLL with over eight years’ experience in the sustainability sector throughout Asia Pacific. She specialises in the development and implementation of decarbonisation targets and strategies for operational carbon.

Caitlin leverages her international expertise collaborating on projects at a grassroots to corporate level in Asia and Australia for commercial real estate and industrial assets to drive measurable outcomes for occupiers.

Matthew Sears

Matt has 15 years of experience in the education sector across Asia, working in positions across school operations, training and consulting. As Vice President of Operations at Guidepost Hong Kong, he works on the global Montessori education organization’s growth in Hong Kong, opening six locations in the past two years in the city. Previously, he worked on the organization’s international expansion and business development initiatives, working on school openings in Europe and across the Americas.

Prior to Guidepost, Matt set up Seeds Training’s business entity in Asia and worked with schools, corporations, and non-profits to develop education programs for students, teachers, and parents. He consulted for The Nature Conservancy, building their educational programs in Hong Kong, including the flagship Nature Works Hong Kong program, and establishing the Education and Sustainability Educators’ Network.

Matt is the co-chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee and on the board of the Hong Kong International School Alumni Association. Raised in Tokyo and Hong Kong, Matt holds a BA in History and East Asian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and earned his MA in Asia-Pacific Studies from the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto.

Brett Girven

Brett Girven has been the principal of the Arbor School Dubai since 2019 and has more than ten years of experience in the Middle East. Having moved to the UAE from his native New Zealand, Brett has a critical eye for detail, an in-depth understanding of the Dubai and UAE educational climate, and a relentless drive to ensure a high-quality education is provided for every child.

His expertise lies in assessment design and moderation, strategic deployment of technology to accelerate and enrich learning, macro and micro-level curriculum review and design using research-based methodologies and leadership.

Advaita

I have had the chance to speak to Jane Goodall and in School assemblies on multiple occasions regarding the wellbeing of our school’s sustainability.

When I think of Sustainability, I split the word into a sentence: the ability to sustain the world’s natural wellbeing. Sustainability means that there is still a power to change our world, and to improve it for our future generations. Without sustainability, we tend to forget that we are harming the planet, and I plan to make a difference, and help our society.

Annabelle

Annabelle is a student at the Prince of Wales Island International School. In the upcoming year, she will be the president of the school’s eco committee which aims at promoting sustainability and environmental awareness within the local community.

To her, being a TASS Ambassador means that she is able to bring her knowledge and passion towards  climate change to a higher level and share it with people that have the same perspectives towards our future. The ability to influence others is her motivation to keep on moving forward on the path towards a greener, better future.

Audrey

To me, sustainability means working towards a future in which everyone’s needs can successfully be met without causing the environment around us to further deteriorate.

Ava

Ava is a student at the Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) in Penang, Malaysia. She is actively involved in the POWIIS Secondary Eco Committee, where she has dedicated her time for almost two years. The committee was formed at the start of 2021 and has already made a significant impact on the school and wider community, specifically in the area of waste management.

Ava

Sustainability to me means that we are fostering changes that will benefit our environment, ensuring the well-being of future generations while also meeting our current needs.

Barzilay

To me, sustainability is the ultimate goal to be able to maintain a balance between mankind and nature. It is the ability to be able to reduce the negative impacts of mankind on earth either through technological advances or measures in order to make up for the footprint we leave behind. It must be also be effective over a long period of time

Bella

Bella’s past experiences in sustainability include collaborating with marine biologists to conserve coral reefs in the Maldives, working as a trainee naturalist in India’s Gir Lion Reserve, and becoming a certified junior naturalist in the Kanha Tiger Reserve. Through her passion for travel, Bella continues to expand her knowledge and understanding of sustainability. She is proud to serve as an ambassador for TASS, an organization aligned with her values and dedication to creating a more environmentally conscious world.

Daniel

I strongly believe that sustainability is about meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It’s about living in harmony with the natural environment, minimizing our resource consumption and waste, and finding ways to power our lives and economies through renewable, clean energy sources.

Eleni

By embodying sustainable values, we have the power to enact meaningful, lasting change.

Emma

Emma is a junior at Shekou International School, Shenzhen. A third culture kid, she has also lived in Hong Kong and Singapore. In her free time, she enjoys writing, cycling, and is passionate about science. As a TASS ambassador, she hopes to learn more about sustainability, and help members of diverse school communities use their varied interests to make an impact.

Eva

As an aspiring economist, I recently wrote a research paper on how we can make our capitalistic economies more sustainable, and redefined how we can achieve economic growth without depleting our natural resources. At home, I am committed to separating plastic, paper, and glass trash from each other and using the recycling bins. I enjoy researching the different reasons why sustainability is more important than ever before.

Additionally, as the Head of Innovation at school, I always look for different ways that students can make more eco-friendly choices and promote them. As a TASS Student Ambassador, I look forward to working with like-minded students and learning more about sustainability.

Fatima

To me, sustainability means a future. A future that will only exist for so many of us if we change the way that things are right now. Sustainability means being accountable for everything you do and how that will affect your environment and your future. The time to act is now. The world needs to wake up and realise what is happening. If everyone starts contributing, even in the smallest of ways, we might have a future to look forward to.

Gabriel

Within this ever-changing world, sustainability has always been and always will be an integral part of it. As a TASS student ambassador and sustainability ambassador for QASMT, I aim to advocate towards our generation the reality of our world and its environment. In the hopes of helping inspire them to become more eco-friendly in their everyday lives. We only have one planet; we must look after it. Act locally to make change globally.

Grace

Sustainability involves supporting the environment by creating things that are beneficial for the present and future generations, with a lasting positive environmental impact.

Hayah

I’m currently a Year 9 student at GEMS Cambridge International Private School in Sharjah. Over the past two years, I’ve actively participated in the school’s eco-committee, which focuses on education, raising awareness, and inspiring others to embrace sustainability. I’ve taken part in various initiatives, including “Plant a Legacy” and organizing paper drives, among others.

For me, sustainability is synonymous with the responsible management of resources, ensuring that we meet our present needs without disrupting the natural cycle for future generations. I wholeheartedly embrace the quote, “Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing better,” as it reflects the evolving and more proactive approach needed to tackle environmental issues.

Jacob

Jacob is a year 9 student at Kellett School, The British International School in Hong Kong. He has always been intrigued by nature and our environment, and exploring new ways to tackle climate change has always been a personal goal of his. Alongside other ambassadors, he is committed to persuading powerful individuals to find climate-friendly solutions on to prevent climate catastrophes.

Jeff

Sustainability isn’t just the goal of ensuring that future generations’ needs aren’t compromised: it’s the pride that comes with it that induces a drive to change. As a steward, my mission is to champion that empowering sentiment.

Jeremy

Jeremy is a Grade 11 student at the American School Hong Kong. In recent years, he’s been exposed to several environmental issues such as the vast amounts of garbage on Hong Kong’s beaches, and the disadvantages of fast fashion. His participation in various works of service towards environmental protection has inspired him to make and advocate for change. He has grown an appreciation for nature’s beauty and is determined to contribute to the promotion of environmental welfare.

Jinnuo

Sustainability is especially relevant to myself and those of us living in developed countries, as we are objectively the most significant polluters yet simultaneously possess a greater potential for change.

Khadija

Sustainability is a multifaceted concept encompassing three core elements: the natural environment, economic vitality, and healthy communities. At its essence, sustainability is about the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.

Many businesses and governments have recognized the importance of sustainability and have committed to sustainable goals. These include reducing environmental impact and conserving valuable resources. By adopting sustainable practices, organizations can work towards a more balanced and resilient future.

Kylton

Sustainability is a commitment everyone should make to help maintain the living standards of our generation, as well as future generations.

Leilah

Sustainability to me is about living in a way that respects the world around us. It’s about making sure we don’t use up all our resources today, so there’s still plenty left for the people who come after us. It’s a mindset that influences how I live my daily life, the choices I make, and the values I hold dear.

Lorelei

Lorelei is a year 10 student at Kellett School, The British International School in Hong Kong. She wants to drive positive change in our community while also recognising what she can improve in herself.

Lucius

Lucius is part of the class of 2024 at International Grammar School in Sydney. He has been interested in sustainability since the start of his high school journey, and has joined several sustainability clubs and workshops with the aim of informing others what can be done on their part. He wants to be a part of the fight for a sustainable future.

Madeleine

Maddy is a part of the class of 2024 at International Grammar School in Sydney. As a young person who will inherit the planet, she is extremely passionate about the welfare of our environment. She has previously been a part of organisations such as School Strike 4 Climate and understands the importance of incorporating sustainable practices in everyday life.

Mariam

Sustainability to me means the future.
Our and future generations’ future depends on us; if we as a global community do not start to take action in environmental issues that us and past generations have caused, future generation’s lives would corrupt; and not forgetting to mention wild animal life, marine animal life, and plant life.
In honor to save all of that i have taken initiative within my community and school to do my part of taking care of the environment, wild life, marine life, human well-being and reducing carbon emissions.

Naisha

Naisha serves as The Head Student of GEMS Founders School, The Head of GEMS Founders School Model United Nations (GFSMUN) and Secretary-General of GFSMUN IV, a Youth Peace Ambassador at the Global Peace Institute and as the Founder of Beacon Club, an initiative she began in Year 8 to make her school a no-food waste zone.

Naisha tries to incorporate her vision of sustainability in everything she does, whether that is as a leader or a social worker. She believes that with sustainability being a very fast-growing field, with new developments every day, it is important to keep young people updated and spread awareness. As a TASS Student Ambassador for GEMS Founders School Dubai, a school that hosts a 100+ nationalities, Naisha hopes to get more young people involved from different communities in discussions about sustainability and bridge divides.

Naomi

Naomi is an active and engaged student who enjoys organizing a variety of events and initiatives related to sustainability and STEM. Through her work with the ITS Youth Advisory Committee, she has planned large-scale events focused on environmental sustainability. Naomi has also organized a Model United Nations conference and led school projects addressing issues like oil spills. As a TASS Ambassador, she is committed to driving positive change and creating a more sustainable future for the students in her school community.

Pyunggang

To approach the meaning of the word ‘sustainability’ literally, we can say that it refers to the ‘ability’ to ‘sustain’ certain conditions or situations. I believe the word sustainability means the capacity to maintain our favorable and meaningful lives in the present, as well as preserving these conditions for the duration of our time on Earth and ensuring that future generations can enjoy their lives as we have.

Reem

I’m a member of Al Watan Charter School’s Sustainability Students Council. We’re passionate about saving the Earth from pollution by focusing on the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. I’m involved in school and community initiatives to protect the environment. Currently, I’m the sustainability manager at our school, leading recycling efforts and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Riddhisha

As a Sustainable Futures Ambassador for my school, QASMT, for the past 3 years and a hopeful captain next year, I have embarked on my sustainability journey passionately navigating through the intersection of innovation and responsibility. Sustainability is not just a goal to me, but a way of life and a dream for a flourishing tomorrow. It involves making choices that ensure environmental, social, and economic well-being are intertwined while respecting the intricate web of life. I aspire to create change in the world by thinking locally and acting globally.

Ryan

Sander

Sander is a year 11 student from the Chinese International School in Hong Kong. He has previously been involved in efforts to increase sustainability at his school through participating in the international Global Entrepreneurship Conference, conducting extensive research on water consumption and sustainability at his school, and more.

Serving as a TASS Ambassador, he hopes to use the TASS platform to increase dialogue and propose innovative solutions for day-to-day issues and affect positive change for our local and global communities.

Sasha

I remember seeing litter in the desert when I was just 5 years old, and wondering about the impact it had on our community. That experience made me passionate about protecting our planet from a young age. Over the years, I’ve undertaken various projects to help the environment, but I knew I needed to do more to drive real change. That’s why I wanted to become a TASS Student Ambassador.

Sultan

I am Sultan, a high schooler from ASCS in Dubai. I wish for a bright and green future for our planet. I hope that we have a lot of fun together while trying to reach the goal of sustainability!

Swara

I’m currently a Year 9 student at GEMS Cambridge International Private School in Sharjah. Over the past two years, I’ve actively participated in the school’s eco-committee, which focuses on education, raising awareness, and inspiring others to embrace sustainability. I’ve taken part in various initiatives, including “Plant a Legacy” and organizing paper drives, among others.

For me, sustainability is synonymous with the responsible management of resources, ensuring that we meet our present needs without disrupting the natural cycle for future generations. I wholeheartedly embrace the quote, “Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing better,” as it reflects the evolving and more proactive approach needed to tackle environmental issues.

Teia

When I think of sustainability, I see green. I see beauty, purity, a chance for a new life. A future. A future that, should we alter the current course of events, will only be available to a limited number of us. Being sustainable entails taking responsibility for all you do and considering how it will impact the environment and your future. It is time to take action.

Tvarita

I am a Grade 12 student in HIXS. I have been deeply involved in activities centered around sustainability for the entirety of my high school life. Exploring the multi-faceted nature of sustainability and my interest in technology has allowed me to develop a unique approach for promoting the same. As a TASS student ambassador, I aim to undertake achievable, impactful and replicable initiatives to create a difference and help others do the same.

Vaiz

Sustainability is not just about protecting the environment. It’s about living in a way that’s good for our planet and each other. It’s about utilising resources carefully so the next generation can enjoy them too. It’s also about making sure everyone has what they need to live well. As a TASS ambassador, I hope to help the community and spread awareness about environmental sustainability.

Varisha

As student leader, I’ve been devoted and eager to help initiate pleasant and beneficial ideas, innovation and difference to our school. As a student who envisions change and prosperity, I have participated in many initiatives led by our school to take part in sustainability. I’m part of the Hydroponics and Growth team and help monitor the school’s goal of achieving sustainability in environmental related matters, and I have been a part of many competitions centered around sustainability in and out of school.

I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to be an ambassador who can take the initiative and spread awareness about sustainability in our daily lives and introduce projects that everyone can join in on. I believe that since sustainability is a theme that the future is avid to focus on, spreading awareness on it can help inspire others to take action for a greener and developed future.

Winson

Given the number of people affected by lung disease globally each year, pollution and air quality is an issue that is very significant to me. As a TASS ambassador, I look forward to sharing and improving my own knowledge on sustainability and the opportunity to make a positive impact in our society.

Zeynah

Sustainability is of vital importance to me as a high school student. I see it as our collective responsibility to preserve and cherish our planet, manage resources, minimize waste, and embrace eco-friendly practices – all of which I believe can drive meaningful change. Organizations like TASS, focused on making decisions that consider both humanity and nature, represent a pathway to a brighter, greener future.