The recent letter to CEOs written by BlackRock Chairman and CEO, Larry Fink, sent shock waves through the global business community. It forcefully shattered the long-held assumption that business’ sole responsibility is to increase its profits for the shareholders.

According to Fink:

“Society is demanding that companies, both public and private, serve a social purpose. To prosper over time, every company must not only deliver financial performance, but also show how it makes a positive contribution to society. Companies must benefit all of their stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, and the community in which they operate.”

We have invited a unique group of speakers to lead the discussion on the
relevance of this watershed for the local business community:

Professor Michael Norton

widely known as the ‘father of social innovation’ in the UK and teaches courses on Good Business at China Global Philanthropy Institute, Shenzhen and Beijing.

Ms Paula Diperna

Special Adviser, CDP North America (Carbon Disclosure Project), which works with over 6,000 corporations and 550 cities in environmental disclosure covering over a fifth of global greenhouse gas emission. CDP is rated by investors as Number 1 in climate change research.

Mr. Wander Meijer

Director, GlobeScan, a global insights and strategy firm that helps companies, NGOs and governments build the trust they need to create

enduring value for themselves and for society.

Mr Bas A Fransen

CEO of EcoMatcher, a digital platform that makes sustainability transparent and actionable. EcoMatcher is the most recently certified B Corp in Hong Kong.

Forum Moderators

Dr. K K Tse, co-founder, Dream Impact

Who should attend:

• Business entrepreneurs and executives who are serious about leveraging business to tackle social and environmental issues in addition to making profits
• Anyone who wants to know more about the changing paradigm that is redefining business success in the 21 st Century
• Business leaders who are keen to create ‘shared value’ or to become certified B Corps

Organizer:

B Market Builder HK: Effective from January 1, 2018, the Hong Kong Social Entrepreneurship Forum has been appointed by B Lab Global as the B Market Builder for Hong Kong & Macau

Co-organizers:

Education for Good
Dialogue Experience
The Wave
PIE Strategy
EcoMatcher

Supporting Organizations:
Civic Exchange
B Corp Consulting Group
Dream Impact