Academics, business executives and environmental professionals have vowed to work together for a better environment in Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta as they celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Master of Science Programme in Environmental Management (The Programme) of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) today (30 October 2010).

Jointly organized by the Faculty of Science and the Kadoorie Institute of HKU, the celebration began with the "Symposium on Environmental Management in Pearl River Delta: Review, Challenges and Opportunities" at Luk Kwok Hotel in Wan Chai.

Opened by Prof. David DUDGEON, Associate Dean of Faculty of Science of HKU, and Prof. Peter HILLS, Director of Kadoorie Institute of HKU, the day-long symposium featured presentations by government officials, academics, business executives and environmental experts from Hong Kong, the Mainland and Singapore. Highlights included keynote presentations by Dr. Boon-Ying LEE, Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, on predicting climate change and associated environmental impacts in Hong Kong; Dr. Ellen CHAN, Assistant Director of Environmental Protection, on how to resolve the pressing problem of solid waste management in Hong Kong; and Dr. Gan ZHANG, Vice President of Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, on detailing the problem of persistent organic pollutants in our atmosphere.

Later in the evening, a Reunion Dinner was held to celebrate the milestone of reaching 600 graduates from the Programme. Prof. Sun KWOK, Dean of Faculty of Science of HKU, and Dr Kenneth LEUNG, Director of the Programme, opened the dinner, followed by a special talk on waste management by Dr. Albert KOENIG, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Department of HKU.

During the dinner, the Programme's founding teachers were honoured for their contribution. Also, four alumni of the Programme - Mr. Freeman CHEUNG, Mr. Chun-Yau FONG, Dr. Billy HAU, and Mr. Clement LAM, received the Distinguished Alumni Awards for their exceptional achievements in the field of environmental management. The awardees are outstanding role models for all alumni and exemplify the qualities that help make the Programme grow and thrive.

Other activities in the dinner included the inauguration of The Environmental Management Association of Hong Kong (EMAHK). Comprising alumni and current students of the Programme, EMAHK aims to become a leading contributor to environmental management and sustainable development discourse, as well as to the advancement of environmental management as a professional field. The inauguration marked a new chapter for the success of the Programme.

Launched by HKU in 1989, the Programme was the first inter-faculty, multi-disciplinary taught master programme in the university which responds to the societal need for environmental professionals. Through an integrated approach, the Programme provides comprehensive training in key aspects of environmental management including environmental science, policy and laws, economics, green technology, ecological conservation and sustainable development. As of today, over 600 students have graduated from the Programme and many of them are now working in the environmental management arena contributing their professional knowledge and skills towards environmental sustainability.

For more information, please visit the event's official website: http://www.hku.hk/kadinst/MSc20th/. For media enquiries, please contact Ms. Joyce CHOW at tel.: (852) 9252 5780 or email: joycewc@hku.hk

Hong Kong, 30th October, 2010

The Environmental Management Association of Hong Kong (EMAHK) announces its establishment at the Reunion Dinner of the Master of Science in Environmental Management Programme (The Programme) of the University of Hong Kong (HKU).

The body consists of graduates of the Programme, which has successfully turned out over 600 graduates in the past 20 years, most of whom have become environmental professionals and academics. The membership is also open to all those who have similar educational and professional background.

The aim of the Association, according to Mr. Clement Lam, the Association's Preparatory Committee Chairman, is to "improve the quality of the environment in Hong Kong and its vicinity by improving awareness of the importance of environmental management, and to provide professional views on what is needed to manage the challenges to the environment, in the face of continuous economic development".  "Our input will cover issues from environmental policy to specific problems. With the multidisciplinary and professional background of our members, we believe we differ from other environmental bodies which are generally organized around a specific scope," he added.

Professor Peter Hills, Director of the Kadoorie Institute of HKU commented that "the formation of the Association is a very welcome development and one that is long overdue.  I believe it can play a very important role in promoting a much more holistic view of Hong Kong's environmental challenges embracing not only the scientific and technical dimensions but also offering workable solutions that will help us move towards a more sustainable future."

Dr. Kenneth Leung, Director of the Programme contends that "The field of environmental management is multidisciplinary in character, involving diverse professionals.  It is, therefore, essential to have a professional body which can embrace and bond environmental professionals from various sectors, and hence promote synergy in advancing environmental management practices.  I envisage that the newly established EMAHK can play such an important role."

The Association received a lot of enthusiastic support even before it was officially established. Its brand is designed by Mr. Stanley Wong, alias Another Mountain Man (又一山人), who is an internationally acclaimed artist, creative professional and a keen supporter of environment. "When I was asked to design the brand identity for the Association, I wanted to do something different. I would like to create an identity that can grow over the years to signify sustainable development." He said. "The logo of the Association resembles windflowers. Today, the logo has 20 flying seeds being softly blown to one direction as the number of flying seeds representing the number of years of this growing organization.  In the next year, the 21st flying seed will be added onto the logo. These airborne  seeds represent seeds for future growth, as they will grow into new windflowers when they land on the right soil."

"We are very grateful for the support and encouragement from people around us, and we shall do our very best for the betterment of the environment in Hong Kong." Mr. Lam concluded.

The EMAHK will organize a "Public Consultation Forum on Hong Kong’s Climate Change Strategy" and its first Annual General Meeting on 20 November 2010 (4-7 pm) at Room P3-05 of the Graduate House, HKU.  All interested parties are welcome to join these events.

For further information about the EMAHK and its forthcoming activities, please visit the official web site: www.emahk.org OR contact Miss Melody Lau at 93075604.