When bravery was desperately needed, Ed van der Weerd found it in abundance. The AS Watson CEO of Health & Beauty Continental Europe was recognised by the Hong Kong Police Force with the Good Citizen Award at the Good Citizen Award Presentation Ceremony 2025. The honour celebrates his selfless life-saving rescue of a woman in the sea during a visit to Hong Kong in November 2025, as well as his strong sense of civic responsibility and care for the community. A powerful reminder that leadership extends beyond the workplace, Ed’s actions reflect the values of compassion, responsibility and humanity at the heart of AS Watson.  

Hutchison Ports HIT champions inclusion as a gold sponsor of the CareER RunnERthon in Hong Kong and participated in its Corporate Inclusive Sports Challenge. The campaign raises funds for services that connect students and graduates with disabilities or special educational needs to career opportunities, peer support and a strong community. Through the power of sport, HIT’s management and staff gained first-hand insight into the challenges faced by the disability community – and proudly finished in the Top 5 among 12 participating teams in the Sports Challenge.

Northumbrian Water has made an unexpected recruit: Bracken, a four-year-old Labrador, doesn’t just have a nose for tracking wildlife (that too!) but also the ability to safeguard biodiversity. The specialist sniffer dog spots hidden creatures like hedgehogs, ensuring safe relocation before site maintenance can put them in harm’s way. It’s a smart, paws‑on way to protect the wildlife and boost conservation efforts across North East operational sites.

When Sri Lanka was devastated by Cyclone Ditwah last year, HUTCH Sri Lanka’s resilient network kept civilians and critical services better connected while other networks were more severely impacted. A well-planned network, supported by diversified backhaul with fibre and ‘over-the-air’ microwave links, ensured communications remained stable, supporting consumers and rescue operations. Engineers were airlifted by helicopter to restore outages within hours. Users received relief packages including free calls, SMS and data. HUTCH also donated Rs 60 million to the “Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund”, placing affected communities at the heart of its crisis response.  

Northern Ireland’s largest gas distributor, Phoenix Energy, has earned top accolades from global benchmarking organisation GRESB for its ESG performance. Phoenix retained its five-star rating and placed joint first globally, whilst also receiving two sector leader awards: the Infrastructure Asset Super Class Leader – Network Utilities, and the Infrastructure Asset Class Leader – Network Utilities: Gas Distribution Companies.

Locally, it achieved Platinum Level in the 2025 Environmental Benchmarking Survey through Business in the Community Northern Ireland, for a fifth year in a row.

From supply chain monitoring and community biodiversity initiatives to its pathway to net zero and plans for delivery of renewable gas solutions, environmental sustainability is Phoenix’ passion.  

In November 2025, AS Watson passed a key benchmark in its Global Youth Employment Pledge. Through this initiative, 134,000 young people from all over the world have been recruited into work opportunities that include valuable training. The programme has delivered 3.8 million hours of training since its inception in 2022. This puts the Group more than halfway towards its goal to create 200,000 opportunities by 2030, providing starting Gen Z workers with the professional skills and opportunities needed to succeed in their careers.  

EDL Energy is putting pedal power to purposeful use in Brisbane, Australia, combining fundraising, teamwork and hands on mentoring to support vulnerable young people. Six EDL Energy teams took on a 100km virtual cycling challenge at the Queensland University of Technology, helping raise A$12,000 for charities that support vulnerable youth.

CFO Susan Marrinan got even more hands-on, joining the 2025 TRACTION CEO Bike Build, rolling up her sleeves with young people aged 12-15 to assemble bicycles that build far more than mobility. She says, “Each bike built represents more than a project – it’s new skills, confidence and optimism about what’s ahead for these young people.”

Last winter, Hutchison Ports Busan staff rolled up their sleeves at a local welfare centre, teaming up with other local groups to make 6,000 units of kimchi for the local disabled community in South Korea. The spicy get-together benefitted 2,000 households, delivering smiles and healthy nourishment right to their doorsteps. This hands-on activity is a shining example of the Ports team’s commitment to giving back and how colleagues can join forces to fill stomachs and spread cheer in the run-up to the winter holidays.

In October 2025, Australian Gas Infrastructure Group launched its “Innovate” Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), building on the success of its predecessor, “Reflect” RAP (2023). This initiative outlines clear commitments and implementations to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with the two-year plan including a comprehensive engagement strategy to nurture long-standing stakeholder relationships. To celebrate, AGIG held a kick-off event featuring reflections from a Yorta Yorta artist, leaders, and community partners. This initiative notably birthed the First Nations Lands Map, a cultural GIS mapping tool that earned the Energy WA’s 2025 Energy Inclusion Award for deepening respect for Traditional Owners across operational lands.  

WINDTRE’s NeoConnessi initiative took centre stage at Italy’s Parliament’s Chamber of Deputies, where institutional representatives were present to award the three winning primary school classes of the annual contest. The programme has been helping students since 2018, educating more than 2 million children about responsible tech habits through hands-on projects. The winners were awarded for their imaginative entries showing how young minds can tackle online safety. Without a doubt, these youngsters proved tomorrow’s leaders are already digital savants.

UK Power Networks is rolling out its “Blue Light” project to fast-track the emergency services transition (including ambulances, police and fire) to electric vehicles and low-carbon depots without missing a beat. This digital tool maps available electricity capacity across sites, reducing the need for multiple connection applications. By coordinating efficient upgrades, it saves time and money, saving precious resources. Born from frontline input and cutting-edge data, the project empowers organisations to model scenarios, prioritise investment and accelerate emergency services’ shift to Net Zero.  

In UK, Northern Gas Networks has introduced a £50,000 Community Partnering Fund, facilitated by Point North, to help charities and groups tackle fuel poverty across Tees Valley. Grants from £1,000-£10,000 will fund initiatives including energy advice and carbon monoxide safety education for vulnerable households. The health impacts of those affected by fuel poverty during the cold winter months are stark, and this much-needed support can be a literal lifesaver for Tees Valley residents.  

A fire at a Hong Kong housing complex devastated hundreds of lives and homes. The CKHH family moved quickly to bring support to those in need. Watsons, PARKnSHOP, Fortress and Watsons Water delivered essential supplies and set up Care Service Stations. They also donated home appliances, home essentials and personal care products to the affected families as they move into transitional housing. HTHKH’s 3Shops offered free backup phones, portable chargers, SIM cards and 5G services. The HK Electric Service Team provided on-site help. The Li Ka Shing Foundation promptly distributed HK$30 million to charities to provide immediate relief and pledged HK$50 million for recovery efforts, aiding families to rebuild their lives.

CKHGT has achieved a major sustainability milestone, earning a Silver Medal from EcoVadis, placing in the 93rd percentile of all submissions worldwide in the past 12 months. EcoVadis ranking is a strategic lever for corporates to win business, access capital, comply with regulations, and build trust. It is a reference point for investors and strategic partners when tendering major projects, providing an assessment of sustainability policies and practices related to “environment”, “labour and human rights”, “ethics” and “sustainable procurement”.

During a recent visit to Hong Kong for group meetings, Ed van de Weerd, CEO of Health & Beauty Continental Europe of AS Watson, displayed remarkable bravery. Ed was strolling by his hotel when he saw a woman struggling in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour and calling for help. Without a thought, he plunged into cold waters and helped the woman safely reach the shore.  

CK Hutchison hosted near 5,500 colleagues from across different business units and their families at the 16th CK Hutchison Ocean Park Fun Bash. They also invited community partners and their constituents from Hong Kong Family Welfare Society, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, and Yan Oi Tong. They came together for a day of fun at the eco-oriented seaside park that reinforced core values that include supporting social inclusion and the spirit of giving back to the community.

CK Infrastructure (CKI) brought together more than 1,200 staff members and their families across Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Canada to attend its biennial CKI International Family Day. The event featured friendly competitions, including tug-of-war and a dance contest. Chairman Mr Victor T K Li described the CK Group as a “Business United Nations”, and CKI, as one of the flagships of CK Group, embodies many of these characteristics. This is underscored by CKI’s leading position in the global infrastructure market and its worldwide team coming from diverse cultural backgrounds, experience, and expertise.

HK Electric has revamped its Smart Power Gallery (SPG), unveiling a five-storey SPG 2.0, an interactive hub presenting the company’s push for a smart, zero-carbon and caring city. To celebrate the relaunch, HK Electric hosted 20 students from the company’s “Happy Green Schools” programme, taking them on a tour through the new multimedia displays, games and decarbonisation workshops. The gallery isn’t just a showcase; it’s an upgraded classroom for the city’s next generation of sustainability thought leaders. Schools and organisations are welcome to book free guided tours or participate in online learning activities.  

WINDTRE’s digital education initiative, NeoConnessi, has hit TV screens, with a nostalgic campaign directed by Italian film director, Claudio Cupellini. The 75-second film invites viewers to reflect on contemporary digital relationships, highlighting the unprecedented challenge faced by today’s parents – the first generation raising children immersed in digital culture. Backed by the Italian Society of Pediatrics, the state police and psychologists, NeoConnessi has been promoting safe, responsible tech use through free resources, workshops and now national primetime storytelling.  

This summer, Hutchison Ports Gdynia marked the fifth anniversary of its “ONE Terminal RUN” with nearly 1,000 participants racing at the container yard in Poland. This unique charity–sport event raised funds for local schools and the Czerwone Noski Foundation, which helps hospitalised children. Hutchison Ports Gdynia was honoured with the Maritime Economy Beacon Award at the Polish Ports 2030 Congress for the success of the annual charity–sport event.  

PARKnSHOP Hong Kong and Food Angel have kicked off the “City Food Drive” across 240+ PARKnSHOP stores and affiliated brands, rallying customers to donate groceries for community meals. To sweeten the deal, PARKnSHOP and IMPERIAL BANQUET have launched a “You Donate 1, We Donate 2” pledge, meaning every selected product donated by a shopper gets matched with two more. All items go straight to Food Angel: a recipe for spreading love and nourishment across Hong Kong!  

ista has kicked off a six-year sustainability partnership with Borussia Mönchengladbach, one of Germany’s top football clubs, bringing smart metering and energy monitoring to the entire Borussia-Park complex. Spanning over 40 football fields, including the stadium, hotel, restaurants, offices, retail and training facilities, the project makes energy use transparent, identifies savings and reduces CO₂ emissions. The collaboration demonstrates how data-driven solutions can power real climate impact, proving that large-scale buildings (stadiums included) can go smart, efficient and greener, one meter at a time.

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s (IOH) latest initiative, “I-EmpowHER 2025”, creates an inclusive career ecosystem for women in the workforce in Indonesia. Complementing initiatives such as SheHacks, I-EmpowHER tackles structural challenges through mentorship, skills development and leadership opportunities. Beyond typical corporate diversity talk, I-EmpowHER focuses on practical solutions: flexible work arrangements, career progression pathways and networking platforms. This initiative fosters confidence and encourages women to take on leadership roles, driving change across the organisation.  

The Mid-Autumn Festival, second only to Chinese New Year in bringing Chinese families together, was celebrated in true community spirit as CKHH volunteers partnered with the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society for a cherished tradition – lantern making. Nearly 100 participants, including children and volunteers, gathered at Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hotel in late September to design and craft lanterns that symbolise good fortune and family reunion.

The CK Group has always been a supporter of the Community Chest of Hong Kong. Its Cheung Kong Donation Hotline is backing the Community Chest Rainbow Fund for the 20th time. This year, the CK Group and the Li Ka Shing Foundation are continuing their powerhouse philanthropic collaboration with their signature “double match” magic. The duo chip in HK$2 for every HK$1 given, tripling the impact of public donations.

AS Watson Group Hong Kong Student Sports Awards have just hit the big “two-O” – twenty years of championing young talent. This year’s record-breaking ceremony, themed “Together, We Cheer On”, recognised nearly 1,000 student athletes across 90% of local schools.

The celebration featured local sports icons, a mobile fitness truck tour and previewed an upcoming student exchange to Malaysia. An AS Watson survey found that students who play sports with friends report higher life satisfaction, proving teamwork wins on and off the field.

Here’s to the next generation of Hong Kong sports stars!  

Hutchison Ports went dark for a cause by joining Earth Hour 2025, with 17 ports across 10 countries switching off non-essential lights to put a spotlight on climate action.

The global gesture underscores Hutchison Ports’ commitment to sustainability, energy conservation and environmental stewardship. Beyond symbolism, it’s part of a broader push to align port operations with greener practices and support the fight against climate change.

One hour, millions of lights out and a message that shines bright: building a more sustainable future starts with small, collective actions.

To support World Environment Day, HK Electric has debuted its “barter market”, encouraging employees to give their unwanted items a second life. Over 200 pre-loved items – from drones and milk frothers to plush toys and teapots – found new homes in just two weeks.

The initiative, inspired by the United Nations’ theme of waste reduction, also featured a “third life” section with items made from recycled materials. The event builds on the success of HK Electric’s “Pass It On” platform by promoting the reuse of goods, sustainability and a low-carbon lifestyle.

Watsons is scaling up its carbon compensation efforts – partnering with ClimatePartner to offset 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ in 2025 through its Sustainable Choices product line. What started with seven product ranges in 2023 now spans 30, across Offline plus Online (O+O) stores in 10 markets, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Beyond carbon offsets, the initiative supports reforestation in Indonesia and afforestation in drought-hit Mainland China, while creating jobs, many for women.  

Northern Gas Networks is developing young Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) masterminds by mentoring students in partnership with the Big Ideas Programme by Solutions for the Planet. Through hands-on guidance, employees help 11-13 year olds from disadvantaged areas turn big sustainability ideas into business plans – with the top entries being pitched at the Palace of Westminster.

From wooden satellites to “minus meat” burgers, the students’ concepts are bold and inspiring. But it’s not just the children who benefit: mentors say the experience boosts their own confidence and creativity. That sounds like energy well spent!  

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) and UN Women, a United Nations organisation, have released the SheHacks Impact Report, highlighting progress in empowering women in tech and entrepreneurship. Since launching five years ago, SheHacks has tackled funding gaps, limited training, and network barriers facing women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) – 70% of which struggle with finance in Indonesia. The programme boasts that 87.5% of participating startups have promoted women to leadership roles and 25% have gained access to new markets. A total of 78.9% of participating startups hired at least ten new employees, including individuals with disabilities. Through mentoring, labs and investor pitches, SheHacks supports women from ideation to scale, driving gender equality and economic inclusion nationwide.  

CKDelta is an AI software business within the CK Hutchison Group. Its product, ∆Priority, shows technology can have a heart. It uses advanced machine learning to identify vulnerable customers, such as the fuel poor, who can benefit from programmes like the Priority Services Register (PSR) and Leaving No One Behind network. By combining over 30 datasets – including smart metre data, payment history, telecoms and socio-economic indicators – it creates a unified vulnerability profile for each customer. The models are continuously retrained to reflect real-world changes and ensure accuracy.

This AI-driven approach has identified over 400,000 vulnerable customers and improved CKDelta’s engagement strategy effectiveness by 30%. ∆Priority enables proactive, personalised support at scale, setting a new standard for ethical, data-led customer care.  

Greene King partner The Hand & Flowers has once again been awarded two stars in the “Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2025”, making it Great Britain’s only two Michelin-starred pub. Located in the ancient town of Marlow in Buckinghamshire, The Hand & Flowers was opened in 2005, and Greene King has just celebrated the 20th anniversary of its partnership with the pub’s team earlier this year. The Hand & Flowers is operated by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, who is described in the Michelin guide as “the king of British pub dining”. After the pub received one Michelin star in just its second year of operation, it retained its star until receiving a second star in 2012. It has maintained its two-star status every year since. Greene King is an integrated brewer and pub retailer under CK Asset Holdings, operating around 2,600 pubs, restaurants and hotels across England, Wales and Scotland.

This winter, Northern Gas Networks (NGN) partnered with Point North to help vulnerable households in the northeast of England. Together, they’ve announced a £50,000 Community Partnering Fund, offering grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to charities and community groups fighting fuel poverty in County Durham and Tees Valley.

The fund will support energy advice services, raise awareness of the Priority Services Register (PSR), and educate the public on carbon monoxide safety.

The benefits of being on the PSR range from being provided with alternative cooking and heating equipment, to the provision of hot meals and even alternative accommodation if this is needed.

The overall aim of the fund is to support those in or most at risk of fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency, raising awareness of the PSR, building community resilience, and increasing gas safety awareness.  

WINDTRE was the official sponsor of the World Skate Games Italia 2024, marking the first time the global roller sports championships were hosted in Italy.

International visitors were also able to activate Tourist Pass, a no-strings-attached 5G mobile plan offering calls and data in Italy and abroad for 30 or 60 days – perfect for staying connected and sharing event highlights on the go.

This partnership underscores WINDTRE’s commitment to connectivity and supporting global sports events.  

An ecosystem is a complex dance of organisms all seeking to thrive. The flora and fauna of the HK Electric Lamma Island Power Station get a boost from the Company's Green Hong Kong Green (GHKG) education programme in coordination with The Conservancy Association.

Lamma Island hosts around two-thirds of Hong Kong's recorded biodiversity, with 30 bird species recorded within the power station area. HK Electric regularly monitors the water and air quality in the waters near the plant to ensure that the natural environment and biodiversity within and around the plant is not affected and, better still, improved.

GHKG shares this biodiverse environment via online and offline tours on 12 eco-heritage routes established on Lamma Island and Hong Kong Island.  

3 Hong Kong is pushing the boundaries of performance with 5.5G innovations and, in the process, redefining interactive entertainment.

Hong Kong’s first 5.5G drama, Left Unsaid, premiered at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Actors performed while seamlessly connected to a high-speed 5.5G network, allowing audiences to watch on stage and on their phones in perfect sync – a game-changer for live theatre.

The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra’s Drum Carnival used ultra-fast, low-latency 5.5G to stream performances in stunning 4K ultra-high definition, letting music lovers worldwide experience the powerful drum beats as if they were there in person.  

AS Watson and Operation Smile have made a real impact with 8,000 cleft palate surgeries performed through the Give a Smile programme. Since its launch, the surgical mission has transformed thousands of lives by improving children’s physical and mental health.

For these children, a single surgery can mean a future filled with new opportunities – whether it’s the ability to speak clearly or give a confident smile. AS Watson’s commitment to giving back continues to drive positive change, proving that beauty isn’t just skin-deep – it’s about making people feel their best, inside and out.  

A pivotal 18-month trial has found that heat batteries could help millions of UK homes switch to low-carbon electrified heating while alleviating pressure on the electricity grid. Led by UK Power Networks in partnership with OVO and tepeo, the “NeatHeat” trial installed tepeo’s Zero Emission Boiler (ZEB) in 30 homes in the UK.

The results were astounding: a 95% reduction in peak-time heating demand, making heat batteries a strong alternative to fossil fuel boilers. By storing energy during off-peak hours and releasing it when needed, this tech could be revolutionary for the UK’s 2050 net-zero ambitions.  

AS Watson is stepping up to support dementia care with “Wanderer Watchers”, a community-driven programme designed to help locate lost dementia patients. The company has installed the Dementia Angel app on over 1,200 mobile devices across more than 500 Watsons, PARKnSHOP, Fortress and Watson’s Wine stores throughout Hong Kong.

The initiative expands the city’s dementia support network, allowing store teams to quickly assist those in need. To strengthen the effort, AS Watson has also trained over 10,000 employees in dementia awareness, equipping them with the knowledge to provide help as and when required.  

Thanks to a generous donation from the Li Ka Shing Foundation, the HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed) has become the first institution in Asia to introduce the world-class histotripsy system. This state-of-the-art technology will offer liver cancer patients in Hong Kong access to non-invasive and highly effective treatment using high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy tumours. The second histotripsy system donated to the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Medicine is expected to arrive by the end of the year.

Additionally, the Foundation has sponsored 20 patients to receive this innovative treatment at both universities. The donation also enables six doctors and radiologists to receive specialised training at the US manufacturer, HistoSonics, ensuring the best possible care for patients.

CKHH takes future talent seriously. In August 2024, it gathered that talent together in a “Graduation Ceremony” that saw trainees and interns come together to share their experience with CKHH companies. The trainees and interns worked at the Group’s Head Office, Hutchison Ports Holdings, Hongkong International Terminals, AS Watson, Hutchison Telecommunications, ESDlife, Hutchgo, Metro Broadcast and Hutchison E-Commerce. The interns were mostly from Hong Kong, but there were also students from the USA, Canada, the UK and Saudi Arabia.

The experience sharing was followed by networking games that enabled people to forge new connections. CKHH is keen to open eyes, open hearts and open doors for students and recent graduates to have the best possible start as they consider the exciting – if a little daunting – world of work ahead of them.

AS Watson has celebrated Hong Kong’s elite young athletes with the nineteenth edition of its Hong Kong Student Sports Awards (HKSSA). The ceremony recognised 991 student athletes – its highest number of participants to date. Nearly 90% of local schools took part, underscoring the programme’s significance in Hong Kong’s youth sports community. Since its inception in 2005, HKSSA has honoured over 16,400 young athletes.

As a reward, 30 outstanding awardees embarked on a five-day sports exchange tour in South Korea. They visited prestigious institutions such as the Korea National Sports University, where they learnt from local athletes, inspiring them to pursue their lifelong dreams.  

3 UK has become the first mobile network operator to offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) qualifications to provide education for digital skills nationwide. Through its Three Discovery programme, the company has launched free CPD-certified workshops to help bridge the digital divide across communities.

With 4.4 million UK adults lacking basic digital skills (and 1.5 million with none at all), Three Discovery’s workshops aim to change that by covering essentials such as online safety, communication tools and problem-solving. Led by industry pros, these sessions are designed to be accessible and practical. As well as this, participants walk away with certification that will boost their employability.  

Enviro NZ has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, highlighting its role in helping New Zealand’s transition to a low-carbon, low-waste future. The report highlights how Enviro NZ is focusing on helping Kiwis live sustainably despite cost-of-living challenges. Key achievements include a 26% reduction in Scope 1 emissions since 2021, an 18% increase in renewable electricity from landfill and a 52% rise in low-carbon vehicles in their fleet. Enviro NZ’s initiatives include reaching 10,000+ households with a new organic recycling service.

The company is committed to achieving waste minimisation and resource recovery targets, driven by strategies that focus on people and the environment. Enviro NZ continues to be a leader in sustainability and the development of a circular economy.  

Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) and CLP Power Hong Kong have partnered on a series of decarbonisation initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. These efforts include electrifying cranes and vehicles, as well as adopting renewable energy sources, leading to a reduction of over 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2023. This achievement is equivalent to the annual CO₂ emissions produced by approximately 9,000 average-sized Hong Kong households. The partnership underscores HIT and CLP’s drive to improve local decarbonisation and reduce the environmental impact of port operations, positioning both companies as industry leaders in sustainable practices.

Wales & West Utilities (WWU) is helping out residents in the southwest of England with the Greener Homes Advice Line, a free service launched in collaboration with YES Energy Solutions. Funded with a £500,000 grant from the WWU’s Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA), this initiative offers callers expert advice on energy-saving strategies, understanding bills and enhancing home energy efficiency. The project is set to support thousands of customers while potentially saving each household over £500 during its two-year duration.  

The Everest Residence project, Hong Kong Island’s pioneering Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) transitional housing initiative, has made great strides, thanks to contributions from HK Electric. Through its Smart Power Services (SPS), grid-electricity supply replaced diesel generators during construction while HK Electric subsidised energy-efficient electrical appliances for 103 units, addressing the housing needs and enhancing the quality of living of the underprivileged. This minimised the project’s carbon footprint.

Initial feedback from tenants highlighted the benefits of energy-efficient electrical appliances, including reduced fire risks and lower energy costs.  

3 Sweden and Ericsson have teamed up with the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) to create an innovative real-time precipitation map using mobile network data. This technology surpasses that of traditional weather radar systems, giving SMHI a way to track rainfall across different regions with stellar accuracy. With this partnership, there is great potential to catch early warnings for floods and extreme weather, allowing local officials to prepare for inclement conditions well in advance. This forward-thinking collaboration showcases the potential of technology in tackling environmental challenges and enhancing public safety.

The “Back in Fashion” Design Competition brought innovative and fashionable designs to the runway in a collaborative event by HK Electric and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong. The crème de la crème – 30 entries out of the total 220 submissions – were put under the spotlight at a fashion show at Central Market, Hong Kong, meant to highlight eco-friendly designs and upcycling materials which would otherwise go to waste. These transformative outfits make for a great show and promote HK Electric’s efforts to support ventures in waste reduction and recycling.  

Research in the UK shows that half of all carers of elderly relatives have put their own health aside due to caregiving responsibilities. Over 60% of carers report negative impacts on their mental health, while more than half say that their physical health has taken a toll. With the number of people aged 85 and up expected to double in the next 15 years, the rising number of “hidden carers” poses a growing challenge for the UK healthcare system.

The Carents Room, supported by Northern Gas Networks, is addressing this issue by providing funding and resources to vulnerable customers. Their efforts ensure that carers receive the support they need to look after themselves while caring for others.  

Over 300 UK Power Networks (UKPN) employees laced up their boots for the 20-mile Royal Ramble charity walk, raising an astounding £40,000 for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Starting at Richmond Park in distant west London and finishing at Potters Fields Park by Tower Bridge, the event saw teams of up to seven tackle the challenge. Many participants joined as part of UKPN’s “donate-a-day” scheme, which allows employees to volunteer for charity twice a year. The fastest groups completed the route in under eight hours, with refreshments provided along the way. The funds raised will help the Duke of Edinburgh Award to support young people in developing vital life skills.

Cheung Kong Group continues to lead the charge in corporate social responsibility, scooping up 171 “Caring Company Logo” awards from the Hong Kong Council of Social Services (HKCSS). This milestone marks a record 21 consecutive years of unwavering dedication to community care.

Among these accolades, 22 companies proudly sport the “20 Years Plus Caring Company Logo”, 44 the “15 Years Plus”, 42 the “10 Years Plus”, and 40 the “5 Years Plus” logos.

The HKCSS Caring Company Programme isn’t just about recognition – it’s about fostering a caring community. CKHH is proud to continue to champion good corporate citizenship and support for the community, employees and the environment.

AS Watson Group hosted the highly anticipated European Hackathon in Amsterdam in April this year. Over 70 university students from the Netherlands, the UK and Italy joined forces to combat challenges in Next-Generation Loyalty. Divided into 12 teams, they focused on challenges such as Generative AI, Gamification in Retail and the Digital Loyalty Programme. Judged on criteria such as novelty and innovation, the winning solutions will redefine customer loyalty strategies in retail. Throughout the 24-hour event, participants showcased their entrepreneurial spirit whilst grappling with the challenge of using their skills to evolve the current retail landscape.  

3 Sweden continues its winning streak, clinching the Career Companies award for the fourth consecutive year. This year, 3 Sweden also earned recognition as the most attractive employer for women in the tech industry for 2024. These findings were reported in a survey conducted by Karriärföretagen (an annual award from which Sweden’s most attractive employers are selected) from October 2023 to March 2024. The survey covered female members of its Students and Young Professionals network, representing approximately 30,000 individuals, with women making up 55% of the network. This prestigious acknowledgement reaffirms 3 Sweden’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and gender diversity in the workplace, solidifying its reputation as a sought-after destination for aspiring female tech professionals.

Sailing through academic waters just got smoother with Cenovus Energy’s scholarship programmes, which provide support to bright young minds in the US and Canada. Their Indigenous scholarships and STEM scholarships award recipients with $5,000 each (CAD and USD), along with development opportunities to help students thrive in their future careers.

These scholarships aim to remove barriers for students so that they can focus on their studies, develop their skills, broaden their networks and identify job opportunities for the future.  

Hutchison Ports has launched various ”Go Green” initiatives worldwide in its efforts to push environmental sustainability. Huizhou Port Industrial Corporation kicked off with a tree-planting event in Quanwan, planting over 150 trees. Jiangmen International Container Terminals participated by planting purple wind chime flower saplings in Jinji, fostering local industrial and logistics development. Ningbo Beilun International Container Terminals joined the cause, planting osmanthus frangrans trees. Hutchison Ports Busan and Gwangyang planted 255 seedlings in Gwangyang Suburban Park, continuing their 11 years of combating global warming. In the Bahamas, Hutchison Ports FCP celebrated the International Day of Forests by donating and planting fruit-bearing trees at the Dock School they sponsored, instilling environmental values in students using interactive activities.

Watsons Hong Kong recycling campaign collected a total of more than 330,000 personal care, skincare and cosmetics containers, which is equivalent to the height of 88 Victoria Peaks. Watsons thanks its loyal customers who made it possible to reach this impressive milestone. Encouraged by this great achievement, Watsons reaffirms its commitment to driving positive change through its sustainability efforts whilst inspiriting its customers to go green together.  

To prevent fish from entering Lamma Power Station when it pulls in water to cool down generation units, HK Electric has introduced the Acoustics Fish Deterrent System (AFDS). After testing various sounds, they found that both whale and low-frequency sounds worked best to keep fish away. Thanks to the AFDS, the volume of fish getting caught in the station plummeted from 2,000kg per day in 2019 to under 2kg daily by 2023. This innovative solution not only slashes operational expenses but also safeguards marine ecology and station machinery.  

UK Power Networks (UKPN) has stepped up to aid vulnerable individuals dependent on electricity for medical devices. With 120,000 people on the UKPN priority register who rely on power for life-saving medical equipment, Power Protect has introduced battery packs, ensuring that critical equipment operates during prolonged outages.

In this essential initiative, these free battery packs can last more than 17 hours and are offered to affected customers during outages exceeding four hours. This extra support is part of UKPN’s continued commitment to enhancing customer well-being and its dedication to ensuring safety during longer power interruptions.  

3 Denmark and Live Nation have announced a harmonious partnership to offer the best music experiences to concertgoers in Denmark. Known for orchestrating over 400 annual music spectacles across the country with top-tier national and international artistes, Live Nation sets the stage for unforgettable experiences. Building on their existing relationship, 3 has now cemented a permanent partnership with Live Nation. This cooperation promises 3 customers exclusive access to some of the most sought-after concerts on Danish soil. As the partnership evolves, expect even greater opportunities to arise for music lovers and 3 customers.

MasterChef Australia Season 16 has kicked off with a gas-powered culinary revolution by being the first season to use carbon-neutral biomethane and hydrogen gases. Partnering with Australian Gas Networks (AGN), who are part of AGIG, as well as Jemena, ATCO and Solstice, the iconic show has transformed its kitchen through sustainable energy.

Thanks to the finest in Australia’s gas industry installing the new gas supply, MasterChef contestants were able to cook with biomethane, which is derived from organic waste. Also in the series was a unique BBQ challenge that showcased carbon-neutral hydrogen gas. This one-of-a-kind partnership sets a new standard for kitchens nationwide, and AGN highlights that Australians can continue to cook with gas whilst emitting fewer emissions on Australia’s journey to net zero.

Hutchison Ports PPC has doubled down on its commitment to bring soccer to every child in Panama by sponsoring various youth soccer tournaments in some of Panama’s socially vulnerable neighbourhoods. Attracting over 5,000 boys and girls, the tournaments aim at nurturing talent and providing a brighter future for the children in these neighbourhoods. In addition, PPC is also sponsoring a girls’ soccer tournament, empowering over 4,000 girls who live near the ports of Balboa and Cristobal to play and compete. These tournaments work to promote gender equality and break down stereotypes whilst instilling values of teamwork and confidence in the next generation of these grassroots communities.

In a bid to tackle mental health stigma, 3 UK and 3 Ireland launched the #TalkMoreThanFootball campaign in April. Teaming up with former Republic of Ireland and Chelsea footballer, Andy Townsend, the initiative encourages fans to open up beyond the pitch. During the campaign launch in Dublin, Townsend announced two more years of 3 Ireland’s partnership with Aware.

According to recent research on football fans by 3 in the UK, over two-thirds have struggled with their mental health, whilst one in three has never spoken to anyone about it. In Ireland, 56% of football fans have experienced a mental health disorder, whilst 26% have never spoken to their family or close friends about their experiences.

To help tackle the cause, Hollywood tough guy Vinnie Jones delivered a team talk in partnership with Chelsea FC, Aware in Ireland and Samaritans in the UK to further the push for open dialogue on mental health.  

In 2018, AS Watson launched its first-ever global sustainability campaign “Give a Smile” with Operation Smile. To date, they have supported over 6,500 children born with cleft lips with their physical condition and mental wellbeing. The company first aimed to transform 10,000 smiles by 2030 and now expects to surpass this target by 2026.

The programme also supports women in medicine. Operation Smile’s Women in Medicine provides educational pathways for women in the medical and health sectors.  

Hutchison Ports, from Pakistan to the Bahamas, is taking big green steps to do their part for the planet. Hutchison Ports KICT saw more than 40 staff plant trees and shrubs at the Clifton Urban Forest, Karachi. The project respects local know-how by using the Miyawaki technique to plant and nurture tree saplings of dozens of species, including moringa, sukhchain, oleander, date palms and wild almonds.

In the Bahamas, Team Hutchison Ports FHC went green by repeating their mission to collect mangrove propagules, with a view to re-planting them along the island’s coastlines. So far this year, the team has harvested and potted 2,045 propagules as part of their overall sustainability plan.

Happy Hong Kong’s beat was heard around the globe, thanks to 3 Hong Kong’s 5G network. 3 Hong Kong collaborated with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Drum Festival last October. As the 5G Strategic Partner for the event, 3 Hong Kong powered a 4K ultra-high-definition live streaming, bringing the captivating drum rhythms and the scenic beauty of the West Kowloon Cultural District to all parts of the world.

CK Infrastructure gathered a group of high-achieving colleagues from around the world and their family members for a day of fun and games in Hong Kong last November with 1,200 participants attending. Held after a long COVID-induced hiatus, the CKI International Family Day brings together staff and family members from Hong Kong, Mainland China as well as the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. A tug-of-war and dance competition were two of the highlight events of the day.

The CKI International Family Day celebrates the team and family spirit amongst colleagues of different nationalities and cultures from all corners of the globe, standing united as a strong family unit with common fundamental values and a desire to achieve excellence. The smiles and joy were clear enough to show that the CKI family was happy to be together again!

Shanghai Hutchison Pharmaceuticals Ltd is passionate about bringing education to children in rural communities in China. It recently built its 84th library in the country. This repository of learning is in Chengkou, a rural county in the mountains of southwest China and far from the madding crowd. Volunteers from the company were led on this expedition by company president Zhou Junjie.

Zhou made good use of his knowledge of Chinese medicine by conducting a course on traditional Chinese medicines to introduce the concept to children and perhaps inspire them to become healthcare practitioners and to learn more about their Chinese heritage.

AS Watson annually supports one of the biggest youth athletic events in Hong Kong. Since 2009, the Watsons Athletic Club Annual Challenge has grown, and in 2023, it attracted participation from more than 6,900 individuals across 27 different competitive events.

It is recognised by the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates as an accredited competition. The Watsons Athletic Club nurtures track and field talents and boasts a current membership of 1,250, including 69 athletes and coaches who are members of the Hong Kong, China Athletics Team.  

UK Power Networks is taking real steps to help its customers with their cost-of-living struggles. It provides funding and programmes that help energy-vulnerable populations deal with increased costs and isolation.

The Cost of Living Fund now stands at £500,000 and is distributed to organisations so that they can conduct more home visits and provide income to those desperately in need. With cold snaps threatening people, the support has empowered the creation of 120 “warm hubs” that have reached over 18,400 people; over 3,000 have received substantial support.  

Since 2012, PARKnSHOP has been a pioneer among Hong Kong supermarkets to donate edible surplus food. To date, it has donated more than 3,900 tonnes of food, which has helped the organisation Food Angel make up more than 12 million meal boxes and over 2 million food packs to feed needy people. Currently, around 150 stores and the Sheung Shui Fresh Food Distribution Centre are donating vegetables, fruit, bread, meat and packaged food to Food Angel.  

Jabiru Power Station in the Northern Territory, Australia has completed 500 days of operation – providing renewable energy from solar power to local residents and businesses in the remote township, surrounded by the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.

In a powerful blend of clean energy and environmental conservation, global sustainable energy producer EDL has partnered with the Northern Territory Government, Parks Australia and local Djurrubu Rangers to safeguard the black-footed tree-rat and its habitat.

An established 1,000-hectare conservation zone will be carefully managed through a plan and monitoring programme, including controlling feral animals and weeds, managing fires on a small scale and conducting surveys to keep track of the local wildlife.  

Cenovus is contributing C$100,000 to the building of a children’s park. This will provide an inclusive space for residents and visitors alike to interact and build positive experiences in the town of Lamont, Alberta.

“Tawâw” means “Come in, you’re welcome” or “There is always room for one more” in the language of the local Indigenous people, the Cree. The development is part of Cenovus’ commitment to supporting healthy, safe and resilient communities. There will also be several Indigenous elements, including an orange footbridge to emphasise the importance of a safe space for children – the colour orange reflects that every child matters and represents Orange Shirt Day, a Canadian movement established in response to past injustices visited on Indigenous people and especially their children. Indigenous youth artists will also be invited to decorate the space.  

HIT and other Hutchison Ports team members have taken part in a step challenge to raise money to support low-income families through the Sowers Action charity. The challenge comprised the combined efforts of 188 people in 51 teams walking over 40 million steps in 14 days! The funds raised went towards purchasing electrical appliances for families in need in Hong Kong.

The Watsons' DARE TO BE campaign is reaching out to over 100 million Watsons Club members to support the cause of gender equality. The campaign strives to encourage customers to be BRAVEHER, BOLDHER and STRONGHER in the cause of gender equality that embraces customers from all walks of life.  

Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia, and Chris Beattie, Chief Officer of the State Emergency Service, invited SA Power Networks (SAPN) to a special event to recognise agencies that made at difference in their response to the recent River Murray floods that plagued South Australia from November last year until February 2023. Staff were praised for their tireless work and inter-agency cooperation, and the Premier presented SAPN with a memorial plaque to recognise their “outstanding collegiality and cross-government support for the River Murray floods”.  

Hong Kong’s post-COVID-19 recovery has been replete with over-the-top events. The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra was brought to the world from live on board the cruise ship Resorts World One through 3 Hong Kong’s 5G technology. In support of the government’s Happy Hong Kong programme, the event was Hong Kong’s first-ever live boat-based broadcast from a cruise ship at sea. The Chinese music could be appreciated by people on the high seas and around the world!

Students at Kasetsart University Sriracha Campus are going to have extra opportunities for career development and internships through a partnership being developed with Hutchison Ports Thailand. The University’s Faculty of International Maritime Studies is taking concrete action to work with the company to bring practical experience and knowledge of the ports industry to their student body.

A record-breaking number of 962 student athletes were recognised at the 18th award presentation of the A.S. Watson Group Hong Kong Student Sports Awards. The recognition scheme was established in 2005 and has recognised over 14,500 students since its inception. This year’s theme was ‘YOU ARE STAR’ which is all about encouraging student athletes to pursue their dreams with courage – and shine. They will keep shining with A.S. Watson’s support!  

WINDTRE is taking a stand against violence directed at women through its support of the SOS LEI Anti-Violence Center at the A. Gemelli IRCCS University Hospital. A collaboration between WINDTRE and the Assolei Association has made this possible. The Center will have a reserved entrance and make privacy a top priority. Gemelli Hospital has a strong tradition of supporting women in need and WINDTRE is proud to support this.

The SA Volunteer Awards, hosted by the South Australian Government has recognised SA Power Networks’ efforts in the community with a Premier’s Award for Corporate Social Responsibility. The Award celebrates a for-profit business that makes an extraordinary contribution to the community. SAPN supported in the region of 44 organisations last year with millions of dollars of direct grant funding. During 2022, it also launched its inaugural community grants programme that benefited another 25 community groups, schools and not-for-profits. That big-hearted approach to the community deserves to be celebrated!

3 Ireland is undertaking a number of initiatives to promote sustainable mobile phone use. ThreeRecycle provides cash incentives to encourage mobile phone users to turn in their mobile phones, tablets and electronic wearables to save them from landfill. They are also replacing normal plastic SIM cards with eco-SIMs made from recycled polystyrene waste. 3 Ireland is excelling at making the circular economy real!

Drei Austria is innovating to show people new ways to have fun and charge their phones in a sustainable manner. They can reconnect with their childhoods on park swings that use the energy of the swinging motion to charge their phones. This has helped them to win a Bronze in the category of Corporate Public Events at the Austrian Event Award and a Silver Award for the Best Ambient Media Campaign in Combination with People Interaction. Keep on swinging Drei!

CK Group companies were awarded more “Caring Company Logo” designations than any other corporate group in Hong Kong. Not only did the group receive a record 166 awards across subsidiaries but many companies were awarded 5, 10, 15 and even 20 Year Plus Awards for consecutive awards, demonstrating the CK Hutchison Group’s commitment to fostering “strategic partnerships between the business and social welfare sectors to promote corporate social responsibility and build an inclusive society”. This includes A.S. Watson which, in addition to receiving a 20 Year Plus Award, also received a Barrier Free Award and an Outstanding Partnership Project Award.

CK Hutchison Group Telecom (CKHGT) received approval of its near-term science-based greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. CKHGT is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through actions such as sourcing more renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and working with suppliers to also reduce their carbon footprint in the supply chain. The process of continuous reduction of the company’s carbon output will include mapping out a plan for net-zero status by 2050.

Hutchison Ports Yantian received an invitation from the Yantian District Government to participate in the world’s largest gathering to address climate change concerns, the UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt late last year. Its presentation on resource husbanding and its efforts to build an environmentally friendly society included the Port of Yantian for its efforts in developing a leading international, green and low-carbon port operation.

Watsons has been selected by Inside Retail Asia as one of Asia’s Most Innovative Sustainable Retailers for its work across the region. They often bring select partners along with them on their green journey. Watsons has launched a region-wide recycling programme in Asia to educate customers as well as engage them to go green and is constantly seeking out new ways to improve processes so that the company and customers can contribute to a healthier planet.  

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create employment opportunities for promising Indonesian digital talent and to host roadshows and technology training bootcamps to meet the needs of as many as 17 million workers. The IDCamp X KADIN will train up to 1,000 select participants in beginner online training in programming skills. Three hundred of this group will move on to intermediate training, access to the IDCamp alumni platform and more job opportunities. The programme has trained over 182,000 people since 2019.

Northumbrian Water (NWG) has a zero-carbon target to hit in 2027 – and they just hit another important milestone on the way there. Carbon emissions have fallen more than 90% since 2008, when they stood at 303,000 tonnes. In 2021, NWG improved further, reducing carbon output by more than 50% year-on-year to their current level of 22,000 tonnes.

All of NWG’s 1,886 sites are now powered with renewable energy. The popular “Power from Poo” programme sees NWG transform 100% of wastewater sludge into power. Advanced Anaerobic Digestion plants on Tyneside and Teesside process around 2 million cubic metres of sludge to generate 10MW of energy – enough to power around 20,000 homes. Every little bit helps as NWG moves to net-zero Carbon.  

The Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) has won the 2022 Energy Community Engagement Award at the South Australian 2022 Premier’s Awards in Energy and Mining. The accolade was given for the success of the engagement programme surrounding its Hydrogen Park South Australia project. AGIG co-designed the programme with the community, as the residents of Mitchell Park became the first in Australia to receive a hydrogen–natural gas blend into their homes. Schools and businesses in nearby suburbs will be the next to benefit from a blended solution when the project expands later in 2023.

Hutchison Ports FCP participated in a local junior high school career fair, providing the latest maritime industry information to students exploring career opportunities in various sectors within the port industry in the Grand Bahamas. FCP also joined a government-led community initiative, “Labour on the Blocks”, offering assistance and advice to jobseekers who are interested in pursuing a career in the port business industry.

UK Power Networks (UKPN) is working with retired personnel and those who may retire in the future to transition into careers in the energy sector. Education and networking with contractors form part of the services that help UKPN to fulfil its commitment made as a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant of 2015. Veterans, reservists and their family members got to hear from energy sector workers, including those who had entered the sector after their military service, at a special event held at the Imperial War Museum in London. This scheme provides a rich platform for veterans’ next careers whilst recognising the wealth of transferable skills and experience gained by those who have served in the military.

Terminally ill patients should not be consumed with anxiety over their power bills. This is the simple concern being addressed by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) in partnership with end-of-life charity, Marie Curie, Wales & West Utilities (WWU), SGN and Cadent. Two Energy Support Officers will be hired to work with those in need to improve their situation in the face of rising energy bills. The programme will also provide energy-management specific training to current Marie Curie staff in the community so that they can help people to access grants and benefits and reduce the stress of costs.  

CK Hutchison is taking big steps in empowering the net-zero transition. Join us to learn about the significant steps being taken across the Group’s core businesses of Ports, Retail, Telecommunications and Infrastructure to create a greener future.

During the virtual conference you will hear from Executive Directors and business-level CEOs that are setting the tone from the top. You will learn how Ports, Retail and Telecommunications have set - and will achieve - their science-based targets and net-zero commitments. The companies within the Infrastructure division will share the leadership steps they are taking in renewable and other clean energy, developing a circular economy, promoting climate adaptation and protecting biodiversity.

The inaugural conference has been organised Group-wide and we welcome delegates from across the Group. The agenda is available .

Please sign up by February 1 to secure a (limited) spot. Space is limited, priority will be given to CK Hutchison Group colleagues.  

CK Hutchison is providing funding to support Hutch Sri Lanka’s giveaway of 200 e-bikes to distributors so that they can help to keep people connected despite the ongoing challenges affecting customer mobility. Of the local subscribers, 90% are using prepaid cards. But with fuel shortages afflicting the nation, people can’t get to commercial outlets that are distributors of prepaid cards and top-ups. The e-bikes will enable distributors to sustain the critical distribution network. They can travel the land, leaving connected people in their wake. Roll on, Hutch Sri Lanka, roll on.  

HK Electric won the Sustainable Business Award at the BOCHK Corporate Environmental Leadership Awards 2021. It also took the Gold Award – the top spot – in the “Manufacturing” category. This was in recognition of HK Electric’s outstanding work utilising green energy, promoting decarbonisation and assisting Hong Kong to achieve its carbon neutrality target, namely being totally carbon neutral by 2050.

Hutchison Ports Pakistan is implementing a youth internship and training programme to bring people into the world of port management and engineering. Working with the Hunar Foundation, they are supporting technical education for underprivileged students. They will be accepting interns into the engineering department of the terminal adjacent to the city of Karachi.

A.S. Watson has committed to supporting over 200,000 young people getting their start in the working world, with job opportunities, training and coaching to get them the best possible start in retail. Over 5 million training hours will equip them for the fast-moving O+O retail industry. This will all happen between now and 2030, paving the way for the mid-century retail senior executives to be!  

New Zealand’s Beast is eating up timber – and that’s the solution, not the problem! Unwanted waste wood makes up 12% of all waste filling up the Kiwi nation’s landfill sites. EnviroNZ’s new heavy machinery, known as “the Beast” chews up waste wood and converts it into wood pellets. Those pellets are then sold to a cement factory which uses them as biofuel. This keeps construction and demolition timber out of landfill sites and reduces the use of fossil fuels – a double win, courtesy of the Beast!

Twelve innovative new companies are going to be welcomed to the House of Emerging Technology of Rome to get a boost from WINDTRE and partners. The House of Emerging Technology will select tech start-ups using AI, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) or 5G to address two areas of strategic importance for the city of Rome: mobility and tourism. This partnership is co-financed by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, select Roman universities and corporate partners including WINDTRE. The House will provide aspiring innovators and citizens with a home to develop and share ideas, test new technologies and transfer acquired knowledge.

WINDTRE is the exclusive “real-world” sales channel in Italy for the new Nothing Phone (1). This unique phone has a transparent casing embodying both the literal and metaphorical values of transparency. The frame uses 100% recycled aluminium and 50% recycled plastic. Global lifestyle leader Wallpaper called the phone “a radical re-interpretation of mobile tech” – and WINDTRE is the only place you can see before you buy.  

Hutchison Ports Gdynia, on Poland’s north shore near Gdansk, has opened a new playground at a children’s shelter that has been taking in orphans from Ukraine. They started their charitable fundraising that led to the commissioning and installation of the playground in June. Today, children can escape the darkness in their lives with happy times in the playground with other children.

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has joined forces with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (Indonesia) to promote environmental preservation of marine habitats in Bali. They are working together to advance four main objectives: the rehabilitation of marine habitats, improving plastic waste management in coastal areas, strengthening turtle conservation communities, and empowering communities in the surrounding environment to improve ocean ecology. The Corporate Social Responsibility Marine Conservation programme is the first step towards helping repair the damage humans have done to our oceans.

Hutchison Ports Ajman is taking inspiration from its customer service representative, Nayla Al Baloushi. She is the first Emirati woman to climb Mount Everest, conquering the dangerous ascent. Hutchison Ports Ajman is taking the opportunity to promote women’s fitness and achievement in the company.

Sri Lanka is suffering a time of economic turbulence, driving runaway food inflation that is leaving many hungry. Hutch Sri Lanka has been supporting a number of community events including the Nallur Festival, the largest Hindu temple festival in the northern region of Jaffna. The temple has a sacred duty to distribute food to the poor and this year, the mission is more vital than ever. Over 10,000 meals were provided during the Hutch Annadanam (a divine giving of food and life) at the Nallur Mylooran Arangam Banquet Hall and Convention Centre in late August.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear the importance of medical and biotechnology research as essential for protecting the health of the public and strengthening the future of medicine. In light of this, the Li Ka Shing Foundation (LKSF) has recently gifted HK$150 million to the Faculty of Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). It will be matched by an equivalent amount from the government for a total development fund of HK$300 million. The funds will support research and the development of biomedical technologies. Mr Li Ka-shing has been impressed in the past by CUHK’s commitment to strengthening research, pushing forward on new discoveries and enhancing medical services. He links this progress to that of Hong Kong as a city, stating that “ensuring a more humanistic and technologically innovative future of healthcare is critical to the economic vibrancy of our city”.

In addition, LKSF has donated HK$5 million to support the Hong Kong Academy of Nursing to expand its premises. The gift will target specialist training, allowing more nurses to pursue their professional development and raise the quality of healthcare in Hong Kong.

3 Ireland has partnered with Cellnex to improve connectivity in the village of Windgap in County Kilkenny. The local community had spoken out about poor mobile signal and limited broadband options which was having a negative impact, especially for families home schooling and working from home during COVID-19 lockdowns.

EnviroNZ has enlisted sustainability champions Deepa Goswami and Danielle Schäche to help New Zealanders waste less and recycle more. The duo empower citizens and businesses to think about waste in new ways in support of regional waste minimisation goals. They work with local government bodies and community groups as part of the team at EnviroWaste.

Wales & West Utilities is helping profoundly deaf people to protect themselves from the odourless, invisible silent killer, carbon monoxide, as well as smoke and heat. Working with the local Fire and Rescue Service, they are funding the installation of Wi-Fi-enabled alarms, complete with strobe lights and vibrating pads, in the homes of deaf people and their families. Traditional sound-based alarms may suffice in other circumstances, but installed alarms and wearable devices will specifically help this community. The project is funded by Wales & West Utilities’ Vulnerability & Carbon Monoxide Allowance, designed to support the most vulnerable people in our communities.  

Parents and children are getting Internet savvy with WINDTRE’s help. They have launched the first webinar of the new edition of the NeoConnessi educational project that will sensitise young people to use the Internet safely and responsibly. Digital context, security measures and strategies are explained so that parents can also help their children to become competent at navigating online risks. The webinar, “Digital Growth: All the Opportunities of the Internet, in Safety” brings together police, government officials and sector experts to present clear guidance for families.

Over 1,548 Indonesian women have contributed their ideas to reduce gender disparities in the fields of education, economy, health and the environment. The SheHacks programme at Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison conducts competitions and coaching programmes for women of all ages. Twelve webinar sessions have already been produced, a fourfold increase on the previous year. The programme is also reaching more people across Indonesia; over 23% of participants come from outside of Java Island.

Northern Gas Networks made an amazing discovery while decommissioning 85-year-old gas tanks in Bradford, UK. The Birkshall Gasworks site contained three time capsules from 1937. The glass containers each contained a copy of the Telegraph & Argus newspaper and documents listing the date of the construction and engineering, which was overseen by the Bradford Gas Corporation and Chief Engineer G.E. Currier. NGN tracked down Mr Currier’s family to gift one of the time capsules to them.  

Watsons is asking Asians to #GetActive! Tailored for the Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand markets, the Watsons VR Get Active Park is an online experience with four exciting zones to help people lead an active and healthy life. Participants can earn rewards while improving their health in the Exercise Arena where they can measure their body mass index (BMI) and work out with virtual trainers. The Watsons VR Get Active Park delivers fun workout challenges, the Wat’s On Air zone provides health tips, and the Brand Expo helps connect people to the health products right for them. It’s time for you to head to the Watsons VR Get Active Park to get healthy!  

Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival is back! The world’s best and brightest innovators in water management will return for the sixth iteration of this fount of creativity. Online and live attendees will bring their solutions to address issues related to cybersecurity, climate change, water scarcity and other important topics. Scientists and engineers will mingle with musicians, comedians, environmental activists and documentarians at the Newcastle Racecourse in July 2022. Stay wet, Northumbria!  

The Drei Hilft (“Three helps”) campaign commits to providing a hearty bowl of soup to those in need, for every 500 steps taken by social media followers. About 45,000 hot soups with bread have been donated by 3 Austria so far. This covers about 22 weeks of services, provided in the dead of winter to nourish the stomachs and souls of those who most need it. This was the best result since the campaign started delivering on their campaign motto: “Every year, make a difference”.  

UK Power Networks keeps the lights on day and night in the heart of Leicester Square, London, the entertainment district of the metropolis. While the crowds buzz on the streets above, a freshly upgraded electricity substation will soon hum beneath them, safely transforming electricity to the lower voltages used by residents, businesses and impresarios alike. “Cleaner and greener” gets top billing as the new network elements improve efficiency and reliability.  

International Women’s Day 2022 was the day to launch the utility’s new Women’s Inclusion Network. One of the goals is to inspire more women to choose a career in the gas industry. Women will share life experiences and provide advice and support to their colleagues in, or considering joining, the gas sector.  

WINDTRE’s supplier is recycling the insides of old refrigerators into SIM cards called ‘Eco-SIMS’. The process guarantees a carbon-neutral certification for these cards made of 100% recycled material. The SIM card packaging is produced from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified recycled paper and is part of a wide range of eco-friendly measures that permeate WINDTRE operations.  

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words echo through the ages and through the heart of Hutchison Ports. Its global Go Green initiative has seen port staff plant trees around the world. Team FCP (The Bahamas) planted trees and grass, and developed irrigation projects. Nanhai International Container Terminals launched their tree-planting initiative in March as part of their 28th anniversary celebrations. And Team Tanzania joined local government officials to plant more than 200 trees in the Oyster Bay area.

The CK Hutchison Annual Report 2020 has won accolades across three platforms. The world’s largest Annual Report Competition, ARC Awards, bestowed an Honors Award to CKHH for the Cover Art of the report. The Hong Kong Management Association awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting for CKHH’s “commitment to ethical values and behaviours”. MerComm’s Mercury Awards bequeathed the only Honors designation in the Annual Reports – Overall Presentation (Diverse Business) category. Congratulations!

South Australia is a world leader in the adoption of rooftop solar energy. On the sunniest days, home owners now put more energy back into the grid than they take out. In late December, a new record was set with the distribution network operated by SA Power Networks exporting 185MW to the national grid. SA Power Networks’ active support of rooftop solar has resulted in it receiving the South Australian Premier’s Award for Innovation and Collaboration in Energy for its Enhanced Voltage Management Project. This project has improved substation voltage management and local network solar capacity for 80% of SA Power Networks’ customers.

Northumbrian Water has taken an expansive view of improving water in the UK across the North East, Essex and Suffolk by asking the public how they could improve the river and coastal environment where a public right of way exists. Over 30.2km of waterways have been improved, far beyond regulatory requirements, in response to public guidance that prioritised areas as diverse as biodiversity, access and water quality. The area has benefited from improved signage, a red squirrel-protecting ranger, a new osprey observation base for birdwatchers, and river restoration including funding to support visitor facilities, paths and boardwalks across a 404-hectare wetland.  

3 Hong Kong transported the “Universe in a Flower” to Buddhists around the world using 5G 4K live streaming technology. The majestic music of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the stunning backdrop of Tsz Shan Monastery and spiritual rituals elevated those joining the concert in their religious observance. 3 Hong Kong also distributed a 3D lotus hologram device so that adherents could project the image and their prayers to the cosmos during the flower-offering ceremony.

3 Sweden’s 5G Sustainability Awards bestows cash grants, technical support and business training to start-ups developing solutions that use 5G to drive social and environmental sustainability in Sweden. Winners this year included top-spot Buddywise (an AI solution to detect hazards, accidents and illness for safer workplaces), Consenz (adapting old cars with modern safety standards features), and Dronest (drones that deliver images of accidents to inbound first responders for pre-arrival preparation). The winners receive cash, start-up capital, coaching from experts at 3 Sweden, office space in 3Huset at Avicii Arena in Stockholm and technical equipment.  

ESDlife honours those entrusted with the most important day in the lives of young couples in love. Bridal Award 2021 recognised those companies that delivered the utmost in wedding excellence in 2021, ensuring the “big day” was also a perfect one. Thirty-eight awards were presented to outstanding brands and service providers in Hong Kong.

A.S. Watson Group brings holiday cheer and support to people in need around the world. Watsons China and Philippines collaborated with Operation Smile to offer surgery for children with a cleft lip and palate. Their Hong Kong counterpart sold masks to support youth sports through the efforts of InspiringHK Sports Foundation, a local charity. Kruidvat raised funds for children’s hospitals in the Netherlands. Superdrug collaborated with Beauty Banks (supporting people living in hygiene poverty) to collect donations for the underprivileged. The Perfume Shop sold personalised ribbons for customers to show their support for Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Marie Keating Foundation (supporting cancer awareness in Ireland).

Among the gardens and forests of The Peak in Hong Kong, CKHH volunteers joined the children of Yan Oi Tong to brighten their lives. Yan Oi Tong works with children and elderly people in need. The Christmas Running Game was the theme of the day as children and volunteers joined forces to complete fun tasks, play games and run around The Peak, leaving everyone exhausted – and exhilarated!

WINDTRE surveyed staff to generate new policies that reflect their desire for smart working across the company, provoking deep thinking about how to enable productive work in the post-pandemic era. This new flexible model includes technological tools supported with training and the establishment of a new collaborative framework: “We-etiquette” encouraging online collaboration while respecting work–life balance and the right to disconnect.

In support of the Hong Kong government’s efforts to encourage COVID-19 vaccination, the CK Group and the Li Ka Shing Foundation launched a lucky draw programme for fully vaccinated residents of Hong Kong. Winners were announced on 20 September and collectively won HK$20 million worth of prizes. These CK Group selected vouchers enable lucky winners to make purchases at A.S. Watson retail outlets, subscribe for 3 Hong Kong’s services and even make a large contribution towards buying a CK Asset residential property in Hong Kong.  

Watsons’ retail outlets will become the nodes of a city-wide plastic bottle collection network to get plastic bottles into recycling facilities and out of landfill. It’s part of a programme with global consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble and Hong Kong-based circular economy service The Loops. Customers will be incentivised by receiving Plastic Reborn eStamps which they can redeem for products. The bottles will be transported to the New Life Plastics plant in Tuen Mun’s Eco Park where they will be prepared to be reborn into their next incarnation.  

Children at the SOS Children’s Villages benefited from the generosity of the Hutchison Ports Pakistan team that donated computer equipment for online classes. The SOS Children’s Villages is an orphanage that delivers not just a home, but also education and job training. The ports team also provided desperately needed hygiene products, a vital support in the COVID-19 era. Likewise, Hutchison Ports Sohar supported the Sheikh Abdullah bin Bashir Al Hadrami School with a donation of laptop and desktop computers.

Installing homes for migratory swifts might not be the first thing you think of a power company doing, but UK Power Networks partnered with North East Herts Swifts Group to do just that. The birds’ population has been declining for years and the power company is helping by installing potential homes, including tempting bird song audio, on the village hall in Albury, southwest of London. Swifts nest as colonies and return to the same home every year after their long migration to Africa, so once established in Albury, they could return annually.

Tactical donations make a difference to help tackle one, or even several, problems. But a series of strategic donations will bolster the entire biological, bioengineering and biomedical establishment in Hong Kong with world-class platforms and integrative thinking.
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A new Group-wide deal with online video conferencing platform Zoom applies to all CKHH Group companies. The agreement delivers a 70% discount off usual rates, with the first year of the enhanced service being free. Users will benefit from superior support and access to new developments and enhancements. As a Group-wide offer, the Group Information Services Department can work with Group companies’ IT departments to answer queries or provide support.

The employees of Hutchison Ports Gdynia raised funds and donated Christmas gifts for children at the Amber Harbour Children’s Hospice in their hometown. Toys and clothes were given to help lift the spirits of families during their time of hardship. Nurses were not forgotten either, as much-needed hygiene products were donated to help them stay safe as COVID-19 makes their challenging jobs even more difficult.

3 UK is increasing the bandwidth of disadvantaged children to make homeschooling possible through a partnership with the government’s Get Help with Technology programme. Schools can request free additional data for children who don’t have Internet service at home, to ensure they can keep up with classes in the COVID-19 era. In Ireland, 3 distributed 10,000 free ‘All you can eat’ SIM cards in February with unlimited data to help schoolchildren stay connected until the end of the school year.  

UK Power Networks is making the most of middle management by launching a new Leadership Academy that will reach up to 600 line managers. The UK’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme is being reinvested in delivering courses leading to Chartered Management Institute qualifications in a programme tailored to the company’s specific needs. External experts will enliven the programme and it will finish with a full graduation ceremony for those ready to flex their new management skills!

A.S. Watson Group (ASW) is on a global mission to meet ambitious social purpose and sustainability goals to 2030. The retail group will fund free corrective surgery for 10,000 children with cleft lips and palates. Towards a cleaner world, ASW will reduce its electricity intensity by 30%, greenhouse gas emissions by 40% (both against a 2015 baseline), eliminate unnecessary plastic packaging and phase out PVC plastics – all by 2030.

Hutchison Ports HIT is being recognised for its efforts in Hong Kong. It is a signatory to the ‘Good Employer Charter 2020’ organised by the Labour Department of the HKSAR government, which noted HIT’s dedication to family-friendly employment measures. It has also received the ‘Partner Employer Award’ from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business for its internship programme that helps minorities, students, retirees, people who have retrained, and the disabled to enter the workforce.

A first-of-its-kind energy microgrid that takes its supply from wind, solar, and thermal generation, and manages distribution using battery solutions, has won big in 2020. EDL’s Agnew Hybrid Renewable Project in Western Australia has won Engineering Solution of the Year at the 2020 Global Energy Awards. The project has also won at the 2020 Asian Power Awards (Innovative Power Technology of the Year – Australia) and the 2020 Australian Engineering Excellence Awards (WA Division).  

Watsons’ loyalty programme has reached 100 million members in Asia, helping a powerful global community to lead healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. A separate VIP programme has also brought more privileges and personalised offers to Watsons' most committed customers around the world.  

CK Hutchison’s commitment to sustainability in corporate governance was recognised in the Hong Kong Corporate Governance Excellence Awards 2020. Organised by The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies, the Excellence in Sustainability award commends the Group’s comprehensive partnership with a wide range of stakeholders whose input was deliberated on at Board level, demonstrating the importance of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) engagement to investors and ESG ratings agencies. CKHH delivered extraordinary results while meeting the challenging complexity of governance across a conglomerate with over 300,000 employees in about 50 countries across the world.

The Li Ka Shing Foundation sprang into action early in the coronavirus pandemic to provide desperately needed personal protective equipment to medical staff.
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A.S. Watson Group marked its 180th birthday by celebrating with a 5G-powered virtual cocktail event attended by hundreds of business and charity partners from around the world. From its humble beginnings as a dispensary offering free medicine to the needy, to what is now the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer with 16,000 offline and online stores worldwide, it has been a remarkable journey during which the company has given back during the tough times.  

CK Hutchison published its first stand-alone Sustainability Report in 2020. The Group’s commitment to sustainable practices and increased disclosures have received positive feedback from investors and environmental, social and governance (ESG) rating agencies.

CKHH’s commitment to excellence earned two accolades for its 2019 annual report. The first was the Honour Award at the ARC Awards, which recognises remarkable writing and design in annual reports. The second was the Hong Kong Management Association’s Best Annual Reports Award (Citation for Design), which honours the Group for its stellar presentation of core business segments.

Love Can Help Phase II brings the total support from the Li Ka Shing Foundation for medical surgeries and welfare organisations that look after Hong Kong's most vulnerable persons to over HK$200 million. Highly complex medical treatment procedures and hands-on caring are both vital for keeping Hong Kong healthy.  

A Wales & West Utilities Army reservist made the switch from his job as team leader in the gas emergency and pipeline service to assist with the British Army’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He admits that retraining to work in the fight against coronavirus “was a bit of a culture shock”, but his work helped keep front-line medical professionals and the community protected from COVID-19.  

Wales & West Utilities (WWU) brings mains gas to the new NHS Nightingale Hospital in Exeter. Building new infrastructure is normally a long, drawn-out affair, but the COVID-19 field hospital couldn’t wait. Connecting this high gas-usage facility was urgent and WWU delivered.