Prologue Journal

A.I. and wellbeing: Hong Kong’s 2023 Social Enterprise Summit gives focus to sustainability

• prologu5
• 10/20/202310/20/2023

Hong Kong Free Press

[Paid content] Despite a return to normalcy, societies continue to reel from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In turn, deep-seated scars have been exposed in the form of social and economic challenges, all amid the backdrop of an ever-evolving climate crisis.

Such trials, however, offer a much-needed opportunity for reinvention as we rebuild society into one that is more sustainable, and more adapted, to the wellbeing of mankind. 

Returning for its 16th edition, the Social Enterprise Summit (SES) in 2023 will adopt the theme of “Sustainable Wellbeing⁺,” exploring the cross-sector roles of holistic wellbeing, and how to shape a flourishing and sustainable society.

During the launch ceremony for SES 2023, held on September 21, SES Organising Committee Chair Rebecca Choy Yung spoke about the crucial role of intervention when it comes to social innovation and change.

“As the world returns to normalcy, various sectors of society are actively pursuing economic growth, often overlooking the well-being of the general public,” she said. “At this critical moment, we must harness the power of cross-disciplinary innovation, transcend traditional thinking frameworks, reflect on the meaning of public welfare, and use innovative methods to solve social problems.”

“At this year’s Social Enterprise Summit, we seek to reshape social inclusion, business for good, and environmental sustainability, and through cross-sector collaboration, improve community inclusivity and citizens’ quality of life.”

Social inclusion, business wellbeing and environmental sustainability will be the key focus areas at the international symposium, where over 70 local and international speakers will gather under the same banner for constructive commitments for social innovation, symbolised by the “+” in the theme.

For the first two days, government officials, academics, specialists, and business representatives will gather at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai for a series of forums that focus on the way forward for a sustainable future that aligns with wellbeing. The ‘I SAY’ Youth Entrepreneurship Networking Day and a range of Social Innovation Visits will be held on the last day.

Wellbeing experiences: OECD and M+

Keynote speaker highlights, for the first day (November 2) at the SES2023, include Dr Romina Boarini, Director of the OECD Centre for Well-Being, Inclusion, Sustainability and Equal Opportunity and Bernard Charnwut Chan, Chairman of the M+ Museum.

Dr Boarini spearheads the OECD’s position as an international institution in the area of wellbeing and sustainability. Her keynotes will outline the conceptualisation of wellbeing outcomes and outcomes in both the public and private sectors. 

Her sharing session will also include experiences from OECD member countries that have implemented wellbeing approaches in their policies, as well as touch on how different areas come together to be interdependent in policy. Economic, social, environmental and wellbeing goals all go hand-in-hand. 

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s M+ Museum has been a showcase of the city’s effort to harness the integration of arts, culture and business. With the museum’s showpiece architecture – opened to the public in 2021 – it has been a focal point for cultural and business representatives’ expression of wellbeing on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

Its chairman, Bernard Chan, will deliver an address on the institute’s reshaping of the city’s soft power, with insights on how creative and cultural endeavours can drive transformative solutions.

Technology and wellbeing 

One key focus of SES2023 will be the cross-sectional exploration of technology’s role in social innovation. With technology like Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) constantly evolving, social enterprises are recognising their potential role in addressing issues and challenges. 

A key highlight of the event will be a two-hour academic forum on the second day of SES (November 3) on the topic: “Artificial Intelligence for Good”, where four speakers will discuss of the prospect of generative A.I. being used for the betterment of society.

Dr Harvey Castro, who will join the forum remotely from the US, is the author of book series “Chat GPT Healthcare” – he will share rich insights and experiences from within the healthcare industry, and provide practical guidance for aspiring professionals.

Other speakers at the forum include Keith Li, Chairman of Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association, Ivan Lau, Co-founder and CEO, Pantheon Lab Limited and Anthony Tong, Managing Partner at Robin Bridge & John Liu – each are specialists in Hong Kong’s technology sector. 

The panellists bring together scholars, policy makers and the public to deepen their understanding of generative A.I.’s implications as a means to achieve social progress.

https://hongkongfp.com/2023/10/20/a-i-and-wellbeing-hong-kongs-2023-social-enterprise-summit-gives-focus-to-sustainability/