The InnoTech Forum 2024, organised by Invest Hong Kong, was held on 18 October 2024. The forum brought together experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and new energy to discuss Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem and long-term strategic plans. With AI and new energy playing pivotal roles in transforming Hong Kong into a global innovation and technology hub, the forum also explored the practical applications of these technologies, which are expected to play a key role in transforming the city and its businesses.  Mr Don Cheng, Towngas Chief Operating Officer — Hong Kong Business, participated as a panellist in the discussion titled “Hydrogen: A Future Pillar for Hong Kong”. The panel delved into the hydrogen ecosystem, development frameworks, and commercialisation pathways for hydrogen technologies. The discussion also explored hydrogen’s long-term vision as a strategic element in Hong Kong’s innovation landscape,aligning with the Government’s recently published Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong.

The InnoTech Forum provided an invaluable platform for professionals across industries to connect and collaborate, fostering Hong Kong's transformation into a prosperous and innovative global hub for AI and new energy initiatives.

The “New Energy Summit 2024 – Powering Tomorrow: Exploring the Frontiers of New Energy” was held on 3 October 2024, providing an insightful examination of the vast potential of sustainable energy. Industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts from across the globe gathered to discuss, exhibit, and collaborate on pioneering innovations in the new energy sector. Participants were inspired by enlightening speeches and presentations of the latest advancements in new energy solutions.

At the summit, Towngas and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly enhance public awareness of sustainable development within the industry and community. This partnership focuses on promoting advanced technologies to stakeholders through marketing campaigns, such as exhibitions, product and technology demonstrations, and educational initiatives. This partnership aims to introduce practical applications and best practices for new energy development in Hong Kong.

Representing Towngas, Mr Sammy Kong, Towngas Assistant General Manager – Commercial & Industrial Marketing & Sales, signed the MOU and participated in the panel discussion on “Exploring the Potential of Hydrogen as a Clean Energy Solution”. With hydrogen accounting for nearly half of Towngas’s artificial gas production, Towngas is actively promoting the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong. By extracting hydrogen from its gas network, Towngas aims to deliversafe, efficient, and reliable hydrogen supply solutions.

The CUHK Innovation Day was successfully held on 20 September 2024. This year’s theme, ”Clean Energy”, reflected the university's commitment to advancing research and innovation both locally and globally. The event brought together government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and the CUHK community to foster collaboration opportunities.

Mr Don Cheng, Towngas Chief Operating Officer — Hong Kong Business, discussed society’s demand for clean energy and CUHK's potential contributions. He provided a comprehensive overview of policies, sustainable fuel supply, and Hong Kong's strategic position. Mr Cheng expressed a strong interest in strengthening partnerships with CUHK in the fields of green energy research and innovation.

A key highlight of the event was a showcase by Luquos Energy, a Hong Kong-based start-up that won the Bronze Award at the TERA-Award. The company, in collaboration with Towngas, launched the first sulphur-based flow battery energy storage system in Shenzhen. This groundbreaking technology has the potential to revolutionise energy storage, offering a safer and more cost-effective alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Building on the momentum of our WeGen x Local Ginger menu launch with Maxim’s , our recent workshop at the Towngas Cooking Centre was a resounding success.

Deputy Chef Liu Cheuk Shun from Cova engaged participants with his expertise, sharing the history of Carbonara and advanced pasta cooking techniques by flame cooking. The workshop emphasized utilizing fresh, locally sourced vegetables from regenerative farms to craft sustainable, low-carbon meals.

Deputy Chef Billy from Maxim’s Catering Services brought our “WeGen x Local Ginger” workshop to life at Towngas Cooking Centre!  His energetic approach turned the event into a fun-filled adventure, captivating children with exciting cooking activities.

With creative ingredient twists, like adding tomatoes for vibrant color, Chef Billy made the session both entertaining and educational.  The day was packed with laughter and learning, enjoyed alongside parents, Towngas & Maxim’s colleagues.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in this initiative, supporting our commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence, making this event unforgettable!

The National and Greater Bay Area Kam Cha Competition 2024, held at the Hong Kong International Tea Fair and organized by the Hong Kong Coffee and Tea Association on 16 Aug 2024. Sponsored by Towngas, this national competition aims to promote Hong Kong's "Intangible Cultural Heritage" through the reorganization of the "Kam Cha Master" competition, introducing more people to the uniqueness of Hong Kong's food and beverage industry and enhancing its international presence.

This edition of the competition kicked off in Hong Kong as the inaugural venue on 16 Aug 2024, later extending to national and Greater Bay Area for the finals. Nearly 400 professional milk tea masters, they will showcase their skills and compete for the glory of the "Greater Bay Area Kam Cha Master".

This competition not only brings together milk tea experts from around the world to exchange ideas but also further promotes the culture of Hong Kong-style milk tea, continuing the legacy of this Intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong.

The Eating Establishment Employees General Union (EEEGU) hosted a grand "Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China and the 54th Anniversary of the Eating Establishment Employees General Union, as well as the Inauguration Ceremony of the 31st Board of Directors" on 25 July 2024 at the London Restaurant.
 
During this joyous banquet, Towngas representatives had the privilege of attending this remarkable occasion, making a lasting impact on Hong Kong's dynamic culinary scene. 

The 15th anniversary of the Kam Cha Competition, organized by the Hong Kong Coffee and Tea Association with support from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council! This year's theme is " Intangible Cultural Heritage Shines Internationally, Aroma of Milk Tea Spreads Throughout the Nation”.
 
Towngas is the title sponsor for this year's competition. The competition pays deep respect to the intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong-style milk tea and aims to integrate into national development and promote cultural exchange in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
 
Join us in discovering more talented Hong Kong-style milk tea masters, expanding the influence of this unique milk tea culture, and fostering appreciation worldwide. The kick-off ceremony and preliminary round took place on 24 July 2024, with Towngas representativeSammy Kongserving as the guest of honor and judge. 

The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) and Maxim's Group have teamed up to launch the "WeGen x Local Ginger" initiative, building on their previous award-winning innovative project. This new initiative combines regenerative farming and locally sourced produce to offer healthy, low-carbon dining options by using flame cooking techniques at selected Maxim's outlets across Hong Kong.
 
By incorporating regenerative farming and local ingredients, the initiative significantly reduces carbon emissions generated during food production and transportation. The "WeGen x Local Ginger" initiative further intensifies efforts by sourcing more high-quality local vegetables from regenerative farms and the Vegetable Marketing Organization to provide customers with more low-carbon meal options.
 
This collaboration leverages the strengths of both companies to promote sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, while delivering high-quality, healthy food to customers. Towngas and Maxim's are committed to supporting local ingredients and telling the story of Hong Kong's sustainable food ecosystem.
 
Keith Siu, Chief Operating Officer (Hong Kong & Macau) ofHong Kong Maxim's Groupstated, "By launching the 'WeGen x Local Ginger' initiative with Towngas, we are leveraging our combined strengths to promote sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, while providing our customers with high-quality, healthy food options."
 
Don Cheng, Head of Commercial – HK Utility/Head of Sustainable Green Energy Hub of The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, said, "In addition to the pioneering inter-plant carbon reduction initiative in Hong Kong, the adoption of Towngas' high-efficiency gas appliances and equipment at a number of Maxim's restaurants also makes us close partners."

In addition to launching seasonal low-carbon delicacies at the restaurant, Towngas is collaborating with Maxim's Group to organize a series of activities. Master chefs from Maxim's will conduct classes at the Towngas Cooking Centre, personally teaching members of the "Good Gas Fun" program how to cook delicious dishes using local ingredients. Furthermore, both parties will host community care events and upgrade and remake workshops, aiming to bring the "WeGen x Local Ginger" project to every corner of Hong Kong.

Towngas representatives attended the 38th Anniversary Celebration of the Kwan Sang Catering Professional Employees Association, leaving a mark on Hong Kong's culinary landscape.

With a remarkable 38-year history, the Kwan Sang Association fosters friendship among chefs and elevates their skills, shaping Hong Kong's esteemed culinary reputation.

As a dedicated sponsor, Towngas wholeheartedly embraces its role in fostering connections among culinary experts worldwide. We extend our support to local chefs and culinary endeavors, drawing inspiration from our vibrant community and making a positive impact. 

Choi Fook Wedding Banquet Group, a steadfast advocate of flame cooking, recently hosted the "Top Chefs of the Choi Fook Fans Club" event on 7 July 2024. The event, sponsored by Towngas, took place at the Towngas Cooking Centre.

Over 20 engaged couples had the opportunity to learn how to prepare delicious Cantonese dishes using flame cooking techniques, under the personal guidance of Mr. Ho Chi Keung , the Managing Director of Choi Fook Wedding Banquet Group.

This occasion presented us with a wonderful opportunity to engage with young couples and demonstrate the advantages of flame cooking . The event served as a remarkable partnership between Choi Fook and Towngas, emphasizing their dedication to promoting culinary excellence and innovation. 

Following the recent release of the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong by the HKSAR Government, Towngas and Green Valley Landfill, Limited, a joint venture company of Veolia, held a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony for Hong Kong’s first green hydrogen project on 18 June 2024. Under the witness of Mr Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, two companies signed the MOU to align with Hong Kong’s hydrogen energy development direction.

Located at the SENTX Landfill, the green hydrogen project includes a new hydrogen production unit, hydrogen transmission facilities, and a hydrogen refuelling station. Towngas and Veolia will collect biogas from the landfill and convert it into green hydrogen with steam methane reforming technology through these facilities. As biogas is generated from the decomposition of organic matter in the landfill, the resulting hydrogen is considered green. This project marks the first application of this technology in Hong Kong, with an expected daily production capacity of around 330 kg of hydrogen, sufficient to power seven to eight hydrogen buses for a full day. You are welcome to view more via the link: https://www.towngas.com/tc/Media-Resources/Press-Releases/2024/%e2%80%8b%e5%85%a8%e6%b8%af%e9%a6%96%e5%80%8b%e3%80%8c%e7%b6%a0%e6%b0%ab%e3%80%8d%e7%94%9f%e7%94%a2%e9%a0%85%e7%9b%ae%e9%96%8b%e5%b1%95%c2%a0%e7%85%a4%e6%b0%a3%e5%85%ac%e5%8f%b8%e8%88%87%e5%a8%81%e7%ab%8b%e9%9b%85%e5%85%a8%e5%8a%9b%e6%8e%a8%e5%8b%95

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. Extreme weather, the rise of temperature, and other impacts not only cause an ecological impact, but also bring uncertainties to various industries. To combat climate change, many countries and regions are actively implementing environmental protection and carbon reduction measures to mitigate the impact of global warming on society. On 17 June 2024, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) held its first Carbon Neutrality Forum. The event invited industry experts to discuss strategies for carbon reduction, renewable energy, green transportation, low-carbon transition, and environmental education. Participants exchanged ideas and insights on the opportunities for sustainable development in Hong Kong.

Mr Don Cheng, Towngas Head of Commercial – Hong Kong Utility and Head of Sustainable Green Energy Hub, served as a keynote speaker at the forum and shared on the topic of “Zero Carbon Mobility” Mr Cheng shared the development of the company’s green energy initiatives, such as hydrogen energy, green methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel, to support the national “30-60” dual carbon goals and the HKSAR Government’s 2050 carbon neutrality strategy. “At present, transport makes up around 20% of total carbon emissions in Hong Kong. Towngas is committed to transforming into a green, low-carbon energy supplier, conducting research and providing different new energy plans for sea, land and air transportation, including collaboration with Veolia to develop Hong Kong’s first green hydrogen project, producing hydrogen from landfill biogas.”

With over 160 years of experience and a 3,700-kilometre pipeline network, Towngas has the infrastructure advantage for hydrogen transmission and supply, and therefore can provide hydrogen to land transportation. Additionally, the green methanol produced by Towngas in Inner Mongolia can be used by the shipping industry, while EcoCeres, Inc., incubated by the Company, is expanding its production capacity for sustainable aviation fuel to provide eco-friendly energy for the aviation sector.

Towngas has been a long-standing partner of the catering industry, supporting the promotional activities of various catering associations and organisations. Towngas wholeheartedly supported the Chinese New Year banquet organized by the Association of Restaurant Managers (ARM) on 14 March 2024.

The ARM's Chinese New Year banquet brought together professionals from the catering industry, providing a platform for networking, exploring business opportunities, and fostering close collaboration. It actively contributes to the development of the Hong Kong economy.

Towngas representatives actively participated in the annual dinner of the Hong Kong Smart Catering Association (HKSCA) on 8 March 2024. The event attracted over 600 guests, including representatives from the catering industry, government officials, and Legislative Council members. This prestigious event aimed to acknowledge remarkable innovations and accomplishments within the catering industry of Hong Kong, providing an excellent platform for networking, fostering relationships, sharing knowledge and driving sustainable growth.

As a strong advocate for sustainable development and innovative technologies in the catering industry, Towngas is committed to fostering growth and collaboration. We firmly believe that the introduction of smart catering technology holds immense potential for the Hong Kong dining scene, striving to facilitate the digital transformation of the Hong Kong catering industry.

The 11th graduation ceremony of the Master Chef Course in Chinese Cuisine, organised by the Chinese Culinary Institute, a renowned institution dedicated to nurturing talents in the local catering industry, was successfully held on 7 March 2024 at the Institute. Eleven students who completed the Master Chef Course in Chinese Cuisine were awarded their graduation certificates, and Towngas representatives attended the event as the guests of honour.

Towngas has always been committed to talent development and inspiring creativity. The Company firmly believes that the Chinese Culinary Institute has played an important role in cultivating talent for the local catering industry for many years, and therefore fully support the Master Chef Course in Chinese Cuisine.

The graduates of the programme are mainly experienced chefs from the catering industry. With their wealth of experience and impeccable skills, it is hoped that they can promote the preservation of Chinese culinary culture and bring further development to the catering industry and the new generation of Chinese chefs.

Organised by the Environmental Campaign Committee, the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the "Green Travel for a Zero Carbon Future" - New Energy Bus Experience Day and Carnival was held on 2 March 2024 at CIC-Zero Carbon Park. The event featured exhibition booths and activities to promote the safety and sustainability of new energy transport. Participants could learn about the role of new energy transport in improving roadside air quality and reducing carbon emissions, as well as their contribution to achieving carbon neutrality for Hong Kong before 2050.

In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and attain zero vehicular emissions, Hong Kong has been striving to develop new energy transportation. As one of the hydrogen energy suppliers, Towngas is preparing to extract hydrogen directly from its gas network to provide hydrogen to users through the underground pipeline network across the territory. Towngas and Bravo Transport, the parent company of Citybus, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) earlier to explore the use of hydrogen as an alternative source of fuel for public buses, and to exchange information on hydrogen-related business and marketing plans.