Opening Remarks: Leader’s Encouragement

District Governor Jimmy Lau set the tone for the event with words of encouragement and a reminder that climate action begins close to home.  He emphasized that real change grows from consistent everyday habits, community collaboration, and long-term environmental education.

Celebrating Progress: Last Year’s Work

Participants first reviewed the District’s achievements from last Rotary year through a recap session and a screening of an activities documentary.  The documentary highlighted how PPE initiatives strengthened environmental awareness—especially in areas of Water Conservation and Glacier Preservation — while also nurturing a lasting culture of community service.

District PPE Chairlady Wendy Lee then shared reflections on outcomes and impact.  She recognized the dedication of Green Clubs and volunteers, and stressed that awareness must translate into practical action, including: 

– Glacial & water preservation

– Waste reduction

– Sustainability education

– Community outreach

– Youth engagement

Green Clubs Awards: Recognition that Inspires

The Green Clubs Award Presentation followed, celebrating clubs for their outstanding performance, creativity, and sustained impact.  Clubs were recognized with 1-star, 3-star, and the highest 5-star awards. 

At the top of the list, Rotary Club of Kwai Chung achieved the highest score and received a special recognition package, including coupons for 300 mooncakes to support their service gift-out.

The award session was more than a celebration—it served as motivation for all clubs to keep building measurable, community-driven sustainability initiatives.

Speaker Session: Ideas from the Experts

Ms. Vivien Cheng — Community and City Waste Reduction 

Ms. Vivien Cheng, Acting Executive Director and Director of Community Partnership at “The Green Earth” (綠惜地球) is a former Rotaractor and she felt at home speaking to us on how Hong Kong can reduce waste by valuing resources and strengthening education and action (惜物減廢 – 教育與行動).

She drew from practical experience and community perspective, sharing how daily habits such as source separation, reflective spending, together with green education in schools, communities, and businesses, can drive real change toward a more sustainable city. 

In response, District Treasurer Margaret Mak commented on how corporates can further support recycling—particularly through effective recycling implementation in malls, plazas, and estates, where kitchen waste is abundant.

Dr. Apple Chui — Climate Change Impacts on Coral Communities

Next, Dr. Apple Chui, Research Assistant Professor at CUHK School of Life Sciences and Founder of Coral Academy, presented her research on: “Research, Restoration Practice and Public Engagement on Coral Recovery” (珊瑚從衰退到重生: 研究、修復實踐與公眾參與)

Affectionately nick-named “Coral Mum”, Dr. Chui shared scientific insights into how climate-related stressors affect coral ecosystems, while also outlining interventions that strengthen coral resilience and support restoration work. Her passion for coral breeding and preservation captured the audience’s full attention.

PPE 2026–27 Preview: A Year of Impact Ahead

To close the programme, the PPE Committee introduced the upcoming PPE activities for 2026–27, including engaging initiatives such as:

• Coral World project
• Glacier Conservation Instructor Training Workshop (冰川保育講座導師培訓課程) during the school term
• 4D3N trip (early January 2027) to Esquel’s Sustainable Development Garden in Guilin (桂林 溢達「十如」可持續發展廠房)
• World Water Day celebration: Visit to the Seawater Desalination Plant in Tseung Kwan O (將軍澳海水淡化廠)
• Sustainable Development TV Programme with RTHK 31 (與香港電台 RTHK 31 合作的可持續發展電視節目)
• Grand Re-opening of the Museum of Climate Conservation in CUHK
• And additional exciting projects planned for the year ahead

Closing: Together We Preserve Planet Earth

With inspiring encouragement, meaningful reflections, award-winning momentum, and expert knowledge from the speakers, the District PPE Seminar 2026–27 reaffirmed a shared commitment to protect the environment.

As participants left the hall, one message echoed clearly: Let’s learn together, strengthen collaboration, and preserve Planet Earth through sustained action and innovative projects—creating lasting community-wide impact.