“Top-tier research should transcend academic journals to drive meaningful social impact,” Professor Guojun He says.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, the Hong Kong public has come to realise that sustainability is far from an abstract idea—it is the very foundation of our well-being and prosperity.
However, while discussing extreme weather events and environmental issues, many may perceive this as the responsibility of governments or large corporations and feel that little can be done by individuals. But Professor Guojun He, Director of the HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute (the Institute) and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Professor in Economics deeply believes that individual acts of kindness and actions, however small, can make a difference.
To promote cross-sector collaboration for sustainability, the Institute, a joint initiative of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and The University of Hong Kong, brings together academic and community stakeholders. The Institute analyses global and China's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) developments to bridge global insights with local needs, transforming research findings into practical policy recommendations and solutions for a more liveable and resilient Hong Kong.
Turning research into real-world solutions
Professor He, a distinguished environmental economist, leads the Institute with the conviction that research should serve the community, not just academia. As he puts it, “Top-tier research should transcend academic journals to drive meaningful social impact.”
The Institute adopts an "evidence-based" approach, using systematic tracking and quantitative analysis to apply academic research to sustainable development. Professor He stresses that the team complements international benchmarks with local data validation, ensuring their findings are adapted to Hong Kong’s specific circumstances.
The Institute's data-centric approach facilitates timely responses to urgent societal needs. In the Hong Kong Economic Policy Green Paper 2025, published by HKU Business School, the Institute’s research quantified the potential financial impact of typhoons and rising sea levels on public housing estates and older apartment buildings. The findings facilitate cross-sector collaboration to build better response mechanisms for vulnerable communities, thereby strengthening Hong Kong's ability to cope with extreme weather.
Visualising social impact with data
Building a truly resilient Hong Kong requires more than just government support or academic analysis. Professor He believes that societal progress and transformation depend on the active participation of every stakeholder in the community, with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the welfare sector playing a pivotal role. However, without clear metrics, NGOs often struggle to demonstrate their effectiveness to the public objectively, thereby undermining their credibility. To close this gap, the Institute has developed a governance transparency assessment system for local NGOs. This system analyses public data such as financial disclosures and social media activities to enhance their transparency and credibility.
For many local NGOs that are passionate yet constrained by limited resources and expertise, the Institute firmly believes that “empowerment over relief” is the key to building long-term capacity. Another key initiative of the Institute is strengthening the leadership and organisational management capabilities of NGOs through training and knowledge exchange.
A key aspect is assisting them in more effectively measuring and demonstrating their impact. This facilitates a fundamental shift in operational focus, moving away from conventional volume metrics—such as “How many events were organised?”—and towards transformative outcomes that answer the more critical question: “What impact have we truly made?” For instance, a youth training programme demonstrating data on the improvements of long-term employability is far more compelling than simply reporting training hours. This evidence-based approach fundamentally reshapes Hong Kong’s philanthropic ecosystem—moving beyond mere reach and scale to place the focus on the impact these programmes create.
Cultivating sustainability leaders
With the support of us, the Institute has established four prestigious Endowed Professorships, across the disciplines of economics, finance and entrepreneurship, and accounting. It is committed to advancing sustainability research and its practical application and cultivating a talent pipeline in Hong Kong with a global vision.
Another key focus for the Institute is promoting diversity and cross-sector integration of knowledge through interdisciplinary initiatives. The new on-campus taught master's degree programme has admitted nearly 100 students from the Mainland, Hong Kong and overseas, while its online courses have attracted nearly 2,000 global students. The Institute believes that by bringing together leading academic expertise, cross-sector dialogue and diversified teaching models, it can provide a platform for developing forward-looking sustainability professionals in Hong Kong and Asia.
Looking ahead
Professor He notes, “True transformation begins at the intersection of knowledge and action.” The Institute’s work demonstrates that rigorous academic research is far from theoretical; it is a practical force for improving livelihoods and driving societal progress. Looking ahead, the Institute will continue its evidence-based approach to tackle Hong Kong's pressing sustainability issues–energy transition, waste management, and population ageing–through cross-sector collaboration, fostering a sustainable future for Hong Kong and Asia.
(Bottom) The Institute organises a diverse range of forums and initiatives to facilitate in-depth, cross-sector dialogue to explore sustainability challenges and actionable solutions.
Did you know?
The Club is dedicated to promoting societal development. The HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute is established by HKU and funded by us, to establish a world-class hub for best practices of Sustainability in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond. By bringing together globally distinguished scholars from diverse fields, the Institute fosters collaboration and integrates knowledge with practice. This strategic partnership bridges the gap between research and industry, transforming top-tier research into actionable solutions. Together, the Institute is committed to driving social sustainability and creating a sustainable and equitable future for all.
Nurturing the soil for talent, where young people can let their dreams take root.