Symposium on Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology - ESST2023 Successfully Held

2560

news

Symposium on Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology - ESST2023 Successfully Held

2023-10-27

27

Oct

27/10/2023

Macao’s first “Symposium on Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology – ESST2023” was successfully held from 26 – 27 of October, 2023, at the University of Saint Joseph.

The Symposium on Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology (ESST2023), themed “Bridging Macao and the Greater Bay Area,” recently concluded with success. The two-day event, held on 26-27 October, served as a platform to highlight and address environmental challenges in Macao, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The event was organised by the University of Saint Joseph’s Institute of Science and Environment (ISE), the Catholic Foundation for Higher Education, and the Macao Association for Scientific Cooperation between China and Portuguese Speaking Countries (ASCMAC), with the sponsorship of Macao Foundation, Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), Fidelidade, NK Sustainable Solutions, and Sands China Limited.

The Symposium commenced with an inspiring opening speech by the Rector of USJ, Rev. Prof. Stephen Morgan during the opening ceremony, attended by the distinguished guests including Mr. Fong Ka Kin, Head of the Division of Tertiary Educational Cooperation and Exchange of the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), Ms. Kate Leong, Assistant General Manager of BNU, Mr. Ivan Cheung, Executive Director of Fidelidade, and Ms. Stephanie Zhao, Associate Director of Sustainability at Sands China Ltd., other officials, and members from the University. This was followed by the presentation of token of appreciation by the Dean of ISE, Prof. David Gonçalves, to the sponsor’s representatives from BNU, Fidelidade, and Sands China. The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from the Division of Tertiary Educational Cooperation and Exchange of DSEDJ and other officials and staff from the University.

(From left to right: Ivan Cheung, Kate Leong, David Gonçalves, Stephen Morgan, Fong Ka Kin, Nora Tam, Stephanie Zhao)

Throughout the symposium, keynote speakers, invited speakers, researchers, and industry leaders shared their insights on a broad spectrum of critical topics, covering subjects such as climate change and renewable energy, eco-friendly materials, and sustainable agriculture. The event featured engaging presentations and discussions that fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas.

Two keynote speeches left a lasting impact on the audience. Prof. Nora Tam, Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Conservation in the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and Emeritus Professor in the City University of Hong Kong (CityU), delivered an insightful presentation on “Bioremediation of polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in mangroves.” Her insights into the ecological restoration of mangroves and the bioremediation of environmental pollutants offered a fresh perspective on sustainable practices. While Prof. Jason Chun Shing Pun, Principal Lecturer at the Department of Physics at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), captivated the audience with his presentation, “When there is more light that meets the eyes: Light pollution and its impacts.” He shed light on the often-overlooked issue of light pollution and its far-reaching consequences, emphasizing the need for sustainable lighting solutions.

(Photo: Nora Tam)

(Photo: Jason Chun Shing Pun)

ESST2023 featured a diverse programme that captured the essence of its mission. Invited speakers from Macao, Hong Kong, and Guangdong shared their insights. Scientific oral presentations and industry presentations offered valuable insights into ongoing research and practical applications, while poster presentations allowed participants to visually showcase their research. The Symposium attracted a wide range of participants, including academics, scientists, students, professors, and industry practitioners from the region.

Awards for two “Best Oral Presentation Award” and two “Best Poster Presentation Award”, sponsored by BNU, were given to young researchers and students towards the end of the Symposium.

Attendees also had the opportunity to join a field visit to the Ecological Zones in Cotai, led by ESST2023 Programme Chair Prof. Karen Tagulao. The event concluded with an engaging Sustainability Tour at the Venetian Macao (Sands China Ltd), led by Ms. Stephanie Zhao, Associate Director of Sustainability, offering practical insights into sustainable practices.

(Photo: Field visit to the Ecological Zones)