As one of this quarter's Impact Trailblazers, Chinachem Group exemplifies the power of corporate action to drive meaningful change. Deeply aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, their initiatives inspire a rethink of how businesses can shape a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient community. 

In this feature, we had the opportunity to speak to some of the incredible women who make Chinachem a true catalyst for progress—not just in Hong Kong, but on the global stage. 

Sustainability as a Core Strategy 
At Chinachem Group, community impact takes center stage through innovative initiatives that redefine corporate social responsibility. Chief Business Impact Officer, and JESSICA Most Successful Women Awardee Sylvia Chung offered insights into how the Group shapes its community-focused programs. 

"We strive to make a positive impact on the communities we serve. We create places where people congregate and enjoy shared experiences. Our dedication to integrating ESG initiatives into our operations ensures that sustainability is blended with our daily activities and decision-making processes. This commitment fosters a culture of responsibility and awareness within the community, ultimately enhancing our collective impact.” Sylvia explains, outlining the philosophy that drives the Group's community programs. 

This vision comes to life through initiatives like CCG Hearts, a unique loyalty program that transforms traditional rewards into opportunities for community service. Members can volunteer while benefiting those in need. At Nina Park, the Group takes an unexpected approach to community engagement, using fossil exhibitions to inspire visitors to reflect on the relationship between people, nature, and time. 

These community-focused efforts are complemented by broader community engagement initiatives, such as the recent Chinachem Group Sustainability Conference 2024. Co- hosted with the Business Environment Council and Hong Kong Green Building Council, the conference drew more than 5,000 online and in-person participants, a 60% increase from the previous year. Under the theme “Integrating Sustainability Solutions towards a Resilient Future," the event brought together diverse sectors to address environmental challenges. 

Their CCG 3050+ decarbonization roadmap has already yielded impressive results, with a 32.9% reduction in emissions from their 2020 baseline. 

“We believe in the power of experiences to strengthen community bonds and inspire creativity.” 

This commitment to sustainability has earned Chinachem international recognition, including a5-star GRESB rating — making them the only non-listed property developer in Hong Kong to achieve global and regional sector leadership status. 

To Sylvia, these initiatives reflect the belief that positive change comes through providing platforms where ideas can be brought into action and communities can come together. Through investing in these impactful projects, the Group aims to promote social cohesion and inspire a sense of belonging, creating opportunities for growth while making meaningful contributions to the community they serve. 

Amplifying Impact Through Storytelling 
Storytelling is a powerful tool for communicating CSR and ESG initiatives. Assistant Manager of Corporate Communications (Media) Vanessa Leung, who brings valuable insights from her journalism background, shares insights into how the company crafts and communicates its sustainability story. "I focus on identifying angles that resonate with our target audience by understanding their values, interests, and concerns," she explains. "By crafting narratives highlighting our initiatives' real-life impact on individuals and communities, we create a more relatable and compelling message."

She continues, "The REACT Campaign exemplifies Chinachem's innovative approach to environmental communication.” The initiative, which stands for Rethink, Exchange, Awareness, Cultivation, and Token (purposefully echoing "WE ACT"), tackles the challenge of making sustainability accessible and actionable. Recognizing that environmental concepts often feel abstract to many people, Vanessa and her team focus on creating tangible connections between sustainable practices and daily life. While recycling is widely recognized, the campaign broadens the public's understanding of environmental action by showcasing diverse waste reduction and sustainable living approaches.

Vanessa understands the importance of connecting with people from all walks of life. A powerful example can be seen in the media coverage of "One Beat One World: Connecting Through the Drum.” The initiative's coverage has spotlighted how personal stories can transcend cultural barriers. In one particularly impactful moment, a mother and son from a minority community, who typically shy away from public speaking due to cultural norms, were encouraged to share their experiences on camera. Their story of finding connection through drumming resonated deeply with audiences, demonstrating how thoughtful media coverage can amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Vanessa also shared another example, the Group’s collaboration with Mind the Waves, a charity founded by Olympic swimmers Stephanie Au, Jamie Yeung, and last year's JESSICA Most Successful Women winner, Camille Cheng. Through their experiences as elite athletes facing intense pressure, these accomplished swimmers bring authentic voices to discussions about mental health in the younger generation, empowering everyone to be the best versions of themselves, regardless of their age or background.

Revitalizing Communities Through Culture 
Chinachem Group's dedication to sustainability goes hand in hand with its commitment to preserving and celebrating Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage. Avis Li, Manager of Corporate Communications (CSR), provides insights into how the company integrates cultural development into its community initiatives. Projects honor the past while fostering a sense of belonging for future generations. 

"At Chinachem Group, we recognize that culture and architectural conservation are vital to our CSR initiatives," Avis explains. "Our approach to cultural development and promotions is deeply integrated into our broader mission to enhance community identity and foster a sense of belonging among the people of Hong Kong."

A standout example is the revitalization of the Central Market, a Grade III historic building. Once a bustling hub in the city's heart, the site has been transformed into a vibrant community space that celebrates Hong Kong's unique character. Avis explains, “Through meticulous restoration, Chinachem has preserved the building's historical significance while infusing it with modern functionality, offering locals and visitors a space to connect, explore, and enjoy shared experiences.”

“Similarly, Chinachem has embraced its role as a steward of cultural identity through projects like the Hing Chun Alliance, a 300-year- old Hakka village.” By supporting the preservation of this heritage site, the company is working to safeguard traditions that might otherwise fade away, ensuring future generations can connect with their cultural roots.

Programs hosted at Nina Park, Hong Kong's first wood fossil park, provide interactive learning experiences that bridge generational gaps and foster a deeper understanding of natural and cultural history. “With over 4,000 participants joining tours and workshops since its opening, Nina Park shows how innovative design can combine education, recreation, and community building.”

Beyond physical spaces, Chinachem actively engages communities through cultural partnerships. Collaborations with events like French May and the Gourmet Market bring international art and cuisine into local neighbourhoods, showcasing the company's commitment to blending global influences with local traditions.

Through these initiatives, Chinachem demonstrates that cultural preservation is more than a corporate responsibility—it's a vital investment in Hong Kong's community. Avis shares, “Fostering inclusive spaces and celebrating shared histories ensures heritage remains a cornerstone of sustainable urban development. These efforts align with our broader mission to create places where culture, community, and sustainability thrive together.”

Art and Connection in Everyday Life
For Chinachem Group, art is not confined to gallery walls or concert halls—it's a powerful tool for fostering connection and inspiring communities. Assistant Manager of Corporate Communications (CSR) Yoko Kok shares how the company integrates art into its community-building initiatives, creating accessible and interactive experiences that resonate with people from all walks of life. "We are committed to making art accessible to al. We tend to present interactive and approachable art activities in our venues to engage and unite our communities," explains Yoko.
 

"Positive change comes through providing platforms where ideas can be brought into action and communities can come together.” 

"One such initiative is the collaboration with French May, which brought the innovative "Waterlight Graffiti" installation to Chinachem's venues." This cutting-edge art piece allowed participants to create glowing designs on an LED canvas using water, making art creation a playful, hands-on experience. "Complementing this was a series of French contemporary dance performances staged in open spaces where audiences could interact with dancers. These immersive events broke down traditional barriers between art and audience, transforming public areas into vibrant cultural spaces."

Another highlight is the Group'’s sponsorship of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, which allows students from Tsuen Wan to explore drama through literature appreciation workshops. “These experiences nurture young talent and foster inclusivity by bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds.”

Such initiatives reflect Cninachem's belief in the transformative power of art. “By making art accessible, we encourage dialogue and connection among individuals and communities.” These projects underscore the importance of breaking conventional molds—art, as Chinachem sees it, should be a shared experience that strengthens bonds and inspires creativity. “Through interactive installations, theater workshops, or cross-cultural collaborations, we show that art can unify lives and foster stronger, more inclusive communities.”

_{Text by Jeremy Chapnick}