Paul joined HSBC in 1992, and has held a number of senior management positions in Commercial Banking, covering a wide range of portfolio from SMEs to Large Corporates. Paul is currently Managing Director, Head of Sales and Client Coverage, Business Banking, Commercial Banking, focusing on the formulation and execution of strategies for Business Banking. Prior to his current role, Paul held various positions including Head of Investment and Insurance, and Director Large Corporate in Hong Kong, as well as Country Head of Business Banking in Singapore.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Hong Kong, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of London, and a Master’s Degree in Finance from the City University of Hong Kong. Paul is also a fellow member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountant.

Dr Alison Gwilt is an author, researcher and Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales, Australia. Her research examines innovative design methods and approaches that enable the fashion and textiles community, from educators, to producers, and consumers, to adopt more circular and sustainable practices. Her books include, ‘A Practical Guide to Sustainable Fashion’ (Bloomsbury 2nd ed. 2020); ‘Global Perspectives on Sustainable Fashion’ (Bloomsbury 2019); ‘Fashion Design for Living’ (Routledge 2015) and ‘Shaping Sustainable Fashion’ (Routledge 2011).

Mr. Yau assumed the post of the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development on July 1, 2017. His portfolio covers policy areas from trade, commerce to telecommunications and broadcasting, and from promotion of creative industries, intellectual property and consumer protection to boosting inward investment and tourism development.

Mr. Yau has his full career in the public service. Before taking up the current post, Mr Yau was the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office from 2012 to 2017, assisting the Chief Executive in formulating policies and setting policy goals and priorities. He was the Secretary for the Environment from 2007 to 2012, overseeing policies on environmental protection, energy, nature conservation and sustainable development.

Mr. Yau started his civil service career as an Administrative Officer in 1981. During his long service as a civil servant, he held various positions, including Director of Information Services, Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower, Deputy Director-General of Trade and Industry as well as Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, DC, USA.

Mr. Yau graduated from the University of Hong Kong. He received further education at Oxford University and at Harvard University.