Making places Swire Properties' journey of creative transformation - Raising the bar Mastering the art of
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Issue 01 / 2021
Making places
Swire Properties’ journey
of creative transformation
Raising the bar
Mastering the art of
mixology
Building a better
tomorrow
Commitment to positive
change
1 1
contents
CORPORATE NEWSWIRE CORPORATE NEWSWIRE
ISSUE 01 / 2021
Board changes
Swire Pacific Cathay Pacific
Martin Murray Rebecca Sharpe
has been appointed has been appointed Chief
Finance Director of Swire Financial Officer of Cathay
Pacific with effect from Pacific with effect from
Photo courtesy: The Coca-Cola Company.
1st April 2021. He will 25th January 2021. She has
replace Michelle Low, also been appointed as an
who will be retiring from Executive Director of Cathay
the Swire group at the Pacific.
end of March 2021 after
33 years of service.
Martin will also become a
Non-Executive Director of Swire Properties and
Cathay Pacific. Song Zhiyong
With the recently announced extension to INDIGO, Beijing, together with currently a Non-Executive
new projects in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and beyond, Swire Director of Cathay Pacific,
Properties’ Chief Executive Guy Bradley is optimistic about the future.
More on page 20. has been elected Deputy
Chairman of the Board
with effect from 29th
December 2020. Mr Song
01 20 25 28 33 Senior management appointments
John Swire & Sons
Sean Pelling
is Chairman and Secretary
of the Communist Party
Committee of Air China.
Mr Song takes over from
NEWSWIRE CENTRE STAGE PEOPLE INSIDER 150TH has been appointed Director Finance, JS&S Mr Cai Jianjiang, who has resigned as Non-
ANNIVERSARY Private Group with effect from 1st April 2021. Executive Director and Deputy Chairman of Cathay
IN HK Pacific due to a change of job assignments and
Swire Coca-Cola, USA resignation on 29th December 2020 as Chairman
Rob Gehring of the Board and a Non-Executive Director of Air
has been appointed President and CEO China.
Editor with effect from 1st January 2021. He has
Cindy Cheung replaced Jack Pelo, who retired at the end of
December 2020.
Deputy Editor
Charlotte Bleasdale Swire Bulk
The Swire group is a multinational, multi-disciplined commercial group, with its principal areas Peter Norborg
of operations in the Asia Pacific region, and centred on the Greater China area. Hong Kong is has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.
home to publicly quoted Swire Pacific, whose core businesses are grouped under five operating Design I Production
divisions: property, aviation, beverages, marine services, and trading & industrial. John Swire & Sons Barry Chu
Limited, headquartered in the UK, is the parent company of the group. In addition to its controlling Cadeler A/S
shareholding in Swire Pacific, John Swire & Sons Limited operates a range of wholly-owned Mark Konrad
businesses, including deep-sea shipping, cold storage, offshore and road transport logistics services, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer.
waste to energy, mining services, and beverage ingredients with main areas of operation in Australia,
Papua New Guinea, East Africa, Sri Lanka, the USA and the UK.
is published in Hong Kong, by the Swire Group Public Affairs Department.
To view the digital version, please go to www.swire.com/swirenews
Copyright©2021
ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 2021
2 3
NEWSWIRE CORPORATE CORPORATE NEWSWIRE
Image credit: Anthony Wallace/ AFP via Getty Images.
The 32nd
IBLAC video
conference in
October.
IBLAC 2020
In October, John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Limited quality development, and strengthening the
Chairman, Merlin Swire, joined the 32nd International city’s risk-response system.
Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of
Shanghai (“IBLAC”). Because of the global pandemic, During the meeting, Merlin shared his thoughts
a virtual conference was held via Zoom. Senior on how Shanghai could enhance its resilience and
municipal government officials, including Party adaptive capacity, with reference to the experience
Committee Secretary Li Qiang and Mayor Gong Zheng, and systems of other cities around the world, so as to
were joined online by 37 executives from major improve the city’s overall risk prevention and control
multinational companies to discuss strategies for levels.
making Shanghai more competitive, enhancing high-
Cathay Pacific corporate restructuring High-level visits
On 21st October, Cathay Pacific Airways announced Following the end of the consent period, 2,613 In August, Zhang Zhuoping, Chairman of John has great confidence in China’s economic future
a corporate restructuring to create a more focused, pilots and 7,346 cabin crew have signed the new Swire & Sons (China) Limited, headed a delegation and is committed to continuing to invest in China.
efficient and competitive business in response to conditions of service, representing 98.5% of which visited the Chinese People’s Association
the unprecedented downturn in the aviation market pilots and 91.6% of the cabin crew who were for Friendship with Foreign Countries (“CPAFFC”) In September, Mr Zhang led a delegation to Hainan
caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. asked to agree to the new contracts. in Beijing. The Swire executives met with Mr Province, where the group met with Governor Shen
Lin Songtian, who took office as President of Xiaoming (who has subsequently been appointed
Major elements of the restructuring include: • Executive pay cuts will continue through 2021 CPAFFC in April 2020. Mr Lin thanked Swire Party Secretary of CPC Hainan Provincial Party
• Reduction of approximately 8,500 positions across and a third voluntary Special Leave Scheme and its subsidiaries for their efforts and support Committee), as well as senior local government
the entire Group, accounting for around 24% of for non-flying employees will be introduced offered during the global pandemic. Mr Zhang said officials to discuss opportunities for future
its established headcount. Through a recruitment for the first half of this year. There will be that he appreciated the Chinese government’s cooperation. Mr Shen said Hainan is speeding up
freeze and natural attrition, the Group has been no salary increases for 2021 and no annual rapid containment of the spread of the virus and construction of its Free Trade Port and hoped the
able to reduce redundancies to 5,900 actual jobs discretionary bonus for 2020 across the board resumption of business activities, and the positive Swire group would increase its investment in the
(or 17% of its established headcount), including for all employees. Outport staff will be subject to role that China has played in supporting the global province. The delegation also visited the Swire
around 5,300 Hong Kong-based employees and local arrangements. fight against the pandemic and maintaining the Coca-Cola Beverages Hainan facility at Haikou.
approximately 600 employees based outside Hong stability of the world economy. He added that Swire
Kong who will possibly be affected subject to local Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Augustus
regulatory requirements. Tang said: “The global pandemic continues to
have a devastating impact on aviation and the
• Cathay Dragon, the Group’s wholly owned regional hard truth is we must fundamentally restructure
subsidiary, has ceased operations. Regulatory the Group to survive. We have to do this to
approval is to be sought for a majority of Cathay protect as many jobs as possible, and meet our
Dragon’s routes to be operated by Cathay Pacific responsibilities to the Hong Kong aviation hub and
and its wholly owned subsidiary, HK Express. our customers.”
• Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong-based cabin and Overall, the restructuring reduces the Group’s
cockpit crew have been asked to agree to changes operating cash burn by about HK$500 million per
in their conditions of service that are designed to month, bringing it down to HK$1.0-1.5 billion per (Left to right) Titus Diu, Director of John Swire & Sons (China) Limited, Zhang Zhang Zhuoping, Chairman of John Swire & Sons (China)
match remuneration more closely to productivity month. Zhuoping, Chairman of John Swire & Sons (China) Limited, Mr Lin Songtian, Limited (left) meets former Governor of Hainan Province, Mr
and to enhance market competitiveness. President of CPAFFC and Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC. Shen Xiaoming.
ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 2021
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NEWSWIRE CORPORATE CORPORATE NEWSWIRE
JS&S signs landmark refinancing deal Renewed commitment to SD
John Swire & Sons Limited has refinanced and focusing its sustainability initiatives. These are: The 2020 Swire Sustainable Development Forum
increased its debt facilities, signing a new £550 ongoing energy reductions in United States Cold was held virtually over three afternoons in
million credit line syndicated amongst a group of Storage’s business, cuts in CO2 emissions by the November and saw the launch of a refreshed and
eleven banks. The club loan includes banks from China Navigation Company fleet, and an increase expanded SwireTHRIVE strategy.
Europe, Singapore and Japan that are extending in female representation in management positions
credit facilities to John Swire & Sons Limited for the at Finlays. All of these are material and important First introduced in 2016, SwireTHRIVE, the group’s
first time, as well as several banks with whom JS&S to Swire, and to the wider community. overarching sustainability strategy, has been
has longstanding relationships. expanded to identify key areas for improvement in
The transaction is the Swire group’s first ‘green’ addressing environmental and social challenges
In addition to securing facilities to support its future financing deal outside Hong Kong and was that are material to the Swire group’s businesses.
financing needs, the company took the opportunity achieved by close collaboration between the The revamped SwireTHRIVE strategy sees the
to build sustainability and diversity targets into the finance team in London and the Sustainable group renew its commitment to sustainable
agreement. If these targets are exceeded, there will Development Office in Hong Kong, with ANZ Bank, development in five main areas:
be a modest reduction in the margin charged by the one of Swire’s long-term relationship banks, • Climate – Decarbonise our business and build
banks. providing further expertise as Sustainability Co- climate resilience.
Ordinator. • Waste – Turn today’s waste into tomorrow’s He asked all operating companies to prioritise this
Three Key Performance Indicators have been resource. strategy and to redouble their efforts.
established, reflecting the areas where the group is • Water – Use and manage water responsibly.
• People – Foster a company culture that is This is the ninth annual Swire Sustainable
accessible, inclusive and safe. Development Forum and it brought together over
• Communities – Position our community initiative 190 leaders and departmental representatives
as part of our core business value. across 33 operating companies. External speakers
Financing for a sustainable future from ANZ, AXA, Circulate Capital, Citi, Cleantech
on the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Focusing on these targets, senior group Group, The Climate Service, Encompass HK,
Index and improving related Key Performance leaders used the forum to share their vision for GlobeScan, Human at Work, Resolve and WRAP
Indicators. The proceeds of the loan will be used sustainable value creation over the next decade helped unpack some of the latest global trends
for general corporate funding purposes, including and beyond. Swire Pacific Chairman, Merlin Swire, in key areas, including climate risk and the
driving Swire Pacific’s long-term sustainability emphasised the urgent need to set ambitious circular economy, as well as sustainable finance,
performance. Swire Pacific made progress in 2030 targets for decarbonisation, with a goal of managing mental health in the workplace, and the
several aspects of its sustainable development achieving net zero emissions as a group by 2050. intersection of purpose and Diversity and Inclusion.
strategy last year: outperforming its carbon
reduction target by 1.83%, publishing a climate
change policy highlighting the importance of
future climate risk, and developing its strategic
framework for diversity and inclusion.
In August, Swire Properties signed a five-year
HK$1 billion Green Loan Facility with Singapore-
Swire Pacific has secured its first sustainability-linked based Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation
loan. In September, the company reached agreement Bank. As part of Swire Properties' Sustainable
with DBS Bank to convert the HK$2 billion five-year Development 2030 Strategy, the loan will
revolving credit facility that it secured in January 2020 fund ongoing green building developments
into a sustainability-linked loan, with the interest rate and allow Swire Properties to adopt the latest
being indexed against Swire Pacific’s Environmental, environmentally friendly technologies, enabling
Social and Governance (“ESG”) performance. DBS further savings in energy and reductions in water
Bank will incorporate tiered pricing and grant a usage and waste.
reduction in the interest rate based on the company’s
achievement of pre-determined targets that address
material ESG issues, as well as maintaining its listing
ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 2021
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NEWSWIRE PROPERTY PROPERTY NEWSWIRE
New addition to the Admiralty portfolio Curating cities
In September, Swire Properties unveiled its Conveniently located for public transport and In October, Swire Properties kicked off the
latest upscale residential development within the within close proximity to the Pacific Place “Please Be Seated” tour across its retail
vibrant Starstreet Precinct. EIGHT STAR STREET complex, the project is scheduled to complete in portfolio on the Chinese mainland. Conceived by
is a 24-storey residential tower, comprising 37 2022, with units already available for sale. British design firm Paul Cocksedge Studio, this
apartment units, featuring 18 distinctive layouts. large-scale art installation aims to respond to
the busy nature of urban life, reinvigorating the
way local communities interact with space, by
inviting them to explore and engage physically
with the artwork. ‘Waves' of wood rise up to
form arches for people to walk through, whilst
curves below create spaces for them to sit and
relax. Echoing Swire Properties’ strong focus on
sustainability, the piece is fabricated from 1,440
planks of sustainably sourced timber. Following
its ‘stay’ at Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu, the
artwork will visit Taikoo Hui in Guangzhou,
Taikoo Li Qiantan in Shanghai, and will come to
rest at Taikoo Li Sanlitun in Beijing, where it will
become a permanent installation, showcasing
Swire Properties’ commitment to creative
placemaking in the community.
First Vietnam venture Achieving net zero
In September, Swire Properties announced In October, Swire Properties announced that Sino-
a partnership with City Garden JSC to Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu is now powered by 100%
develop “The River”, a luxury residential renewable energy. This achievement has made Swire
property in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the Properties one of the first companies in Sichuan
heart of the Thu Thiem new urban area, on Province to reach “net zero carbon” in terms of annual
the banks of the Saigon River, The River electricity consumption for both landlord’s and tenants’
is a gated condominium development, operations.
comprising three residential towers that
offer a total of 525 apartment units. This Under a policy implemented by the Sichuan Provincial
exciting new development will be brought Government in early 2020, enterprises were
to life through the collaborative efforts of encouraged to procure renewable electricity generated
a team of international design consultants, by hydropower as well as solar and wind power
offering numerous exclusive amenities through a contract with a registered power retailer.
that aim to immerse residents in a resort- The new policy has enabled Swire Properties to reduce
like lifestyle. The River is Swire Properties’ the Chengdu portfolio’s overall carbon emissions by
first project in Vietnam. approximately 8,500 tonnes a year, and the move also
takes Swire Properties’ renewable electricity mix in
“The River” boasts its Chinese mainland developments to over 15%. The
100 metres of
water frontage
achievement underlines Swire Properties’ commitment
and borders four to reducing the carbon footprint of all its managed
hectares of lush,
landscaped public
developments and is in accord with the Chinese Central
park. Government’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality
before 2060.
ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 2021
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NEWSWIRE AVIATION BEVERAGES & FOOD CHAIN NEWSWIRE
“Times Change, Our Passion Remains”
In September, Swire Coca-Cola HK (“SCCHK”)
opened a pop-up store at The Mills in Tsuen
Wan, to commemorate the company’s 55-year
partnership with The Coca-Cola Company. An
exhibition of photographs showcased iconic
moments in SCCHK’s history since 1965, when
Swire acquired the franchise to produce Coca-
Cola in Hong Kong. Sought-after memorabilia,
collectibles, original designs and artwork were
on display, taking fans on a trip down memory
lane. Visitors were also able to create and take
A plaque to commemorate home a bespoke Coca-Cola bottle with their
seven decades of operation
in Hong Kong was unveiled own image printed on it. SCCHK donated part
by HAECO’s Chairman, of the proceeds to “Act of Love”, a charitable
Merlin Swire and CEO Frank
Walschot (centre, to right initiative organised by Hong Kong Sheng Kung
and left of plaque). Hui Welfare Council to support families facing
economic difficulties as a result of COVID-19.
HAECO 70th anniversary celebration
A ceremony was held on 16th November at HAECO’s its commitment to passing on experience and skills
Hangar Three facility, to celebrate the company’s to the younger generation in Hong Kong through
seven decades of operation in Hong Kong. Over 200 its training programmes. The event was followed
current and former HAECO staff attended the event. by a long-service award presentation ceremony,
Merlin Swire, Chairman of HAECO and Swire Pacific, recognising the loyalty and passion of HAECO’s
was Guest of Honour at the ceremony. long-serving staff members, who have contributed
to the company’s success.
Speaking at the event, Merlin highlighted HAECO’s
achievements and resilience over the past years, and
Staff celebrate
the 25th
anniversary
of Swire Coca-
Cola Hubei.
New capability
HAECO Xiamen announced in October
that it had completed its first Airbus
A350 C-Check for Cathay Pacific Airways.
The redelivery of the aircraft marks a
significant milestone in the development
of HAECO Xiamen’s capabilities. There are
around 370 Airbus A350 aircraft now in Significant anniversaries
operation, and the aircraft type has been In September, Swire Coca-Cola Hubei celebrated Meanwhile, in October, Swire Coca-Cola Zhengzhou
well received by airlines around the world. the 25th anniversary of its bottling operations in celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Luohe
HAECO Xiamen is continually building on Wuhan. With the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, plant – Swire Coca-Cola’s second bottling plant
its technical expertise to provide airframe the milestone celebration also served to highlight to open in Henan Province – and Swire Coca-
services support for new generation the operational resilience of the Hubei team in Cola Zhanjiang in Guangdong celebrated its 15th
aircraft. The company currently holds pushing through and adapting to the difficult anniversary in November.
approvals from multiple authorities conditions imposed by the global pandemic.
around the world for all major new- HAECO Xiamen
celebrates the
generation commercial aircraft types, completion of
including Airbus A320neo and Boeing 787 its first Airbus
A350 C-Check.
aircraft.
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NEWSWIRE BEVERAGES & FOOD CHAIN MARINE SERVICES NEWSWIRE
Fostering innovation through New specialist project division
strategic partnership On 13th October, The China Navigation Company clients in the project logistics sector, including
Swire Coca-Cola has teamed up (“CNCo”) announced the expansion of its project cargo project forwarders, heavy civil marine construction,
with Alibaba Cloud to bring digital business with the launch of Swire Projects. The new engineering, procurement and construction and
transformation to every part of its division will provide specialist shipping services to offshore energy construction companies.
operations – from production and the global energy, resource and infrastructure sector.
supply chain logistics, to distribution It will work closely with other Swire group marine Headquartered in Singapore, Swire Projects will be
and marketing. Swire Coca-Cola’s services division companies to develop an independent led by General Manager, Namir Khanbabi. Matthias
Director of Digital and IT – China, global strategy in the multipurpose and heavy-lift Kremser, Global Head of Chartering, and Nicki
Daniel Feng (left) signed the strategic segments. By leveraging trade routes, fleet assets and Schumacher, Head of Europe, both based in Hamburg,
partnership agreement with Alibaba expertise across the Swire group’s marine businesses, oversee the Europe team. Rufus Frere-Smith,
Group Vice President and Alibaba Cloud Swire Projects will build a smart network of resources Regional General Manager, will lead the Americas
New Intelligent Retail Division General to provide efficient, flexible shipping solutions to team, operating out of Vancouver and Houston.
Manager, Xiao Lihua (right) on 23rd
November.
Driving success through
continuous improvement
In December, Swire Coca-Cola hosted
its 11th Best Practices and Continuous (Left to right)
Kaifong’s Chief
Improvement (“BP&CI”) Conference Engineer, Ashish Dua,
at Nanning in Guangxi Province; a Swire Bulk’s Senior
Commercial Manager
Digital Innovation competition was – Japan, Shohei
also launched at the event. The Kamenosono, and the
ship’s Master, Captain
annual conference aims to promote Sanjay Mishra.
innovation and encourage continuous
learning and improvement, in line CNCo welcomes new vessel
with Swire Coca-Cola’s core value On 7th November, CNCo celebrated the delivery ‘opening the border’, while Kaifuu in Japanese
of “Learning from the best until we of MV Kaifong. The vessel is the first of a planned can mean ‘opening’ – a suitable name for the
become the best”. A live broadcast series of eight 38,000 dwt bulk carriers to be built company’s first vessel built in partnership with
of the event enabled staff from by Oshima Shipbuilding in Japan, with the final Oshima.
different bottling plants around China vessel scheduled for delivery before the end of
to participate virtually in the BP&CI Swire Coca-Cola 2021. Kaifong will join Swire Bulk’s young, fuel-efficient
awards and digital innovation awards staff gathered fleet, providing global customers with flexible,
ceremony. in Nanning
for the BP&CI The first Kaifong owned by CNCo was built in cost-effective solutions to their bulk shipping
Conference. 1888 and named after the city of Kaifeng in needs.
Henan Province. It was a ‘beancaker’ for the
China coast trade, used to ship soya bean, bean
oil and beancake – compressed bean husks used
as fertiliser. In Chinese, Kaifeng means literally
ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 2021
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NEWSWIRE MARINE SERVICES MARINE SERVICES I TRADING & INDUSTRIAL NEWSWIRE
New fortnightly service Swire Blue Ocean renamed Cadeler and goes public
Swire Shipping has upgraded its North will ensure it remains a market leader in an exciting
Asia Express service to a fixed-day, and rapidly expanding sector.
fortnightly schedule from November,
connecting North Asia with Papua New A portion of the proceeds from the IPO will be used
Guinea and Australia and offering a to finance the initial instalment for the planned
market-leading transit time from Hong Cadeler X-class vessel. Cadeler has shortlisted
Kong to Lae of just nine days. Three several leading international shipyards for the
vessels, with container capacity of order of a new Wind Farm Installation Vessel
2,500 - 2,750 TEU, have been deployed (“WIV”), plus option for a second newbuild. The
on this service, including Swire bespoke vessel design, created in partnership
Shipping’s first 2,750 TEU newbuilding, with GustoMSC, is based on Cadeler’s decade of
MV Lae Chief, which was delivered experience in the industry; it will be able to work
in October. Fitted with 45mt cranes in the most difficult locations and will be equipped
capable of dual lifts, the multipurpose with the largest capacity equipment in the industry.
Pacific Orca.
vessel is equipped to carry a variety of
cargo, including breakbulk and out-of- Cadeler will also invest in new cranes for its
gauge. existing WIVs, Wind Osprey and Wind Orca. The new
MV Lae Chief. Swire Pacific Offshore (“SPO”) has rebranded its crane design is expected to meet the requirements
Copenhagen-headquartered subsidiary, Swire for installation of all turbine models currently under
Blue Ocean as Cadeler and has listed the company development and allow for continued growth of
on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The new name was turbine components. The installation of the new
selected to reflect the company’s Scandinavian cranes is scheduled to commence in the fourth
Name change reflects diversified interests maritime heritage and its commitment to excellence quarter of 2023.
in maritime operations. SPO remains a key
Swire Oilfield Services has changed its name to business, drawing on the experience gained by both
shareholder in Cadeler. This move has positioned
Swire Energy Services. The move follows a period companies in their respective markets.
the company for the next phase of its growth and
of diversification that has seen the company evolve
from the world’s largest supplier of specialised Established in 1979, Swire Energy Services operates
offshore containers to the oil and gas market, to from 57 bases in 28 countries across Europe, Africa,
an integrated service provider offering additional the Middle East, North and South America and the
and complementary solutions, including aviation, Asia-Pacific.
integrity and chemical services. The company now Saving water while making ‘green’ fuel
also operates in industries other than oil and gas, Biodiesel producer Argent Energy has recently
including marine and offshore wind energy, and commissioned a wastewater treatment plant
has set its sights on growing its market share in at its Stanlow site in Northwest England. The
both sectors. facility has been in operation since June 2020,
with the construction costs of approximately
Recent expansion has seen Swire Energy £3 million largely funded by the John Swire &
Services acquire Norwegian business Helifuel Sons Sustainable Development Fund. Designed
AS, strengthening its international refuelling and and constructed by environmental technology
aviation offering, which already included specialist specialist, Wehrle, the facility enables water
aviation firm, Gordon Engineering Services to be cleaned and re-used in the biodiesel
Aberdeen Ltd, acquired in 2018. The acquisition production process, dramatically reducing
means Swire Energy Services can now offer a fresh water consumption, as well as the cost of
fully integrated refuelling and aviation services treating wastewater prior to disposal. Given the
success of the project, Argent plans to construct Argent
Energy’s
similar plants at its other facilities in Scotland wastewater
and in the Netherlands. treatment
plant at
Stanlow.
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NEWSWIRE AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS I IN THE COMMUNITY NEWSWIRE
Outstanding annual reports Sustainability efforts recognised Quenching thirsts on Hong Kong’s
Swire Pacific and Swire Properties’ Swire Pacific has been included in the Dow Jones frontline
2019 Annual Reports have won a Bronze Sustainability Index – Asia Pacific, the Hang Seng Corporate Swire Coca-Cola HK has made numerous
Award and a Silver Award respectively in Sustainability Index and the Hang Seng (Mainland and donations of beverages to those at the
the “General” category of the Hong Kong Hong Kong) Corporate Sustainability Index. The company forefront of battling the coronavirus
Management Association’s Best Annual has also maintained its “AAA” rating from MSCI ESG pandemic in Hong Kong. The company
Reports Awards, announced in November. Research, making it one of the top performers in its sector. donated Bonaqua® Mineralized Water
Swire Pacific’s report was commended by Swire Pacific, along with its subsidiary, Swire Coca-Cola, to eight COVID-19 quarantine camps for
the panel of adjudicators for its thoughtful completed the CDP Water Security questionnaire for the people who need to undergo 14 days of
use of charts to present results in first time in 2020 and have both been awarded an “A” - the mandatory isolation.
an easily digestible manner. Swire highest possible rating; globally, only 106 companies made
Properties’ report was commended for last year’s water security “A” List. Swire Pacific has also Swire Coca-Cola HK has also donated
being comprehensive, relevant and highly maintained its “B” rating, awarded last year for its response nearly 100 cases of Coca-Cola® ENERGY
accessible, with interactive features to CDP’s Climate Change questionnaire. to the community treatment facility
across different online platforms. that has been set up to triage COVID-19
Meanwhile, Swire Properties was the only Hong Kong patients at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo,
company to be included in the DJSI World Index for a to show support and appreciation for
fourth consecutive year. The company has also topped frontline staff battling the virus.
the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index for the
Recognition for green initiatives third consecutive year and maintained the highest “AAA”
sustainability rating.
Celebrating Christmas for a good cause
Responding with flair and imagination to the
constraints imposed by COVID-19, students
from Swire Properties’ Placemaking Academy
Matthew Tang, HAECO Group
Environment Manager (second transformed Swire Properties’ popular annual
from left), receives the award White Christmas Street Fair, held in December,
from (left to right) Mr Wang Bing,
Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, into “White Christmas Express”: a combination
Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary of virtual music shows and a video series
for the Environment, Hong Kong
SAR Government, and Professor telling the stories of Hongkongers’ lives amidst
Daniel Cheng, Honorary President the pandemic. Interviews with different social
of the Federation of Hong Kong
Industries. groups across the community were posted on
the event’s social media pages on Facebook
In October, HAECO Hong Kong won a Gold Award in the “wet wash” method, but also improves and Instagram and Swire Properties pledged
“2019 BOCHK Corporate Environmental Leadership operational efficiency by reducing the frequency to donate HK$10 for every ‘like’ the posts
Awards”, a scheme organised by the Federation of of wash required. received, with proceeds going to Operation
Hong Kong Industries and sponsored by the Bank Santa Claus.
of China (Hong Kong) (“BOCHK”). The company HAECO Hong Kong continues to reduce its
received the top honour in the awards programme’s carbon footprint through the implementation Launched in 2019, the Swire Properties
“Manufacturing Sector” category. of programmes designed to increase energy Placemaking Academy offers local university Students from
Swire Properties
efficiency, such as the replacement of its students an opportunity to gain hands-on Placemaking
Amongst a range of green initiatives implemented by freshwater cooled chiller plants with an ultra- experiences in event and community-planning. Academy hand-
picked and delivered
HAECO Hong Kong, a recent highlight is the company’s high efficiency hybrid power chiller plant and the over HK$400,000 in
Christmas gifts to
“dry wash” aircraft exterior cleaning service. This eco- introduction of a phase change material thermal people in need.
friendly technique not only reduces environmental energy storage system.
impact by using 90% less water than the traditional
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NEWSWIRE IN THE COMMUNITY IN THE COMMUNITY NEWSWIRE
Underlining urban transformation Noodles for love Supporting wildlife conservation
Swire Properties in Miami has recently renewed its In October, Swire Properties and Swire Trust in PNG
commitment to The Underline, a 10-mile linear park being joined hands to launch the “Noodles for Swire Shipping’s PNG office donated
developed below Miami’s elevated Metrorail. In 2016, Love” $50 Matching Donation Campaign – a 30,000 Kina to the Port Moresby Nature
Swire Properties committed US$600,000 to become one community-outreach initiative that was a key Park in October, becoming a Silver
of the founding sponsors of this transformative project, part of the Swire group’s COVID-19 response Sponsor of the wildlife sanctuary. Spread
which aims to beautify and open up underutilised land for efforts. For each HK$50 “Noodles for Love” over 30 acres, the park is home to more
community recreational use and as a live arts venue. To Charity Pack purchased, Swire Trust matched than 550 native animals and hundreds
coincide with the opening to the public of the park’s first the purchase and donated one Charity Pack of plant species. COVID-19 restrictions
mile in early 2021, the company has pledged a further to a needy family, together with a selection of have impacted significantly on the park’s
US$500,000 over the next five years. custom recipes designed by chefs from Swire operations, with the corresponding drop
Hotels and a SEWomen reusable facemask in visitor numbers meaning it has been a
Once completed, The Underline will form an urban trail and holder. Rupert Bray and struggle to stay afloat financially; however,
Dadi Toka Jr at
linking the Miami River near Brickell Avenue in the north, the opening of the the Swire Shipping donation has helped
with the Dadeland South Metrorail Station in the south, Over 4,200 Charity Packs were sold in just Buk bilong Pikinini the park to achieve 70% of its target
Library Learning
encouraging Miami residents to embrace a healthier 17 days at Cityplaza, which meant the same Centre at Pari goal for funding. Alistair Skingley, Swire
lifestyle by walking, biking or taking mass transit as an number went to vulnerable members of the village. Shipping’s Country Manager in PNG said
alternative to driving. local community. “At Swire Shipping, our purpose is to
enrich lives by connecting our customers
The inaugural mile of parkland includes access to the Supporting life-long learning with communities in the Pacific. By
Brickell City Centre Eighth Street Metromover station, On International Literacy Day, 8th September, Pari donating funds to the Port Moresby Nature
adjacent to Swire Properties’ Brickell City Centre complex, Elementary School opened the doors of its brand-new Park, we are helping to provide a unique
and Swire will partner with The Underline to bring the Library Learning Centre, thanks to a major funding experience for the community and tourists
Brickell Backyard to life, by co-creating programming that programme by Steamships Trading Company. alike and, more importantly, helping to
deliver value to residents and engage the community in promote conservation of PNG’s indigenous
finding new ways to embrace sustainable living. Steamships has been supporting the delivery of animals and plant species.”
Buk bilong Pikinini’s early childhood literacy and
development programmes in Port Moresby, Lae
Image credit: Robin Hill.
and Goroka since 2009 and is a platinum corporate
sponsor of the charity. In a year that has seen
major disruption in many people’s lives, including
children’s learning, Steamships decided to make a
major investment in the children of Port Moresby’s
Motu Koitabu villages through a two-million-Kina
commitment over the next five years to support
educational programmes that prepare young
children for school. Four more Library Learning
Centres, housing collections of books and other
educational materials, will be built over the next Alistair Skingley
three years through a partnership with the National presents a
Capital District Commission, which will support the cheque to the
Port Moresby
construction of the centres, endorsed by the Motu Nature Park’s
Koita Assembly and its Chairman, Hon. Dadi Toka. The CEO Ms Michelle
McGeorge.
new Library Learning Centre at Pari village was the
Swire Properties
supports The
first to be opened.
Underline in
transforming the
space around Miami’s
urban infrastructure
into a living art
destination.
ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 202118 19
NEWSWIRE IN THE COMMUNITY IN THE COMMUNITY NEWSWIRE
Building a better tomorrow
Swire has been a part of Hong Kong for 150 years. To return that support and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment Promoting family wellbeing
to Hong Kong, the Swire Trust has launched a community initiative we’ve called TrustTomorrow, to support projects Amidst the pandemic, TrustTomorrow’s NGO partners produce “See You Online”, an online programme
that bring about positive, sustainable outcomes especially in the areas of Education, Marine Conservation and the Arts, have continued to provide services to vulnerable featuring a range of activities for families, including
groups, not only meeting basic food and hygiene storytelling, arts and yoga classes. Launched in
as well as providing practical and timely assistance to those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2020,
needs, but also supporting their mental wellbeing November, some of these virtual programmes have
TrustTomorrow contributed over HK$29 million in funding, benefitting more than 222,000 people in Hong Kong, and also featured on TrustTomorrow’s Facebook page.
during prolonged social distancing. TrustTomorrow
supporting vulnerable groups in the areas of food and hygiene, family wellbeing and building social capital. has collaborated with various NGO partners to
Providing fresh food to the needy
TrustTomorrow’s food programme aims to supply disadvantaged Hong Kong people. The programme
the underprivileged with fresh and nutritious food. also welcomes beneficiaries to join the volunteering
In partnership with St. James’ Settlement’s FOOD- team, enabling them to receive support with respect
CO initiative (“SJS FOOD-CO”), TrustTomorrow and dignity.
has funded multiple deliveries of fresh food
packs, containing vegetables and chilled meat, to
Storyteller Auntie Choi brought four heart-warming tales to the Yoga Therapists from The Joshua Hellmann Foundation for Orphan
TrustTomorrow Facebook page. Disease led yoga sessions for families.
Building social capital TrustTomorrow is about more than
Swire Trust has partnered with providing pandemic relief. In the long-term,
the Hong Kong Council of Social TrustTomorrow will focus on supporting
Sixty-three-year-old Ms Wong, who has received regular SJS FOOD-CO’s food packs include fresh vegetables Service and four other local NGOs new and inspiring programmes that aim to
deliveries from FOOD-CO, decided to join the volunteer team, and meat. to create ‘Building Community • motivate positive, meaningful changes in the
delivering fresh food packs to the needy.
Building Tung Chung’, a community community.
initiative that aims to support
Ensuring good hygiene family and community wellbeing We’ll be keeping you posted with the latest
TrustTomorrow has helped keep underprivileged amongst underprivileged groups news and updates on TrustTomorrow in
and special needs children safe during the in Tung Chung. The first phase of future issues of Swire News. Meanwhile,
pandemic by funding antiviral coating spray for 18 the project, launched in October, please continue to support this community
Special Educational Needs (“SEN”) schools with has provided meal coupons initiative by following TrustTomorrow’s
boarding services, as well as over 80,000 tenants to underprivileged and ethnic Facebook page at
living in subdivided residential units. SEN schools minority families to ease their https://www.facebook.com/TrustTomorrow.SwireTrust
with boarding services typically cater to students financial burden. A variety of online
with severe physical disabilities, so antiviral sports, family leisure and career
Ambreena Shaheen, a single mother
coating spray is essential in ensuring a clean and planning activities have also been of two from Pakistan, received food
safe environment for students and staff. Haven of Hope Sunnyside School in Tseung Kwan O is one of
organised, helping to connect support for her family and was later
hired by a South Asian grocery store
the SEN schools with boarding services that is sanitised with families within the community and that is a participating food supplier in
antiviral coating spray.
equipping young people for future the programme.
job opportunities.
ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 202120 21
CENTRE STAGE CENTRE STAGE
Making places “INDIGO is a perfect example of our ability to
transform a neighbourhood,” he commented
at the time, adding that winning the bid “fully
testifies to Swire Properties’ strong confidence
in and long-term commitment to the Chinese
mainland.”
Swire Properties’ Chief Executive Guy Bradley finds multiple reasons
for optimism despite recent challenges, as the business continues its What's clear is that the business hasn't let
COVID-19 knock its long-term focus and stands
‘placemaking’ mission to creatively transform locations in Hong Kong, well-positioned to take advantage of recovery
Guy Bradley,
Chief Executive
the Chinese mainland and beyond. on the Chinese mainland and beyond. Besides of Swire
the INDIGO expansion, after exploring new Properties.
opportunities in Shenzhen for three years,
Bradley’s team recently opened an office Another pillar of the company's strategy
locally in search of suitable projects in the over the years has been its mixed-use
Greater Bay Area, and have a number of key approach to development – an approach
developments in play in Hong Kong. that has crystallised around the concept of
'placemaking'. And for Bradley, nowhere
On the subject of the latter, moreover, he is epitomises what placemaking is about better
emphatic that Swire Properties is committed than Taikoo Place.
to its home city and is actively looking for more
projects. In conversation with Swire News, “What we're building with Taikoo Place is
he is unequivocal in his response to recent really a global business hub,” he says. “There's
conjectures about the sale of the Cityplaza a huge neighbourhood underway – a mix of
One office tower signalling an intent to divest residential, office and retail – and I would
from Hong Kong. Not only is the capital from say it's placemaking at its very best. To do
the sale of Cityplaza One being “recycled”, he placemaking well, you need to have a long-
stresses, but major projects are underway that term approach. You need to stick around and
will help to re-draw the map of urban Hong become part of the fabric of the community.
Kong for generations to come. That really speaks to our core values.”
“If you look at the money we're spending, we're
putting US$2 billion into developing two state- Best days ahead
of-the-art triple-grade A office buildings at Of course, choosing the right location,
Taikoo Place,” says Bradley. “One Taikoo Place supported by the right transport infrastructure,
is open, the second building will be finished helps. With Taikoo Place, Bradley believes
by the end of 2021, or early in 2022, and we these factors have aligned to drive an
are already thinking about Three Taikoo Place. eastward shift in Hong Kong that he calls
Computer rendering of the Phase Two We're also building out Pacific Place along “decentralisation”. “It’s about moving things
Extension of INDIGO, Beijing. Queen's Road East and we have a handful of away from Central where the building
new residential projects under development stock is ageing and space is constrained,”
After a challenging 12 months across multiple following a couple of quieter years on the he explains. “With the Wan Chai Bypass, the
sectors of the global economy, the end of 2020 home-building front. There’s EIGHT STAR Eastern part of the Island – and Taikoo Place
brought affirmation that Swire Properties STREET, in Admiralty, another project down at in particular – has really been opened up as a
ranks firmly among those businesses for the east end of the Island, in Chai Wan, and we credible alternative to Central.”
whom there is no question of scaling back on were successful in a consortium bid to build
ambition. one of the phases around the MTR station at Further evidence of this pivot away from Hong
Wong Chuk Hang. Kong’s traditional CBD is perhaps offered
As described by the developer's Chief by Central's eastward expansion. “With the
Executive, Guy Bradley, December's “There's so much evidence that we're upping addition of the South Island MTR line, and the
announcement of a successful bid to build an our investments, and actually the sale of Central to Sha Tin Link coming soon, Admiralty
extension of INDIGO – a world-class, mixed-use Cityplaza One is part of our strategy to recycle will be the biggest station in terms of lines
development in the Jiangtai neighbourhood capital. What you do is sell your non-core and volume of people. We’re scaling up Pacific
of Beijing's Chaoyang District – equates to a assets and reinvest the proceeds into higher Place at just the right time.”
“major investment” in a “milestone project”. value-adding strategic projects.”
ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 202122 23
CENTRE STAGE CENTRE STAGE
iconic, and sits on the city government’s list
of places to take overseas delegations, among
other key attractions including Tiananmen
We think Square and the Bird’s Nest.”
the Hong “Meanwhile, our Chengdu development has
become one of the top destinations in China.
Kong office According to video-sharing platform Douyin,
Taikoo Li Chengdu was the only shopping mall
sector’s that made the top ten tourist attractions in China
Through effective
best days during the national day holiday in 2020. There
have been an astonishing 11 billion viewings on
placemaking and
continuous upgrading are still to the platform since Taikoo Li Chengdu opened
five years ago.”
come.
and expansion, Taikoo
Place is set to be a
global business hub. With Taikoo Li Qiantan, Bradley is hopeful
that Swire Properties’ placemaking story will
continue. “The theme this time is centred around
That sense of optimism is bolstered, moreover, Top attractions health and wellness – that’s a different direction,
by a confidence that the office sector is well- To see examples of where the retail tide and a trend we want to be a part of. It’ll also
positioned to rebound from COVID-19. has already turned, one only need glance “The Taikoo Li projects have done amazing things be the most digitally-friendly and digitally-
over the border. On the Chinese mainland, for the Taikoo name on the Chinese mainland,” he savvy mall we’ve ever designed. With the way
“Hong Kong isn’t London or California,” says Swire Properties’ malls are now delivering says. “Back in 2010/2011, we had a lot to do on consumer habits are changing, staying digitally
Bradley, identifying the absence of long extraordinary revenues, in the wake of COVID-19. that. We weren’t terribly well-known and we were relevant is how you keep consumers wanting to
commutes in the city and, for many, a lack of really just starting to build. The recognition we go to destination shopping malls and spending
space in homes often shared with extended Bradley notes that in a couple of locations, sales have now is an indication of the job the team has money in them.”
family members, as factors apt to shape a and rental income have in fact been higher, done in getting consumers to understand that we
general lack of desire for extensive work- year-on-year, than in 2019. “February and early create special places tailor-made for their home He adds that the business is well-poised to
from-home arrangements. He acknowledges March was a tough time in China but since then cities. pursue further growth opportunities in the
that high-density workplace trends such as the recovery has been incredible,” he says. Chinese mainland market. “We’re in a good
desk-sharing and co-working are likely to be “People can’t travel outside of China – so places He elaborates: “The stats from DiDi, China’s Uber, position to do a few more projects, but the
impacted. However, he doesn’t anticipate lasting like Guangzhou, and our Taikoo Hui mall there, put both Taikoo Li Chengdu and Taikoo Li winning formula is about picking world-class
structural changes occurring. “We think the have benefitted, because people are going there Sanlitun, in Beijing, among the top 10 destinations locations either in tier one cities or in special tier
Hong Kong office sector’s best days are still to and spending money instead of spending it for the entire country during the national holiday two cities like we did in Chengdu, and then of
come.” overseas.” week in October last year. Sanlitun was already course designing great products. The top criteria
famous as an entertainment and embassy district we use are location and entry price. The tier one
In terms of retail, meanwhile, he expresses Aside from INDIGO, Swire Properties’ current before we got there, but now it’s become almost city that’s missing for us is Shenzhen, and our
satisfaction that the business has managed projects on the Chinese mainland divide into two
to keep its malls occupied over the course of types: Taikoo Hui ventures in Guangzhou and
an extremely challenging 18 months. “In Hong Shanghai, and Taikoo Li developments in Beijing
Kong, we’ve had a period of social unrest, and Chengdu, with a third Taikoo Li development
followed by COVID-19, so the sector has been hit – Taikoo Li Qiantan, in Shanghai – scheduled
pretty hard. The good news is that by adopting for a soft opening in September. Both concepts
a partnering approach with our tenants, we’ve incorporate mixed-use elements such as office
kept our malls full. towers and hotels, and involve “best-in-city”
locations. Taikoo Hui malls conform to more
“We were quick to recognise the pain they of a traditional, enclosed design, whereas the
were under in the summer of 2019 and were Taikoo Li model is about low-density layouts that
the first of the major landlords to deliver rent combine indoor and outdoor spaces.
concessions. We’ve carried on doing that, in
some cases to allow our tenants to stay in Bradley comments that approach has worked Taikoo Li Qiantan
embodies Swire
business. It requires a long-term, strategic well and that the company’s malls have emerged Properties’ “Taikoo
view, because we want these relationships to be as coveted destinations on a national scale. Li” concept, which
sustainable over time. When the tide turns and is well-known for
things start picking up, we’ll be in good shape.” its distinct open-
plan, lane-driven
architectural design.
ISSUE 01 / 2021 ISSUE 01 / 202124 25
CENTRE STAGE PEOPLE
team there have been looking for opportunities living, breathing thousand-year-old temple.”
Embracing inclusion
that meet those tests.” Being trusted by the local district government to ‘Embracing Inclusion’ was the subject of a International Pronouns Day
do so with sensitivity for the local surroundings series of events, discussions and an awareness International Pronouns Day on 12th October
Laying foundations was a responsibility he and his team took campaign organised by Swire in Hong Kong celebrated LGBT+ inclusion and promoted the use
Another region where the company hopes to extremely seriously, and the end-result is a of gender-inclusive or gender-neutral pronouns.
between September and December 2020
expand its footprint is Southeast Asia. Swire development that preserves the heritage of
recently opened an office in Bangkok that will the site within a new and improved mixed-use to promote inclusion in the workplace and An awareness campaign, including educational
cover both Thailand and Myanmar, and environment. “That’s probably one of the reasons community. With topics ranging from the material and videos, was developed to encourage
this complements existing set-ups in Singapore, we have become such a respected name on the empowerment of women through technology, Swire staff to understand the importance of not
Jakarta and Vietnam, three markets where the Chinese mainland,” he reflects. the future of work, LGBT+ awareness and making assumptions about a person’s pronouns
business is already pursuing residential gender inclusivity, as well as awareness and from their appearance, voice, or characteristics. It
projects. At a strategic level, meanwhile, Swire Properties understanding of disabilities, Swire is committed aims to make respecting, sharing, and educating
has been committed for some time to its vision about personal pronouns commonplace.
“We’re leading with residential because these of leading the global real estate industry in
to championing diversity and inclusion as a vital
are new markets for us,” says Bradley. “With sustainability by 2030. business strategy. The series also highlighted
residential, you can learn a lot quickly, because opportunities that can be created if we develop a
the projects tend to be smaller in scale and turn “At the turn of the century, we were really truly inclusive workplace.
over faster. And right now, we’re in that learning focused on the energy aspect of sustainability,
phase.” and the environmental side of it,” Bradley recalls.
“We made some good progress on that, but by She Loves Tech
A sustainable approach 2016 we felt we needed to widen it across the
Merlin Swire, Chairman of John Swire & Sons (HK)
Long-term thinking, patience, understanding whole business, so we created a new long-term
communities, a partnering approach: these vision. In 2020, we were the only Hong Kong was a judge for the 'She Loves Tech' Competition
are all aspects of Swire Properties’ playbook company to be listed on the Dow Jones for Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, the world’s
that point to a holistic way of thinking about Sustainability World Index for the fourth largest start-up competition for women and
sustainable development, and Bradley offers consecutive year, and ranked among the top five technology. The event aims to promote female
a touchpoint from the company’s Chinese percent of real estate developers around the founders of early-stage tech businesses by
mainland story that serves to illustrate a world. We have also done a lot to nurture and supporting them through mentoring, education,
deep commitment to building trust and acting develop a diverse and industry-leading team,
responsibly. and we were extremely proud to be voted Hong
networking and fundraising advice.
Kong’s “Most Attractive Employer” in Randstad’s Pink Friday
With Taikoo Li Chengdu, he recalls, the project 2020 Employer Brand Research.” Swire was one of over 60 companies taking part
involved “wrapping a shopping mall around a in the annual Pink Friday event in November.
Other examples he cites include “having the The Diversity & Inclusion team hosted a best-
highest female representation at board level and dressed ‘pink’ competition, which received over 50
at senior management level in our peer group in individual and group entries. Swire Trust won the
Hong Kong”, an initiative called ‘Sustainability We best-dressed team prize.
All Count’ that gives everyone in the business the
chance to contribute towards Swire Properties’
sustainability goals, and an ambassador
programme that involves thousands of hours of
community volunteering every year.
“Sustainability is all-encompassing for us,”
states Bradley. “It’s everything from energy
reduction and green building to innovating
through technology in our retail malls, to just
getting out into the communities we serve. As
a developer, ultimately you have to build places
people want to be in. If you design and build good
projects and stick around and do the right thing,
Swire Properties’ Community Ambassadors take part in an that long-term approach to placemaking is what
elderly care programme. brings reward.”
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