The Faculty of Social Sciences (FOSS) Lifelong Learning Series delivered a vivid, thought‑provoking evening on “Stewardship for 1000 Years: Sustainable Values and Impact” featuring Ms. Jamie Lee, a 5th‑generation member of the Lee Kum Kee Family, on March 23, 2026.
Professor Samson Tse, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, delivered welcoming remarks by reframing lifelong learning as a “Communal Lifestyle of Curiosity”, meaning learning together, as a way of life driven by curiosity. This simple but powerful idea set the tone not only for this session, which focused as much on mindsets and long-term thinking as on business and sustainability, but also for future sessions in the series, inviting everyone to keep learning together over time.
Following Professor Tse’s welcoming remarks, the keynote speech was delivered by Ms. Jamie Lee. Jamie started by emphasizing that, for her family and for Lee Kum Kee, sustainability is fundamentally about longevity and adopting a mindset that cares for the well-being of future generations.
At Lee Kum Kee, this philosophy is operationalized through industry-leading practices such as LEED Platinum–certified manufacturing facilities, the integration of clean energy sources including solar, geothermal, and biogas, and comprehensive water conservation initiatives. The company also places a strong emphasis on biodiversity and waste reduction, employing circular economy principles, and continually exploring sustainable packaging solutions.
The group’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its landmark property investments, including the Walkie-Talkie building in London and Infinitus Plaza in Guangzhou, both of which exemplify advanced sustainable architecture and innovative environmental technologies.
Jamie also highlighted the family’s impact venture fund, Happiness Capital, which invests globally in food, health, and environmental solutions. Notably, the fund backs innovations like plant-based proteins, agricultural technology for smallholder farmers, and even space debris removal, demonstrating a willingness to tackle sustainability challenges at planetary scale. As a certified B Corp, Happiness Capital utilizes a proprietary “happiness return” metric to systematically evaluate both social and environmental impact alongside financial performance.
The panel discussion moderated by Dr. Winnie Law, Deputy Director and Principal Lecturer of the Centre for Civil Society and Governance at the Faculty of Social Sciences, was lively and deeply engaging. Questions ranged from trade-offs between environmental, social, and economic benefits, to conservation and circular economy solutions. Audience members were inspired by the Lee family’s openness to new ideas, willingness to take risks, and commitment to measuring impact thoughtfully. The macro discussion made clear that sustainability is not just about compliance or trend, it is a framework for reimagining business, community, and legacy. This session was both eye-opening and actionable and providing fresh perspectives and practical insights to the audience.
The FOSS Lifelong Learning Series continues to offer thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of timely topics. If you are interested in expanding your horizons and engaging in lively, interdisciplinary discussions, be sure to join future events and be part of this vibrant FOSS community.