Prof. George G. Q. Huang is Chair Professor and Head of Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong. He gained his BEng and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Southeast University (China) and Cardiff University (UK) respectively. He has conducted research projects in areas of Smart Manufacturing, Logistics, Construction and Systems Analytics through Cyber-Physical Internet with substantial government and industrial grants exceeding HK$60M. One of his on-going R&D projects is to use blockchain and IoT technology to facilitate ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) reporting for listed companies. He collaborated extensively with industries through joint projects and start-up companies. He has published extensively including over three hundred refereed articles in journals and conferences in addition to ten monographs, edited reference books and conference proceedings. He is among “Top 1% Most Cited Scholar” and highly ranked internationally in his research areas. He serves as associate editors and editorial members for several international journals. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng), fellow of ASME, HKIE, IET and CILT, and member of IIE and HKLA.

Growing up witnessing polluting apparel production, intrigued by the potential of material science, and affected by the body ideals implanted by the fashion industry, Veronica Chou founded eco-innovative, size inclusive womenswear brand Everybody & Everyone.

Veronica has also led investments in the Karl Lagerfeld brand – growing it to a global fashion and accessories business with many profitable product expansions. She invests into a wide range of businesses, focusing on fashion tech and sustainability. Veronica was the President of Iconix China from 2008-2015, successfully launching 12 mass market American brands into China and opening over 1000 stores. She is a special advisor to the Copenhagen Fashion Summit.