LT1B, Cheng Yu Tung Building, CUHK

(Seats are limited; first come, first served)

3 December 2023 (Sunday)

Green Tech to Replace Plastics 

Mr. YU Siu Lung Eddie (Founder of ÖKOSIX)

Facing the critical issue of plastic pollution and its detrimental impact on our environment, we invented ÖKOMER which is sustainable (biodegradable and compostable) and multi-functional. Combined with nano-technology and other processing techniques, ÖKOMER is able to replace plastics in manufacturing and revolutionize various industries. Our goal is to set a new standard of “disposable products” which can be decomposed by natural microbes and return to nature within 6 months at the end of their lives, realising a real circular economy. Our technological breakthroughs will facilitate innovative applications in diverse sectors, from medical (e.g. medical gowns, masks and dressings etc) and personal care (e.g. beauty facial masks, diapers and sanitary pads) to hygiene and beyond.

Furthermore, I will discuss how our green materials can enable Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing and pave the way for a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where environmental preservation and innovation go hand in hand.

Materials Chemistry: Exploring the Building Blocks of Innovation and Career Development

Dr. CHAN Ka Long Donald (Department of Chemistry, CUHK)

Materials chemistry is a fascinating field that unveils the building blocks of innovation and unlocks numerous exciting career opportunities, leading to professional growth and achievement. Materials chemists can manipulate the interactions of atoms and molecules to create materials with tailored properties, revolutionizing industries and driving technological advancements.

This lecture explores the amazing world of materials chemistry, focusing on two important areas: polymers and nanomaterials. Polymers are large molecules with great versatility and wide-ranging applications. They are commonly found in various aspects of our daily lives, from packaging materials to biomedical devices. Meanwhile, nanomaterials possess unique properties at the nanoscale. They hold immense potential for applications in electronics, medicine, and energy storage.

Throughout the lecture, we will highlight the impressive work of materials chemists and the impact they have made on the community. Through their understanding of materials at the molecular level, materials chemists have driven groundbreaking innovations, enhancing our quality of life and shaping the modern world.

Eddie, a Physics Department graduate, began his career as an application scientist at a German company specializing in environmental, polymers, and cosmetics. He later moved to Australia, immersing himself in nanotechnology and material science. Eddie’s last role was as a GM at a Swiss MNC, overseeing organic materials development, environmental tech, and the Asia-Pacific region. 

Currently studying for an EMBA at the University of New South Wales, Eddie faced a transformative moment during the COVID-19 pandemic. His 5-year-old niece questioned his eco-friendly credentials, asking why he produced non-recyclable face masks in Hong Kong. Her words stung Eddie but also inspired him to research biodegradable materials, leading to the creation of ÖKOSIX. Today, ÖKOSIX has developed 100% biodegradable, multi-functional materials applicable to medical, personal care, and hygiene fields. Certified by SGS and Intertek, these materials decompose within 6 months, including in landfills, without harming the environment. ÖKOSIX has also won international R&D awards and is pursuing patents.

Eddie’s journey, from scientist to environmentally conscious entrepreneur, exemplifies the power of personal conviction in the face of global challenges.