SDG/ESG Visit to Smart Farming HK

22 February 2025

The 33 of us from various clubs of District 3450 who joined the visit to Smart Farming HK (愉富農科) in Sha Tau Kok on 22 February (Saturday) can vouch that this District PPE Committee-organised visit fully achieved the following aims:

  • Get up close with the world’s most expensive freshwater fish – “Unforgettable”忘不了
  • Learn how technology enhances local high-tech sustainable fisheries development
  • Witness how waste is turned to treasure – processing kitchen waste to pet snack and fish feed
  • Enjoy a green feast – savour a specialty lunch made with local ingredients
  • Explore how to integrate sustainable wisdom into life and community services

Additionally, we gained for each of our own club 10 points for the Rotary Green Club Award.

Sustainability: ESG Tech Solution

Upon arrival, Chief Technical Officer Mr. Gary Wong introduced their eco-friendly aquaculture system and commitment to sustainability.  He emphasized their passion for carbon reduction and the potential for digital transformation in fisheries. “We want to offer young people sustainable career paths,” he stated. He also described how their food waste recycling machines use microorganisms to convert waste into high-quality fish feed, reducing waste and promoting carbon cycling for a greener future in aquaculture.

Food Waste to Fish Feed

After the lecture, we witnessed an active demonstration.  Gary and his team presented two fish that had fallen out of the tank: an Empurau 忘不了 and a Jade Perch 寶石魚. Participants observed (and some even tried out) the filleting of the Empurau for pet food, sparking questions about its economic value.  We also saw food waste dehydrated, mixed with supplements, and processed into fish feed pellets, which were then used to feed the fish.  This showcased how food waste supports sustainable fisheries and tackles Hong Kong’s waste challenges.

We were then brought to see how food waste was dehydrated and the flaky dried product mixed with various natural nutrition before turning into fish feed particles.  At the various fish tanks, we not only saw how the fishes were bred, we also attempted fish feeding with the fish feed particles.  That is how food waste is utilized for aquaculture contributing to sustainable fisheries development and addresses one of Hong Kong’s food waste challenges.

Lunch was a green, healthy and tasty Feast comprising,Provençal Grilled Vegetable Salad, Fig and Prosciutto Salad, Thai-style Grilled Local Organic Fish, Moroccan-style Roasted Lamb Leg, Herb Roasted Local Chicken, Organic Local Vegetables, Colourful Fried Rice Noodles and Vegetarian Fried Rice.  We thoroughly enjoyed the hearty meal and have privately asked for the chef’s contact.

Organizing Sustainable Development Activities

Soon after lunch, Project Director Mr. Kenji Yuen shared experiences organizing SDGs activities, addressing practical considerations for organizations and discussing strategies for achieving sustainable development goals.  Before ending, he left us with 3 questions to think about:

  1. Is there any ecological impact?
  2. Have you considered the real needs of the target recipients?
  3. Are resources allocated efficiently?

These are good food for thoughts for any club and indeed any organisation when planning Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Rotary Preserve Planet Earth Friendly Partner

The District PPE Committee also took the opportunity to start the initiative of installing a physical Rotary Preserve Planet Earth Friendly Partner Banner on sites that we have visited, thus creating some Image Publicity and let clubs learn of the District’s relationships with these PPE sites to foster their future plannings on PPE related projects or activities.  Smart Farming Hong Kong started as one of such sites. 

We are sure that all participants were grateful to have joined this eye-opening tour.  It is an enjoyable half-day Saturday well spent.