Sustainability

We serve as a positive force in the communities we support by fostering strong relationships and maximising synergies that leverage complementary resources, knowledge, and skills.

Our Sustainability Policy and internal Community Investment Guidelines set out the Group’s strategy and objectives with regard to social contribution. Through our foundations and volunteer teams, we run meaningful programmes in three key areas: education, social welfare, and the environment.

For more information, please refer to the Responsible Citizen section of our latest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report.

Hong Kong

Since its establishment in 2009, The Bank of East Asia Charitable Foundation (BEA Foundation) has partnered with various non-governmental organisations to develop programmes in support of education and to help alleviate the burdens of underprivileged members of society.

Beyond Environmental Arts Festival

BEA partnered with the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation to raise public awareness of environmental topics through visual and performing arts. In a follow-up survey in 2024, 92% of respondents agreed that their understanding of climate change improved after participating in the activities. The BEA Festival has attracted over 5,800 participants.

  
 

Palliative Care for the Elderly Programme

Since 2010, the BEA Foundation has collaborated with ”la Caixa” Banking Foundation, and The Salvation Army Hong Kong and Macau Territory on "Palliative Care for the Elderly Programme". This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for Hong Kong’s ageing population and enhance the wellbeing of older adults in end-of-life care.

With the theme of "Golden Adventures", the fifth phase of the Programme (running from 2023 to 2026) goes beyond enhancing the wellbeing of older adults in end-of-life care. It promotes volunteer participation and holistic elderly care, while encouraging retirees and seniors to proactively manage their finances, health, interests, and goals as they navigate the second half of life.

Over the past 15 years, the Programme has supported 3,000+ elders and families, trained 10,000+ elderly care practitioners, and served around 45,000 people with life education and consultation services. It has raised awareness about the needs of terminally ill patients, published guidelines and practice manuals for appropriate end-of-life care, and provided legislative recommendations on the choice of dying-in-place.

One of the key achievements and lasting impacts of the Programme was the policy change in June 2024, enabling terminally ill patients living in residential care home to pass away in place with dignity. 

  
 

Financial Literacy Carnival

Co-organised with St. James’ Settlement, the "Financial Literacy Carnival" in 2024 promoted financial knowledge among primary school students. Interactive workshops and game booths designed specifically for children helped them to differentiate between needs and wants, learn about digital payments, create a budget, and protect themselves against fraud.

  
 

“Join Hands, Reach Further! ” Volunteer Campaign

Each year, we encourage our staff members to participate in the Bank-wide "Join Hands, Reach Further!" volunteer campaign that harnesses individual and group strengths through volunteering. Family members and friends of colleagues are also invited to take part to maximise our contribution.

  
 

Chinese Mainland

On the Chinese Mainland, our community investment initiatives are channeled through the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation – BEA Charity Fund, and the Shanghai Charity Foundation – BEA Charity Fund. For more details, please visit BEA Charity Fund website. 

Green Firefly Project

Unlike schools in more affluent urban areas, rural schools often lack basic resources such as educational materials, or school supplies, or even hot water. Launched by the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation – BEA Charity Fund in 2009, the “Firefly Project” aims to improve educational opportunities for rural children in the Chinese Mainland. Revamped in 2023, the “Green Firefly” Project aims to promote education and, at the same time, environmental protection and emissions reduction.

Working closely with selected schools and BEA China’s network of outlets on the Mainland, the Fund establishes Green Firefly Centres, equipping them with advanced display screens, digital tablets, new desks and chairs, and solar power systems. In 2024, four new Green Firefly were established. To date, seven Green Firefly Centres have been established, bringing the total number of Firefly Centres to more than 110, spanning 28 provinces and autonomous regions.

BEA China has also collaborated with One Planet Foundation and Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation to launch the “The Earth Nature School” public welfare project. The first phase, which was completed in 2024, covered 8,000 students in 10 rural schools. In the second phase, approximately 30 rural teachers were trained to implement biodiversity conservation-themed educational courses in 15 rural schools.

 

In addition, BEA China partnered with Alipay Ant Forest (支付宝蚂蚁森林) and SEE Foundation (Founded by Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology) to introduce the "Green Firefly" BEA Charity Forest. The goal is to plant at least 27,000 pine trees to sequester over 2,000 tonnes of carbon, contributing to the country’s broader carbon neutrality goals.

For more updates, please visit BEA China’s website.

Our Community Efforts in Other Markets

Macau

 

 Taiwan

  

Malaysia

 

Singapore

 

United Kingdom

 

United States