By Margaret Chau Community Services Director from Rotary Club of Kowloon North

We were deeply honoured to welcome PDG Dr. David Harilela to our Rotary Club of Kowloon North luncheon on 6 Feb 2026, alongside presidents and members from various Rotary clubs and Rotaractors, including Elijah Fung, Ben Wong, Derek Chan, Mark Li, and Leslie Tsoi. Their presence brought wonderful warmth and fellowship to the afternoon.

The highlight of the luncheon was the inspiring talk delivered by our distinguished speaker, Dr. Toa Charm, whom I had the privilege to invite. As my EMBA professor and a respected leader in AI and digital transformation, it was especially meaningful for me to see him share his insights with our club.

Dr. Charm’s presentation, “Bridging the AI Gap: Hong Kong’s Inclusive Future,” offered a comprehensive and thought‑provoking look at how AI is reshaping societies, industries, and the global landscape. He emphasised the importance of equipping everyone—regardless of profession or background—with data and AI literacy to thrive in this new era. Members gained valuable perspectives on AI’s economic impact, Hong Kong’s readiness, and the critical role inclusive AI plays in ensuring equitable and sustainable growth.

He further illustrated how AI can accelerate progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empower SMEs, and strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness in innovation and technology. Dr. Charm encouraged us to view AI not merely as technological advancement, but as an opportunity for Hong Kong to serve as a bridge that transforms disruption into positive, inclusive change.

The session was engaging, insightful, and warmly received by all attendees. Many expressed appreciation for Dr. Charm’s clarity and forward‑looking message. It was also heartening to see PDG David Harilela immediately invite Dr. Charm to speak at his own club—a testament to the calibre and relevance of the presentation.

Overall, the luncheon was a memorable blend of fellowship, learning, and inspiration. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Charm for sharing his expertise, and to all visiting presidents and Rotarians, Rotaractors for enriching the event with their presence. The gathering was a powerful reminder of how Rotary brings people together to exchange ideas, broaden perspectives, and work collectively toward a better world—through innovation, inclusivity, and goodwill.

A special note of appreciation to PDG Dr. David Harilela for sharing updates with me on The ONE Humanitarian Award, recently held. We look forward to hearing more about this meaningful initiative in the days ahead.