Alex Liu
Part-time Weekly MBA, Class of 2020
When
Alex Liu (Part-time Weekly MBA, Class of 2020) started researching Landsea Green Properties Co. Ltd. as a possible firm to apply to work, the senior finance executive was curious about the specific meaning of “green” in the company’s name. He was impressed with what he discovered.
“I found that ‘green’ not only refers to the company's products, which are green buildings, but also represents the company’s corporate culture and value concept, which emphasizes people-oriented, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development.”
A further plus was finding the real estate developer's first independent ESG report published on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange website in May 2017. As the Stock Exchange did not require listed companies to issue such reports at that time, Alex saw this as an indication of the company’s commitment and go-ahead outlook on ESG. Deeply affected by reading the preface of the report, which detailed the Landsea vision for the sustainable development of society, environment, and firm, he made up his mind. “I thought it would be a good choice to join such a company.”
He has not been disappointed, with his time at the Landsea Group, initially at Landsea Green Properties (0106.HK) and currently as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer at Landsea Green Life (1965.HK), a property management service provider, bringing much more than a stable income. “Although the business models for both companies are different, they share common values and a positive people-oriented corporate culture that advocates simple, harmonious personal relationships.”
Moreover, the contribution of employees to the company naturally converts into the contribution of the company to society and stakeholders, Alex noted.
“For example, our products (i.e. green buildings) and services (i.e. green operation and maintenance) play an important role in energy conservation, emission reduction, and environmental protection,” he explained. “Working in an ESG-oriented company like Landsea gives people a sense of mission and achievement.”
Varun Sood
Full-Time MBA, Class of 2021
Varun Sood (Full-Time MBA, Class of 2021), is another ESG frontrunner, now working as Senior Associate, Climate & Sustainability, at PwC, the global accounting giant. While studying for his HKUST MBA, Varun was able to benefit from sustainability-oriented courses offered in the program to further his interest in ESG.
“I found dedicated electives on corporate sustainability and ESG finance taught by adjunct professors were very valuable in helping me learn about on-the-ground realities of this ever-evolving sector, especially in a dynamic market such as Hong Kong.”
Such topics are now at the forefront of his job at PwC and opening up dynamic prospects for the future. “The issues of environmental sustainability and climate change have always been close to my heart,” Varun said, “and now that ESG has gathered momentum in the business and finance world, I believe it will be a very lucrative career path in the long term.”
