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Exploring Professional Development in the ESG Wave with City University of Macau
In the global wave of sustainable development, the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) concept is profoundly changing the development landscape across various sectors. City University of Macau's Financial Academy and International Training and Testing Center hosted the "Focus on ESG: Global Trends, Macau Opportunities, and Financial Professional Development" seminar on March 26, 2025. The event aimed to delve into the latest global ESG trends and Macau's unique opportunities, providing career guidance for ESG financial professionals.
At the beginning of the seminar, Professor Wai Kong CHEUNG, Dean of the Faculty of Finance of the City University of Macau, point out that students often struggle to apply ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) concepts in practical work or daily life. He expressed his hope that through the insights shared by experienced ESG experts from Hong Kong, students would be better equipped to bridge the gap between theory and real-world scenarios, gain a deeper understanding of industry trends, and better prepare for their future careers."
Dr. Chi Yiu SIU, Training Director of the ESG Academy, emphasized that the world is moving towards a greener, more orderly, and sustainable direction. As an international city, Macau has numerous development opportunities. He aimed to reveal future financial opportunities to students, helping them navigate their career paths more effectively. Associate Professor Yueng Wah KHONG, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Finance of the City University of Macau, represented City University of Macau in presenting a letter of appreciation to the guest speakers, marking the start of the seminar.
Theme 1: ESG Global Trends and Macau Opportunities: Moving Towards a Sustainable Future
Dr. Chi Yiu SIU began by explaining the concept and importance of ESG, discussing current global trends and the emphasis on sustainable development by governments, corporations, and investors worldwide. He highlighted how Macau can leverage its financial infrastructure and regional advantages to develop green finance and low-carbon economy projects. Dr. Shao encouraged students to actively learn about these areas, enhance their professional capabilities, and create a sustainable future for themselves and their companies.
Theme 2: The Future Path of ESG Financial Professionals: Upgrading Skills and Becoming Industry Leaders
Mr. Dennis Pak Kit WU, CEO and Executive Director of Allied Environmental Consultants Limited , used the national and Macau carbon peak requirements as a starting point to analyze the current environmental situation and policy orientation. He emphasized the crucial role of ESG in global economic development and market stability. Mr. Hu outlined key pathways for upgrading ESG professional skills, including continuous education, practical experience, and obtaining relevant certifications (such as ESGCP®), helping students understand how to master ESG qualifications and become industry leaders.
After the presentations, Professor Wai Kong CHEUNG moderated an expert discussion with the speakers, exploring ESG's importance to businesses, career development, and personal planning, as well as its role in SMEs. Both speakers agreed that ESG not only enhances competitiveness and attracts investment but also strengthens risk management capabilities. They encouraged students to enhance their skills through continuous learning, practical experience, and professional certifications, fostering analytical abilities and a deep understanding of sustainable development. The seminar focused on the significance of ESG and its impact on corporate and personal development, discussing its central role in business strategies and encouraging students to equip themselves to meet future societal demands for sustainable development talent.
