What are your current role and responsibilities? How is the work going so far?
As the Senior Sustainability Manager at DFI Retail Group, I am responsible for our sustainability planning, target-setting, internal and external engagement, as well as progress tracking and reporting. I am honoured to collaborate with a dedicated team and benefit from strong leadership committed to sustainability. My company has been supporting team members to incorporate sustainable practices into daily decisions and has been providing training and resources to implement sustainability initiatives. Overall, our efforts are progressing well, and I am enthusiastic about the positive impact we are making.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your role, and why?
The most rewarding aspect of what I do is the exposure to a diverse range of sustainability initiatives across various functions and banners in different markets. This breadth of experience significantly contributes to my professional development, allowing me to learn from different approaches and best practices. However, the challenges are equally significant. The complex nature of our supply chains, involving multiple layers of suppliers and various categories across regions, makes engagement and collaboration quite intricate. Balancing the diverse interests and perspectives of many stakeholders requires careful navigation and thoughtful communication.
In what ways has your CPA qualification helped you in your role?
My CPA qualification has equipped me with a robust foundation in financial analysis and carbon accounting practices, enabling me to effectively leverage environmental, social and governance data and assess the financial implications of sustainability initiatives. Additionally, my CPA network has been invaluable for exchanging ideas and best practices, keeping me updated on industry trends and innovations that can enhance our sustainability efforts and drive meaningful changes within the organization.
Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years in your career?
I envision myself being deeply engaged in advancing sustainability initiatives within my company and the industry. My goal is to contribute significantly to maintaining our position as a pioneer in sustainable development in Asia’s retail sector. I aspire to be an integral part of our sustainability team, collaborating with colleagues across various functions to drive impactful projects and growing alongside the organization as it innovates and evolves in the sustainability landscape.
What are the biggest lessons you have learned so far from work experience or managers?
The business landscape is continuously evolving making adaptability essential, especially in sustainability, where new regulations, market trends, stakeholders’ expectations and technologies emerge rapidly. I have learned to embrace change and prioritize continuous learning, which has enabled me to tackle challenges more effectively. Additionally, I have observed from my management that effective collaboration and communication are critical success factors in our work. This approach fosters a comprehensive understanding of the challenges we face, particularly in complex areas like Scope 3 emission reduction and waste management, where innovative solutions and collaborative thinking are vital for success.
What is your reaction to the recent release of the HKFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (HKFRS SDS), and how will you be preparing for the implementation and application of these standards?
I sincerely welcome the release of the HKFRS SDS, as it represents a vital step toward improving the consistency and transparency of sustainability reporting for stakeholders. I foresee this development will ultimately benefit companies that have made greater sustainability investments than their peers. Achieving full alignment of HKFRS SDS with ISSB Standards is a challenging but an essential endeavour to uphold Hong Kong’s competitive edge in the global market. However, I believe it is also crucial for organizations to go beyond reporting to ensure that their key sustainability issues are effectively managed. To support this transition, companies should prioritize the development of internal processes, actively engage with stakeholders, and leverage implementation support from professional organizations like the HKICPA. This will provide necessary training to team members, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate the new standards. While this progress is significant, the success of these standards still relies on the collective effort and ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders within the sustainability reporting ecosystem.
