What are your current role and responsibilities? How is the work going so far?
As Land Executive at the Lands Department, I manage tenancies and waivers (to temporarily relax the restrictions under the government leases), and handle village houses applications in accordance with established land policies. I also provide advice on land status to various departments to ensure that development proposals align with land policies and facilitate smooth implementation. One of my responsibilities is examining applications for land documentations, such as relaxation of lease restrictions for private land and the granting of tenancies for unleased and unallocated government land. For instance, I have been working closely with multiple departments and business undertakings affected by government projects, assisting them in their tenancy and waiver applications. This collaborative effort facilitates a smooth business relocation process. Working at the Lands Department to optimize the use of precious land resources and enhancing land value to contribute towards the economic development of Hong Kong has been a fulfilling experience for me.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your role?
In making the transition from accounting to public land management, I have had to acquire a whole new set of skills and navigate the tactics of dealing with various public complaints. Initially, understanding the intricacies of land histories, reading survey maps and understanding technical assessment reports were challenging tasks. However, I overcame these challenges by seeking guidance from my supervisors and colleagues, and actively participating in training programmes organized by the department. To further enhance my skills and understanding of public policy and governance, I pursued a Master’s programme in Public Policy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This enriched my understanding of policy formulation and public administration. I have been with the department for almost six years, and I have found immense satisfaction in applying the knowledge I have gained to successfully relax land lease restrictions within the regulatory framework, thereby enhancing the value of land use. Resolving public complaints has been another rewarding aspect of my work. Negotiating with stakeholders from different perspectives and local cultures has enabled me to be a good listener and address complaints or concerns in a harmonious manner.
What inspired you to become an accountant?
I was impressed by the professional image and diverse career path of an accountant. Before my first job at EY as a fresh graduate, I participated in the EY Academy programme while studying at university, and this is where I picked up the importance of accounting as a common language in the business world. I discovered that accounting training, ethical principles and analytical thinking skills are valuable for companies across all industries. I decided to study accounting as a second major in my bachelor’s degree. This opened my eyes to the impact accountants have in the business world in terms of internal control, preventing fraud, and safeguarding the interests of stakeholders as an independent third-party. The professional work experience in EY and the comprehensive Qualification Programme of the Institute provided me with the opportunity to deepen my knowledge, enhance my technical skills, and develop a strong ethical foundation. Both experiences further strengthened my aspiration to become a CPA.
Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years in your career?
I’m passionate about continuing my career in the public sector and leveraging my expertise in land management to contribute to community development. Moving forward, I would like to take on expanded roles in the areas of land enforcement and land acquisition, and continue learning. By constantly expanding my knowledge and skills, I will be better equipped to address emerging challenges and contribute innovative solutions to land management issues. Also, in order to maintain technical accounting expertise and remain effective in my role, I’m keen on staying updated with the latest accounting standards and practices through professional development events and webinars.
What are the biggest lessons you have learnt so far from work experience or managers?
I have gained invaluable insights into managing time and people effectively. One of the most significant lessons is the importance of prioritizing tasks and fostering collaboration among team members. For instance, when I worked at the firm, I had to put in extra hours in order to complete Hong Kong and United States tax filings within tight deadlines, particularly during peak seasons. This experience taught me the significance of prioritizing urgent tasks to fulfill the expectations of both seniors and clients. Recognizing which tasks required immediate attention allowed me to allocate my time and resources accordingly, ensuring that critical deadlines were met. This not only boosted my productivity but also minimized the chances of delays. Additionally, collaboration with team members and effective communication is important for achieving desired outcomes. As a supervisor of land inspectors, I understand the importance of providing clear and direct instructions to subordinates, and how it empowers my team to carry out their tasks effectively.
