Pasinee Chariyatantiwate (MAcc 2024)

Pasinee Chariyatantiwate still remembers the moment she stepped into CUHK Business School Master of Accountancy (MAcc) programme—with a mix of excitement and curiosity about where the journey would lead. Today, she looks back with gratitude at how the programme shaped her both personally and professionally.

Academic Experience and Support:
“Many courses integrate global real-world cases that challenge students to apply accounting principles to complex business situations across industries and markets,” she shares. The MAcc curriculum struck a balance between rigor and practicality. Pasinee particularly valued its real-world approach—case-based learning and electives like ESG Accounting and Data-Driven Accounting Information deepened her understanding of how sustainability and analytics are reshaping the audit profession.

The support from faculty went far beyond academics. Career services—including CV reviews, mock interviews, and career fairs offered by Career Development and Corporate Engagement Office—played a key role in helping her secure opportunities in Hong Kong. The MAcc degree also positioned her to qualify for exemptions from ten papers in the HKICPA Associate Level module, accelerating her progress toward professional certification and strengthening her foundation for further development.

Memorable Highlights:
One of Pasinee’s most unforgettable experiences was the accounting field trip to Japan. Visits to Mizuho Bank and Kao Corporation offered a firsthand look at global business practices, while cultural exchanges and lectures broadened her perspective and strengthened her cross-cultural communication skills.

On campus, Pasinee embraced opportunities that enriched her learning beyond the classroom. Working as a research assistant sharpened her analytical and communication skills—abilities she continues to apply in her career. Small group lunches with professors and mentor-mentee dinners created space for meaningful conversations and guidance.

She was particularly impressed by the strong mentorship culture and personal support systems throughout the programme. “Their firsthand insights were not only inspiring but also offered practical advice on navigating both studies and the workplace—helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional development.” Pasinee shares. A standout moment was the mentor-mentee dinner, where alumni shared their academic and career journeys, providing guidance that continues to influence her professional path.

A Journey of Growth
For Pasinee, studying at MAcc was more than an academic chapter—it was a journey of growth, purpose, and connection. The MAcc programme equipped her with the tools to navigate a rapidly evolving industry and the confidence to shape her future. Building on this foundation, she later pursued further studies to continue advancing her professional journey.

Louis Liu (MAcc 2024)

Louis Liu, general ledger accountant (Film & Television) at Tencent Group, regarded Hong Kong as a unique crossroads of global finance and cultural diversity—a prime gateway to multinational firms and diverse business opportunities. This perspective drew him to MAcc programme at CUHK Business School, where he came to appreciate how the programme support career mobility- not only across borders, but also across industries.

Developing a Strong and Adaptable Accounting Foundation
Louis was particularly impressed by how the MAcc curriculum brought classroom theory to life through up-to-date, real-world corporate case studies. “The business scenarios we studied often reflected current industry developments, pushing us to think critically about risk management, ethical challenges, and strategic decision-making,” he recalls. This foundation proved essential as he moved through different professional environments.

One standout course, Comparative Financial Reporting, proved especially impactful. It examined how accounting standards are influenced by cultural and regional differences, sharpening his ability to analyse variances between local practices and IFRS. This deeper understanding became a key strength during interviews, setting him apart and helping secure his position at a leading multinational technology company.

Today, Louis’s work focuses on a very different set of challenges. His role evaluates account solutions for a wide range of content projects, including dramas, documentaries, films, and reality shows. Each project has its own cost structure, revenue pattern, and risk profile. Louis draws on the MAcc’s strong grounding in accounting principles and professional judgement to assess appropriate treatments for production costs, revenues, and intangible assets such as intellectual property. The analytical thinking cultivated during the programme enables him to adapt accounting frameworks to industry specific scenarios that require careful evaluation rather than standardised reporting.

Beyond the Classroom: Supportive Faculty and Career Momentum
Louis greatly valued the professors’ commitment to going beyond traditional lectures. They engaged actively with students, simplifying complex topics and ensuring everyone grasped the concepts. Their support extended far beyond academics—one professor even arranged mock interviews to prepare students for job applications, a gesture that left a lasting impression on Louis and his classmates.

Career development formed a cornerstone of the experience. Networking events, alumni connections, and industry workshops provided clear insights into the job market and boosted his confidence in charting his professional path. “The alumni network fosters enduring relationships and offers ongoing guidance for young professionals facing early-career hurdles,” Louis shares. “Whether for internships or full-time roles, the support has been incredibly helpful.”

Louis is also particularly grateful for the many group assignments and projects that required teamwork and critical thinking across different tasks. These experiences significantly strengthened his communication skills, especially in cross-departmental and collaborative settings—abilities he continues to draw on in his role at Tencent.

Bridging Theory and Practice in a Global, Tech-driven World
Reflecting on his MAcc journey, Louis credits the programme for seamlessly connecting academic foundations with real-world application, while delivering rich professional knowledge tailored to the financial sector.

For Louis, the programme cultivate a mindset of continuous learning—encouraging graduates to stay responsive to industry change, technological advancement, and new business models. Whether operating within a multinational environment or a content driven industry, he finds the MAcc experience consistently relevant in shaping how he approaches new challenges.

The MAcc’s strong emphasis on technical expertise, international perspective, and industry connectivity has proven invaluable in navigating these multifaceted responsibilities. Ultimately, the programme went far beyond teaching accounting principles—it prepared Louis to thrive in a dynamic, tech-driven, and globally interconnected business world.

Yaoxin Fang (MScASI 2024)

Yaoxin leveraged CUHK Business School’s MSc in Actuarial Science and Insurance Analytics (MScASI) programme to transition into a career where quantitative rigor meets real-world impact. Today, as an Actuarial Pricing Executive at AXA Health International, she applies predictive modeling and risk assessment to design pricing strategies that shape the future of health insurance.

Academic Experience and Learning
“The programme provided a structured and comprehensive foundation in actuarial knowledge, especially for students like me coming from a non-actuarial background,” she shares. With the curriculum closely aligned with SOA exam content and offering valuable exemptions, the MScASI programme gave Yaoxin—graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in Singapore—a clear pathway toward professional certification and a smooth transition into the insurance industry.

This strong academic framework was complemented by an engaging learning environment. Small class sizes encouraged collaboration and open discussion, while actuarial courses such as Life Contingencies, Risk Theory, and Loss Modeling built a strong technical base. At the same time, modules on predictive modeling and insurance analytics equipped her with data-driven problem-solving skills essential for today’s evolving industry.

Memorable Learning Moments
One standout experience was a hands-on project analyzing real-life insurance contracts. “Through practical projects using real insurance contracts, I gained valuable experience applying statistical techniques to solve business problems,” she recalls. The experience strengthened not only her technical proficiency but also her ability to communicate complex analytical findings to non technical stakeholders—a critical skill for actuarial professionals. This blend of practical application naturally extended beyond the classroom; through career fairs and company visits, she gained valuable industry exposure and deeper insights into corporate culture and recruitment expectations.

Bridging Education and Career
In her current role at AXA Health International, Yaoxin conducts actuarial analyses, develops predictive models, and supports product pricing and risk assessment. She is motivated by the opportunity to apply quantitative methods to solve real world business challenges—particularly in insurance, where data driven decisions directly influence customer outcomes and company performance.

Looking Ahead
She sees the insurance industry embracing advanced analytics, AI, and personalized products to enhance underwriting, pricing, and customer experience. Regulatory demands around risk management and capital efficiency will continue to drive innovation.
The MScASI programme equipped her with both a strong actuarial foundation and cutting-edge analytical skills, positioning her to thrive in this dynamic landscape.

Simran Kalathiya (MScBA 2025)

Simran was driven by a curiosity about how data can solve complex problems and inform smarter business decisions—and a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to strategy and innovation—Simran Kalathiya, now a Senior Consultant at KPMG, chose CUHK Business School MSc in Business Analytics (MScBA) programme. This decision was about more than gaining technical skills; it was about learning to lead with data.

From Theory to Real-World Impact
MScBA empowered Simran to move beyond theory into real-world challenges. Courses in Python, machine learning, and artificial intelligence built a strong technical foundation, while business-focused modules taught practical applications in areas like market forecasting and operational efficiency. “The hands-on approach was a game-changer—it showed me how analytics can solve real business problems with precision and creativity,” She shares. The faculty’s ability to connect academic depth with industry relevance made the learning experience both rigorous and inspiring.

Memorable Learning Moments
One standout experience was an industry sharing session at Disneyland, where Simran met Henry Wong, Principal Architect of Data Science. “Hearing how data enhances guest experiences and operational flow was eye-opening—it showed me the human impact of analytics at scale,” She recalls.

Another highlight was the Oliver Wyman Impact Hong Kong 2025 case competition where Simran and the team tackled supply chain inefficiencies using real-world data. This challenge sharpened analytical thinking and reinforced the importance of collaboration and resilience.

Career Support that Makes a Difference
“The guidance and networking opportunities gave me confidence to transition from student to a professional,” Simran indicates how CUHK Business School’s career support played a pivotal role in Simran’s development. From one-on-one professor consultations to access to GPU resources for machine learning projects, the programme provided both academic and practical tools for success. Career Fairs were particularly impactful, offering Simran the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and gain insights into company cultures and expectations. These interactions helped her understand what employers value and how to position herself effectively.

Looking Ahead
Today, as a Senior Consultant at KPMG, she focuses on leveraging data analytics to strategically enhance the process, capabilities and performance of Financial Companies. The rise of AI and its integration into business—from refining financial processes to enhancing customer engagement—makes this an exciting and impactful field. “MScBA didn’t just teach me how to analyze data—it taught me how to think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead with insight,” she reflects. For her, the MScBA programme transformed curiosity into a capability and empowered a vision to make meaningful impact in a data-driven world.

Jasmine Li (MScFIN 2024)

Jasmine Li (MScFIN, 2024) transformed her passion for social equity into a career shaping sustainable finance and innovation. Her journey from journalism to corporate venture capital reflects how CUHK Business School empowers professionals to bridge disciplines and drive impact.

From Storytelling to Capital Flows
Her transition began with a realization: financial systems dictate resource distribution. Determined to understand these mechanisms, she pursued the MSc in Finance programme for its global reputation, flexible curriculum, and strong career support. She was also awarded a one-third tuition fee scholarship, a testament to her outstanding potential and commitment to driving impact through finance. “The curriculum’s flexibility allows me to prioritize corporate finance courses while gaining technical skills through Python programming electives,” she explains.

Courses such as Sustainable Finance provided insights into ESG investing and valuation, while international experiences—including an exchange in London Business School and a field trip to Mannheim Business School—expanded her understanding of how global corporations integrate sustainability into their strategies.

Beyond the Classroom
Career resources at CUHK played a pivotal role in Jasmine’s transition. One-on-one coaching helped her translate journalism skills into finance competencies, while tailored mock interviews prepared her for top-tier institutions. Workshops on resume refinement and technical interviews, combined with alumni networking, gave her practical insights and connections. The negotiation guidance and compensation data further supported her during job offers, ensuring she was strategically prepared. “This was particularly helpful when I was navigating the final stages of job offers under the IANG visa scheme,” she recalls. These resources empowered her to secure a role in corporate venture capital and thrive in ESG-focused finance.

Bridging Theory and Practice for Global Impact
Today, Jasmine works in the corporate venture capital arm of a leading Hong Kong utility, focusing on ESG and new energy investments. Her role spans startup sourcing, due diligence, and strategic partnerships—turning innovation into scalable solutions.

Looking ahead, she views ESG venture capital as a powerful driver of global transformation. Rather than focusing solely on funding, her work emphasizes building ecosystems, integrating policy, and accelerating technology adoption. MScFin served as the launchpad for her career at the intersection of finance and impact, equipping her with the skills and perspective to lead in this dynamic space.

Roopali Arora (MScFIN 2020)

Roopali Arora (MScFIN, 2020) leveraged CUHK Business School’s MSc in Finance programme to build a career on the buy side, where communication and strategy converge. Today, as an Investor Relations Associate at a multi-strategy hedge fund, she plays a pivotal role in managing stakeholder relationships and articulating complex investment strategies to global investors.

Academic Experience and Learning
The programme offered a strong balance of technical knowledge and practical application. Courses such as Venture Capital and Private Equity and Behavioral Finance gave her a deeper understanding of private markets and investor psychology—skills that now shape her approach to investor communication and relationship management. Guest lectures and industry interactions added real-world perspectives, helping her connect classroom concepts to market realities.

Pre-term courses provided an early introduction to the curriculum and helped her build connections with classmates and faculty before classes began. These sessions laid the foundation for a collaborative learning environment. The Orientation Dinner was another highlight, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of community that enriched her overall experience at MScFIN.

Bridging Education and Career
In her current role, Roopali supports investor reporting, marketing, and fundraising while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The position demands clarity in communication and a strong grasp of market dynamics—competencies she honed during her time at MScFIN.

Looking ahead, she anticipates investor education becoming increasingly important. “Funds need to clearly articulate how their strategies can contribute to investors’ portfolios, making investor education a priority in the fundraising process.” Her experience at MScFIN equipped her with the tools to navigate this evolving landscape and thrive in a role that connects investors to opportunities.

Ken Tang (MScISTM 2024)

In today’s globalised, knowledge-based economy, mastery of integrating technology with business strategy is essential for long-term professional success. The Master of Science in Information Science and Technology Management (MScISTM) at CUHK Business School combines practical knowledge of information science and technology with core business management principles. Ken Tang (MScISTM 2024), now a Management Trainee in the Retail Banking Division at Dah Sing Bank, demonstrates how the programme cultivates lasting competitiveness in a fast-changing banking landscape.

From Accounting to Fintech – a Purposeful Career Transition
Coming from an accounting background, Ken recognised the rising importance of technology during an internship. “I was involved in several FinTech projects, and both colleagues and supervisors advised me to strengthen my technical skills to stay competitive in this transforming industry,” he recalls.

What set the MScISTM apart for Ken was its thoughtful design tailored to young professionals seeking to enhance their business and technology knowledge. As Hong Kong’s first programme jointly delivered by the Business School and the Faculty of Engineering, MScISTM offers genuine flexibility for students to customise their mix of technical and managerial courses. “The curriculum integrates managerial and technical perspectives seamlessly, making my move from accounting to a technology-oriented business role remarkably smooth,” he explains.

Practical skills for immediate impact
Ken credits the programme’s strongly applied learning approach, which played a key role in his professional transformation. Students move beyond theory to tackle real business challenges using authentic data and industry cases. “We worked directly with real company datasets, helping us see how digital strategies are executed at scale”. These hands-on skills now support Ken’s day to day work in retail banking, where he applies statistical analysis to evaluate branch performance, customer satisfaction, and financial products adoption.

Ken also chose Project Management as an elective, gaining essential abilities in time management, resource allocation, and overseeing concurrent projects—skills vital for his current management track role. Courses such as Machine Learning for Business I and Strategic Information Systems sharpened his analytical and problem-solving expertise.
The programme’s learning environment further enhanced his learning experience. “With around 30 students in a class, lectures became interactive discussions rather than one-way teaching,” he recalls. Faculty members were approachable and frequently incorporated real industry cases, enabling students to better understand how digital strategies are implemented across different sectors.

Field trips and alumni insights broaden horizons
Beyond the classroom, the business field study trip to Singapore gave Ken exposure to global business practices across investment banking, logistics, entrepreneurship, and regulatory bodies. “These visits significantly widened my perspective on global business,” he reflects. “They encouraged me to approach banking innovations beyond local contexts.” These insights continue to shape Ken’s approach in retail banking, where understanding diverse customer needs, global market trends, and digital innovation strategies is essential.

Complementing by sharing sessions featuring MScISTM alumni working in Hong Kong’s digital finance sector, these conversations helped Ken refine his career direction and underscored the importance of adaptability, an essential mindset for navigating the rapidly evolving banking landscape.

Well-equipped for a technology-led future
Armed with the strong foundation in technology management and business strategy, Ken confidently applies his MScISTM training daily in Dah Sing Bank —optimising operations and supporting the delivery customer-centric financial services. As the industry evolves towards greater technological integration and personalised digital experiences, Ken is well-positioned to grow alongside the industry’s digital transformation.

Eric Wu (MiM 2023)

In today's fast-paced and complex business landscape, managers must be equipped to navigate uncertainty and lead effectively. The MSc in Management (MiM) programme at CUHK Business School is designed to equip students to drive innovation and lead their industries forward. Eric Wu (MiM 2023) demonstrates how the programme sharpened his strategic mindset and technical fluency, developing him into a well-rounded management professional for the digital age.

Building Management Expertise through Rigorous Courses
Having worked across cybersecurity, digital transformation, and technology risk consulting, Eric Wu sought to advance his skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and bridging technical expertise with business impact. He chose CUHK Business School's MiM programme as the perfect fit. "Its practical approach, diverse cohort, and strong industry connections—especially in finance and technology—made it stand out from other similar programmes," he shares.

Eric appreciated the MiM curriculum's rigorous focus on ever-evolving trends and technologies. He found particular value in courses like Business Analytics and Digital Innovation, Strategic Management for Competitive Advantages, and FinTech Analytics. These built his understanding of how organisations respond to evolving risks and market shifts, strengthening his abilities in risk assessment and strategic decision-making. These foundations proved instrumental in his career trajectory.
After graduating, Eric advanced from a cyber technology analysis role into technology risk management, focusing on IT risk assessment, security evaluation, and analysing emerging cybersecurity and fintech trends within the banking sector.

Hands-on Experiences that Mirror Real-World Consulting
The programme’s experiential learning approach was especially impactful. The Capstone Project—a two-week immersive study trip to Singapore —stood out for Eric. The MiM students crafted innovative solutions, presenting actionable recommendations directly to the senior management of a leading multi-family office. "It was a defining moment," Eric reflects. "Analysing complex problems, structuring evidence based assessments, and delivering clear advisories mirrored exactly what I do in technology risk managementat BOCHK."

Gaining Cutting-Edge Industry Insights
Eric also drew inspiration from the annual MiM Forum. Engaging with prominent industry leaders gave him valuable insights into innovation trends and technological advancements in Hong Kong. "The forum provided timely updates on what’s happening in the industry, helping me stay current," he says.

Beyond the forum, the personalised career development support also helped him clarify his professional direction and align his strengths with industry needs. A coffee chat with Programme Director – Prof. Dora Lau, paired with the career fairs, mock interview sessions, and CV-revision workshops hosted by CUHK Business School Career Development and Corporate Engagement Office, equipped him with practical guidance, interview skills and a deeper understanding of the industry outlook.

Empowering Success in a Technology-Driven World
In reflection, Eric credits his growth to the MiM programme's blend of practical, strategic frameworks, and industry exposure for accelerating his growth. The skills and mindset he gained at CUHK Business School empower him to excel as a technology risk professional, delivering meaningful solutions amid rapid digital transformation.

For Eric, the MiM programme went beyond a management degree—it was a launchpad for navigating complex risk challenges and thriving in an era of digital innovation.

Zoey Zhou (MScMKT 2025)

Effective marketing in today’s e-commerce era requires blending data analytics with strategic consumer insight. The MSc in Marketing (MScMKT) programme at CUHK Business School cultivates future marketing leaders through a curriculum blending theory and practice, tradition and technology, intuition and analytics, and local insight with global vision. Zoey Zhou (MScMKT 2025) exemplifies how the programme empowers students to excel in real world roles—enabling her to manage end-to-end category lifecycles in Purchasing & Merchandising at JINGDONG (JD.com).

Building a Strong Foundation in Data Analytics and Strategy
When Zoey enrolled in the CUHK MScMKT programme, she aimed to strengthen her expertise in data analysis and strategic marketing. The curriculum delivered a strong foundation in strategic marketing thinking while offering the flexibility to specialise in a concentration about marketing analytics and data-driven decision-making.

Courses like Customer Analytics sharpened her ability to interpret consumer behaviour through advanced data models and generate actionable insights. Other courses in brand management, consumer behaviour, and integrated marketing communications enabled her to blend “data logic” with “brand expression”—a perfect alignment with the industry’s shift toward rational, data-informed decisions paired with emotional resonance.

These skills now directly fuel her role at JD.com, where she oversees procurement, merchandising strategies and data-driven demand forecasting to optimise performance in a fiercely competitive platform environment.

Gaining Global Perspectives Through Exchange
A defining experience for Zoey’s MScMKT journey was her semester exchange at ESSEC Business School in France. Building on the programme’s strong foundation in data-driven marketing, the exchange sharpened her expertise in luxury brand operations, retail management systems, and customer experience design from a global viewpoint. This experience deepened her insights into how data driven logic connects with channel strategy and customer experience.

Interacting with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds strengthened her adaptability across markets. “This experience not only broadened my international perspective but also reinforced that career growth is an ongoing journey of exploration,” she reflects. She credits MScMKT for providing both the academic grounding and the global platform that enabled her to step beyond the classroom and discover a clearer sense of direction.

Real-world Application and Personalised Guidance
Zoey highlights the personalised support from the faculty and the MScMKT programme team was invaluable. Professors offered tailored guidance on both academic and career guidance, combining lectures with in-depth case analysis and guest speakers from industry.

Many faculty members brought international research perspectives and extensive real-world business experience, making complex concepts accessible through practical examples. This helped Zoey translate theory into actionable business strategies.

“Despite being leading figures in their fields, the professors are remarkably approachable. They encourage participation, respond promptly to emails, and patiently address questions. This creates the perfect balance of rigorous academic standards and personalised care.”

The programme also facilitated connections with MScMKT alumni. Through this strong network, Zoey received invaluable interview tips and role-specific advice from alumni working at JD.com, which helped her stand out during recruitment.

The Foundation for Lifelong Professional Growth
The MScMKT programme armed Zoey with robust analytics capabilities, a strategic business mindset, and a valuable professional network. This foundation enabled her transition from brand marketing-focused roles to a holistic position at JD.com, where she now manages full category lifecycles and drives platform-led retail innovation. “The programme gave me the confidence to thrive in fast-paced, data-intensive environments,” Zoey concludes, underscoring its lasting influence on her career path.

Sean Liu (MRE 2024)

Unique in Asia, CUHK Business School MSc in Real Estate (MRE) programme brings together multidisciplinary expertise spanning real estate, business, and hospitality. For Sean Liu, the programme sparked a passion for research and led directly to his role as a Senior Analyst at CBRE.

A finance background meets real estate in practice
With a finance degree, Sean initially envisioned a traditional finance career. Yet through his studies and early internships, he recognised the strategic role of real estate as an asset class. This insight steered him towards the MRE programme as the ideal pathway to commercial property.
The programme combines robust theory with practical application through an economics‑grounded real estate curriculum, offering both technical depth and industry relevance that support Sean to thrive in the industry.

Industry-Focused Teaching that Engages and Inspires
Reflecting the days in MRE, Sean particularly valued the practical, industry-focused teaching. Professors frequently drew on extensive professional experience, illustrating concepts with real-world examples. Interactive elements—such as Kahoot! quizzes in class and thoughtful post-presentation discussions —created an engaging learning environment that encouraged critical thinking and deeper analysis.

A defining moment came during a research-led course taught by Prof Desmond Tsang, who shared his research in class and showed how academic frameworks and analytical thinking can inform real world practices. This reshaped Sean’s understanding of the industry, highlighting the role of rigorous research in professional decision making. Sean went on to take up a part time Research Assistant role at CUHK Business School, where he was exposed to a wide range of research topics and methodologies. “The exposure in research topics and methodologies really helped me stand out in CBRE interviews,” he says.

Together, these interaction-based learning experiences and rigorous academic exchange sharpened Sean’s skills in communication, synthesis and organisation skills, providing him with a strong foundation for his current role in property research.

Real‑World Learning through Industry Projects and Networks
Strong industry connections added further value. Through the programme network, Sean joined workshops, mentorship, recruitment events, and practical projects. A highlight was the ULI Workshop - teams proposed renovation ideas and presented to industry mentors. The candid feedback focused on commercial viability and feasibility over flashy concepts, offered valuable insight into real world decision making. “It really sharpened my understanding of industry priorities.” Sean notes.

In addition, the support from CUHK Business School Career Development and Corporate Engagement Office —including CV, interview workshops and recruitment talks—helped Sean polish his applications and explore varied career paths.
Today, Sean is part of CBRE’s APAC research team, focusing on the office sector. He produces quarterly market reports, coordinates regional data, and contributes to thought-leadership publications. The role demands sharp analysis, clear multi-market summaries, and effective communication—skills he credits to the MRE training.

Looking Back: the MRE’s Lasting Impact
Sean’s journey illustrates how the MRE programme prepares graduates not only for roles in property, but for cross sector careers. The programme equipped him with analytical rigour, strong communication skills, and deep industry insight for today’s fast-evolving real estate sector. Its multi-disciplinary blend exposed him to diverse career paths in commercial property and prepared him to address emerging trends such as asset revitalisation and rental market optimisation.

Scarlett Li (MScSGB 2025)

With a background in marketing, Scarlett Li set out to align her career with a broader purpose. At CUHK Business School, the MSc in Sustainable Global Business (MScSGB) programme provided structured academic training alongside strong industry and career support, enabling her to successfully transition into the ESG field. Her journey into ESG consulting reflects how the programme equips students to navigate evolving career pathways with clarity and direction.

Strategic Sustainability Through Cross Disciplinary Learning
“I realised I could combine my marketing background with ESG knowledge to promote awareness and action.” Scarlett reflects, marking the moment she decided to pursue the MScSGB.

The programme provided a strong foundation for Scarlett’s transition. Its interdisciplinary structure—electives across strategic sustainability management, sustainable finance, environmental policy, and frontier technology topics—enabled her to develop a holistic understanding of ESG in business. Through courses such as ESG & Accounting, Supply Chain Sustainability, Corporate Sustainability, and Brand Communication, she built both technical expertise and strategic insights to translate sustainability performance into business insights.

Equally important, the curriculum emphasised practical application. By working with real ESG reports and business scenarios, Scarlett developed the ability to approach complex challenges with structure, adaptability, and critical thinking—skills that now underpin her professional work.

Bringing Theory into Practice: From Local to Global
One of Scarlett’s most impactful experiences was the Kerry Properties Award presentation competition, part of the Strategic Management in Sustainability course. Working in teams, students analysed a real company’s ESG practices and proposed practical sustainability solutions.

Through site visits, research, and collaboration, Scarlett translated classroom frameworks into actionable recommendations. Her team’s achievement as champion reflected both the quality of their analysis and the programme’s emphasis on real world relevance.

Scarlett’s learning extended globally through the Sustainability Field Trip course to Singapore. Visiting companies and engaging in academic exchanges, she gained exposure to international ESG frameworks and cross border challenges. This experience strengthened her ability to assess sustainability issues from both local and global perspectives.

Guided by Industry and Mentorship
A distinctive strength of MScSGB lies in its strong industry network and mentorship ecosystem. Through the Programme Advisory Committee and regular interaction with sustainability leaders, students gain access to industry insights and professional guidance.

Guest speakers and sharing sessions provided Scarlett with a clearer understanding of current ESG practices and expectations. These interactions not only shaped her career outlook but also helped build connections that eventually led to her current role.

Applying Learning in Practice
Today, as an ESG Reporting Services Consultant at Ascent Partners Advisory, Scarlett brings together the capabilities developed during her MScSGB studies. Her work involves conducting ESG research, analysing sustainability data, and supporting organisations in developing reporting systems and aligning with regulatory standards.

Looking ahead, Scarlett views her career as an ongoing process of growth and contribution. “I want to keep learning, keep improving, and continue doing work that makes a difference.” she shares.

A Platform for Purpose‑Driven Careers
Scarlett’s experience highlights the core strength of the MScSGB programme: its ability to empower graduates for dynamic, sustainability focused careers. By integrating interdisciplinary learning, industry engagement, and global exposure, the programme equips graduates with both the capabilities and the perspective to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable business.

For those seeking to build a career in sustainable business, MScSGB provides a strong foundation for long term growth and impact.