Students from College of Business certified in ESG Development for Banking

With a rapidly growing demand for sustainability professionals equipped with ESG knowledge and experience in Hong Kong, the College of Business (CB) has taken a proactive approach by collaborating with The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) to introduce a 3-day Certification of ESG Development for Banking programme. The programme was specifically designed for undergraduate students in their third and fourth years. The March 2024 programme marked the third consecutive year of collaboration between CB and HKIB, with an impressive participation record of 80 students. The training programme, supported by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), witnessed over 91% of the participating students successfully obtaining the ESG Development for Banking certification, certified by HKIB.

The programme consists of training modules on ESG development trends, ESG product development and a comparison of climate risk and traditional risk in banking. The recent programme was conducted by Professor Pascal Vuichard and by Mr Duncan Tang, both of HKIB.

This collaboration aims to address the industry's need for a new generation of skilled ESG professionals while enhancing the employability of students. The programme provides students with insights into the latest developments in ESG within the banking sector, including climate change effects, climate risks, and real-life case studies from current market trends. By participating in this training programme, students were able to supplement their business curriculum with practical ESG knowledge relevant to banking and also had the opportunity to obtain the certificate from HKIB.

Wing-sze Chan, a BBA Finance student, said, “As the demand for sustainable finance professionals grows, doors open to roles related to ESG analysis, responsible investing, and sustainable business practices. The integration of ESG principles into my expertise broadens my career opportunities and positions me at the forefront of a burgeoning field.”

Suet-yi Tang, a BBA Accountancy student, shared, “To pursue a career in commercial banking, developing expertise in ESG integration can enhance my career prospects and add value to the changing industry landscape. Moreover, acquiring a deep understanding of ESG risks and implications for the banking sector can position me as a subject matter expert.”