As sustainability takes the world by storm, two alumnae from Environmental Management and Technology program (EVMT) are leading the charge in this burgeoning field. Serena WONG (Class of 2016) and Michelle FOK (Class of 2014) have each carved out impressive careers, applying the interdisciplinary expertise they gained in EVMT to drive impactful sustainability initiatives.

Serena, now the Deputy Head of Asia Purpose & Sustainability at Veolia, found her true passion of advancing sustainability back in EVMT. The program's broad curriculum, combining science, engineering, business, and social sciences, has equipped Serena with the diverse knowledge to excel in roles ranging from startups to the Sustainability Office at CUHK, and now at the international environmental solutions provider Veolia. “Thanks to EVMT’s interdisciplinary nature, we may choose to focus more on either technology or business. It allows us to build skills to navigate in different fields and gain a broad range of knowledge, which have helped prepare us for different career paths,” Serena explained.

Similarly, Michelle, now the Head of Sustainable Development at Cathay Subsidiary Services, was drawn to EVMT's interdisciplinary approach. The program's flexibility allowed her to tailor her interests and take subjects such as environmental engineering, science and economics. She also appreciates the ample opportunities for hands-on learning and outdoor activities. Michelle even co-founded a startup designing interactive games to promote environmental education, which is supported by the EVMT community. “During my startup, professors and classmates were always willing to lend a helping hand whenever we needed it. Environmental management is not a one-person job, and it is only through collaborative efforts that we can truly improve the environment. Today, we EVMT graduates are working in different companies, yet we still help and support each other in our work, leveraging our synergies to make a positive impact on society,” Michelle added.

EVMT has equipped its graduates, like Serena and Michelle, with the necessary knowledge and capabilities to excel in the fast-changing field of sustainability. Accredited by Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals (HKIQEP), the program's cross-disciplinary curriculum, strong industry ties, and collaborative learning atmosphere have given these alumni the versatile skillsets and cooperative mindset required to drive impactful sustainability initiatives. EVMT alumni, as a new generation of sustainability leaders, are poised to shape a greener future for Hong Kong and beyond.

Click here to read the original article on HK01 in Chinese