A wake-up call

During my tenure as CEO of CapitaLand Ascott Trust Management Ltd (CLAS), an investor asked what we were actively doing in terms of sustainability. It was a pivotal moment that made me realise sustainability is not just a buzzword. Rather, sustainability is a significant aspect of our business – and I could see we needed more disclosure, enhanced transparency, and to demonstrate our dedication to responsible business operations.

Aligning vision with action

My initial sustainability vision for CLAS was to align our operations with CapitaLand's Sustainability Masterplan, integrating our efforts with the broader framework, which included well-defined objectives and strategies.

A strong foundation

Fortunately, we had a strong foundation to build upon. CapitaLand's Sustainability masterplan encompassed energy efficiency, waste reduction, responsible sourcing, and social wellbeing of our communities, etc. In 2021, our efforts were rewarded. Ascott Residence Trust was recognised for outstanding leadership in sustainability, was awarded a 4-star rating in GRESB 2021, and scored ‘A’ for public disclosure.

Progressing together

The process of achieving this designation called for collaboration, and we worked closely with various departments to fulfil the requirements. Having the right people in the team makes all the difference. Of course, we encountered challenges along the way. But these reinforced a philosophy I hold dear: "Baby Steps". I firmly believe in taking small steps towards a goal. Progress, even if imperfect, is still progress. It's about getting started and learning along the way. No one achieves perfection on day one, and it is crucial to accept this. It is the accumulation of those small steps, and the lessons learned from them that ultimately lead to significant strides forward.

Progress vs. Perfection

By embracing the ethos of "Progress versus Perfection" and recognising the value of every small achievement, we were able to achieve recognition as a global leader in sustainability.

Translating sustainability into strategy

Being the first in the global hospitality trust sector to issue a sustainability-linked bond showcased our leadership and commitment to sustainability. It signalled that bold actions could set new industry standards and inspire others to follow. My background in accounting has equipped me with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to analyse sustainability data and make data-driven decisions. My experience as a CFO has allowed me to translate sustainability goals into financial terms, which can gain buy-in from stakeholders.

Passion builds credibility

However, it is my genuine passion for sustainability that has given me credibility as a CSFO. Being well-supported by a collaborative team of experts has bridged any knowledge gaps I may have. My own career experience highlights how a qualification in accounting opens doors to international career opportunities, making accounting an attractive choice for anyone looking to work in different countries and industries.

Working smarter

I believe that working smarter is about optimising our approach to work, to maximise results while maintaining a healthy work-life balance – and that’s essential to prevent burnout and ensure your career remains sustainable over the long term.

A means to an end

To ensure I am working smarter, I always ask “why” before diving into a task. Understanding the purpose and importance of a task helps me prioritise and focus on what truly matters. Other steps matter too. Recognise when tasks can be delegated to others. Delegating lightens your workload but also empowers your team and promotes their development.

Future-proofing through collaboration

Work collaboratively. Share knowledge and resources to achieve common goals more efficiently. Stay updated. Continuous learning ensures you remain relevant and can adopt more efficient methods. Build a strong professional network. It opens opportunities, provides insights, and connects you with mentors or advisors. Most importantly, have a positive attitude. Be willing to do more and learn more to future-proof your career.