On October 2nd, CIS Alumni gathered for an enlightening discussion with industry experts Adriel Chan ’00 and Stephanie Lo ’00. Moderated by Raymond Kwok ’97, co-chair of the Alumni Board, the conversation covered Hong Kong’s evolving real estate landscape, sustainability trends, and its future as a global hub.
Retail Sales and Financial Challenges
The speakers highlighted the stagnation in Hong Kong retail sales over the past 12-18 months, influenced by increased travel to Shenzhen and the reopened China border. Despite recent declines in real estate prices, Hong Kong remains attractive to world-class talent due to its low tax base and liquid market. The city’s unique cultural content and diverse uses are unparalleled compared to other world cities
Sustainability and Innovation
A key theme was sustainability. The speakers emphasised the importance of green leases with contractual sustainability metrics, the need for climate-adaptive infrastructure, and how green spaces enhance urban resilience.
Opportunities for Young Professionals
Finally, the speakers provided valuable advice for young professionals. They emphasised the wealth of opportunities in China’s real estate market, particularly in second and third-tier cities. Employers value character traits such as grit, resilience, and a willingness to embrace challenges—qualities often more critical than educational degrees.
Hong Kong’s Cultural Renaissance
The talk concluded on an optimistic note, highlighting Hong Kong’s cultural renaissance. The return of international galleries and events like Art Basel are pivotal for the city’s recovery and future growth.
The real estate talk provided CIS Alumni with a comprehensive overview of Hong Kong’s current market conditions, sustainability trends, and future opportunities. By leveraging its unique strengths and embracing innovation, Hong Kong can navigate its challenges and continue to thrive as a global hub. We hope you found the talk as valuable and inspiring as we did. Your continued support for the Alumni Career Development Program is immensely appreciated, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting opportunities and events soon.
