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Post Date: 11 June 2025 Celebrating 15 Years of ENVR: A Visionary BeginningThe Division of the Environment and Sustainability (ENVR) is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this year. Prof. Alexis LAU, Head and Chair Professor of the Division of Environment and Sustainability remarked that, looking back nearly two decades, ENVR team envisioned early on that the environmental and sustainability challenges we face today would demand innovative solutions. “As a business-oriented society, Hong Kong has a growing demand for ‘going green’ in the business sector. This vision embarked ENVR on a bold and interdisciplinary initiative: to create a program that not only fosters an understanding of environmental science and management but also equips students with essential business skills, so that they can recommend sustainable environmental solutions to be implemented in the business sector.” This vision led to the founding of the first “Environment x Business” undergraduate program, fostering future environmental and sustainability leaders to play a significant role in the evolution to a greener corporate world.
15 years of unwavering support from HKUST Prof. LAU is thankful to HKUST for its continued support over the past fifteen years, “With the unwavering support of the University, the Division was officially inaugurated in 2010, and successfully launched this pioneering undergraduate program, BSc in Environmental Management and Technology (EVMT), which is the first undergraduate program in Hong Kong integrating business acumen with environmental management and technology. It is also the first undergraduate program accredited by the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals (HKIQEP) since 2020. By incorporating business principles from the very beginning, many EVMT graduates have thrived in the business sector, contributing to green projects and initiatives that promote sustainability over the years. Of course, geopolitics is also important in shaping current environmental policies and practices.”
Interdisciplinary knowledge in tackling future complex issues Prof. LAU pointed out that there are many issues now that go beyond environmental concerns. “For example, the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the increasing capabilities it brings. We need to consider how to face this new societal landscape. At our Division, dedicated to the principles of sustainable development, we are committed to equipping our students with the interdisciplinary knowledge necessary to tackle these multifaceted issues, including artificial intelligence. While we don’t expect our students to become AI experts, we do believe it is essential for them to understand how emerging technologies influence our society and environment.”
The Heart of ENVR: Faculty Members, Alumni, and Student Contributions When reflecting on the accomplishments of the past fifteen years, Prof. LAU expresses deep appreciation for the passionate faculty members, staff, alumni, and students, “Over the years in ENVR, we have cultivated a strong sense of community, creating a harmonious atmosphere, where everyone pours their heart into contributing in various ways to this Division. Our graduates have built a robust and close-knit professional network, actively sharing their experiences with current students -- passing on the torch. A wealth of our distinguished graduates has proudly ascended to senior management roles at leading companies:
and many more.”
Prof. LAU emphasizes that a successful unit thrives on its unique culture. “Like us, the founding members of ENVR have been committed to establishing a distinctive ENVR culture. As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary, my hope is that this culture will continue to be passed down through the generations, fostering future leaders in environmental stewardship.”
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