Climbing the green vine: Why being a sustainability champion can be a career catalyst

AS CHIEF investment officer, I spend a lot of time thinking about the future – not just the future of financial markets, but the future of the world in which we invest.

The reality is there is no healthy financial future on a sick planet. Sustainability is no longer just a feel-good buzzword. It is a key differentiator that separates the leaders from the laggards.

Millennials and Gen Zs are more likely to work for companies that are seen as sustainable.

A study by Deloitte found that 73 per cent of millennials believe businesses have a social responsibility to make a positive impact on the world.

Another study by McKinsey found that more than six in 10 global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable brands.

These are encouraging statistics.

Governments are tightening regulations, consumers are demanding eco-friendly options, and industries are being reshaped by the sustainability revolution.

Both company leaders and executives recognise that those who get on board now are the ones who will thrive in the future.

Seven in 10 business leaders plan to create green jobs over the next year or so, indicated the Singapore Green Pulse Survey by Schneider Electric.

How does this translate to one’s career?

Future-proof your skills

By getting involved in sustainability initiatives at your company, you will be developing in-demand skills that are valuable across industries – such as circular economy principles, or expertise in specific renewable energy technologies.

As racing driver Bobby Unser said: “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”

There could be as many as 30 million sustainability-linked jobs in South-east Asia by 2030, with the region’s green economy projected to provide up to US$1 trillion in annual economic opportunities.

The question is: Will you be ready by then to tap these green opportunities?

To prepare yourself, proactively seek and take advantage of any sustainability training your company offers to gain basic knowledge; or consider pursuing additional certification courses relevant to your career path.

Gaining new knowledge and upskilling yourself can better prepare you for any future sustainability initiatives that your company undertakes.

Doing so will also make you a much more attractive candidate for promotions or new positions within your company or externally.

Open doors

The world is going green, and the companies succeeding in this new paradigm are the ones with employees who understand sustainability.

Demonstrating a passion for sustainability shows initiative and positions you as a forward-thinker, making you a strong candidate for these new opportunities.

Taking the lead on sustainability efforts within your current role also positions you well for such opportunities as they arise. As a leader, these are traits that I look out for and that I believe set outstanding employees apart.

My personal journey in driving sustainability initiatives as AIA Singapore’s chief investment officer has been incredibly rewarding.

As my team and I worked to launch a bespoke sustainable thematic fund for investment-linked products, I have personally and professionally gained so much.

My personal endeavours to study and dive into green investments culminated in this moment.

Bringing our vision to life also gave me valuable knowledge, experience and connections. I am much more confident about doing more for our planet and embarking on new projects.

There is also something empowering about doing good with like-minded sustainability champions.

At AIA, I have colleagues who have organised visits to bee farms, marine biodiversity tours and swap parties for colleagues to exchange pre-loved books, toys and clothes.

I find myself encouraged by their enthusiasm to learn more about our environment and how we can protect it.

In leading these initiatives, they contribute to the environment, promote teamwork and build a sense of purpose and fulfilment at work.

Start small

We often feel disheartened thinking that it takes a lot to contribute to sustainability efforts. That is not true.

Begin by familiarising yourself with your company’s sustainability goals. Many companies offer resources and platforms to empower employees to make a difference.

Most recently, our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) colleagues at AIA Group introduced a company-wide eco office movement, AIA CAN, that tracks and rewards the highest-performing business units and employees demonstrating sustainable behaviours.

Leadership is not the only path to impact. To make a difference, start somewhere – go paperless, choose eco-friendly transportation, or embrace sustainable fashion.

To truly embed sustainability, I would also love to see team leads actively integrate this into performance reviews, creating a clear link between individual actions and our environmental goals.

Extrinsic motivations are fleeting, but the climate crisis demands immediate action – and every contribution counts.

Make a smart investment in your professional development – it is a chance to future-proof your career and be part of the solution. Get involved and watch your career flourish alongside a sustainable future.

The writer is chief investment officer at AIA Singapore