M ichelle has always had a passion for combining business acumen with sustainability – even if it meant stepping outside her comfort zone. In secondary school, she was drawn to community service projects that focused on the problems others often ignored, such as plastic and textile waste. For Michelle, finding a business program that matched her drive was going to be a challenge. Traditional business majors felt too outdated for her vision; she sought a more interdisciplinary approach that would let her delve deeper into sustainability while developing strong financial skills. The Sustainable and Green Finance Program (SGFN) at HKUST was the perfect match. This pioneering program is the first of its kind in Hong Kong, equipping students with knowledge and skills in business and finance to serve the course of sustainable development. By promoting green finance as more than just a trend and designed for students seeking fulfilling careers at the forefront of the industry, it’s no surprise that the program caught Michelle’s eye. “HKUST is an established university, but I was excited by this new major that integrates finance with scientific approaches to sustainability,” she explains. The program’s interdisciplinary nature and focus on real-world applications allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of green finance and its practical implications – and she has been quick to put her major to good use, exploring all the opportunities offered by HKUST to further fuel her aspirations. The hands-on learning experiences at HKUST brought together practical case studies and real-world applications for Michelle, “We looked at how green finance can work in different industries, like fashion and consulting firms,” she explains, “and I loved that, because I’m interested in applying my knowledge to luxury sectors like beauty and fashion.” Michelle’s energy is contagious, and she swiftly built networks and communities around herself that fuelled her vision and interests and aligned her with like minds. “Learning how to put myself out there,
networking with people, and connecting with others are vital skills,” she says. By her second year, she had fully embraced new opportunities, participating in case competitions focused on ESG and finance and founding the Sustainable Investment Club (SIC). “I wanted to create a space where students could learn about green finance and connect with industry professionals,” says Michelle. The club’s mission is to educate peers about the importance of green finance and foster connections between students and professionals in the field. Through the SIC, Michelle and her peers analyse various areas, such as new technologies in waste management, and investigate investment opportunities in the green industry. “It’s a way to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry knowledge,” she says. A consultancy group even took note of her drive and talent, offering her an internship that matched her interests. “I’ve always taken the initiative and like to support others,” she says. Being part of the first cohort of the Sustainable and Green Finance Program has been both challenging and rewarding. “It’s a brand-new major, but that's what makes it exciting,” she says. HKUST has given Michelle knowledge and experiences that bring together technical expertise and creative entrepreneurialism. “The program is preparing us to become technical experts and leaders in the field,” she says. The progressive approach of the curriculum has broadened her perspective and equipped her with the skills needed to tackle and invest in industry sustainability challenges. Ambition? She has plenty of it and is excited about the future. “HKUST has done a great job of listening to the market and what the market needs,” says Michelle. More graduates are embracing these new ideas and principles of investing in a sustainable future. “I’m not 100% clear on where I will end up after I graduate, but I’m confident I can apply my skills to different sectors, or even start my own business!”
Striving to push myself beyond my comfort zone is what makes me a promising entrepreneur, and HKUST has supported that. Invest
Michelle Oliva Bachelor of Science Sustainable and Green Finance Class of 2026
18
19
Powered by FlippingBook