Against a backdrop of continuous rapid development in Hong Kong and the mainland, Hang Lung Properties will be at the Career Forum to provide information on its Management Trainee programme, which looks for graduates keen to meet different people and explore new cultures.

Graduates on the programme get the opportunity to witness properties being built from scratch and forge strong relationships with tenants, says Bella Chhoa, assistant director (corporate affairs), who will be giving a presentation at the forum.

Since the programme was established in 2005, trainees have taken part in an attachment on the mainland, where the company owns properties in Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin and Dalian.

This on-the-ground training requires them to roll up their sleeves and help in securing essential building utilities such as air conditioning and electricity, as well as developing the overall ambience of the developments.

“Some of the younger generation think real estate is not that interesting and are looking for a career that’s more oriented towards hi-tech,” Chhoa says. “But actually we are currently looking at how we can build synergies with e-commerce companies and improve the service experience for our younger clients.”

Previous MTs have come from a diverse range of academic backgrounds, including biochemistry, psychology and marketing. After graduating from the programme, which lasts 18 months, they are employed as officers at the firm.

“It takes around 10 to 15 years for graduates to achieve senior management level within the company,” Chhoa explains.