The aquilaria tree that produces the precious agarwood (oudh oil) is close to extinction as a result of a loss of habitat in its native Southeast Asia. An often-used fragrance in perfumes and incense, agarwood is highly valued on the international markets. The Plantation Capital Group now produces it in renewable and environmentally friendly forest plantations it owns and operates in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and elsewhere, employing over 1,000 people.

The 25-member office of Asia Plantation Hong Kong, part of the Plantation Capital Group, is building up its presence, hiring up to 15 sales representatives and the requisite number of sales managers, to further grow the business, selling the trees as an investment.

"It's a great opportunity [for the successful candidates] to promote a sustainable, environmentally friendly product while utilising their sales skills and receiving an above-average remuneration," says Donal Anglin, operations director at Asia Plantation Hong Kong.

At manager level, applicants should have five years' work experience in a customer-facing environment. Executives can apply with three years' work experience. "We need innovative, hard-working staff who are eager to succeed and want to make a difference in their lives," Anglin says.

The company's main focus is on Hong Kong clients, so excellent Cantonese is a must. However, as a significant proportion of the reference material is in English, proficiency in that language is also an advantage.

Applicants should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be interfacing customers on a one-to-one basis.

The company wants staff who can show initiative and an ability to work both individually and in teams.

"They should have a positive work ethic and attitude, and a desire to learn and be trained. They should be honest and self-directed. Ideally, they will all be potential entrepreneurs," Anglin says.

According to Anglin, all sales personnel have the opportunity to run their own business within the company framework.

"We supply an attractive minimum monthly guaranteed income, full administrative support, continuous training, and encourage everyone to generate their own clients, on which they will receive double the commission in comparison to clients we supply from our own in-house marketing department," he says.

New sales-team members receive a week's product training. Career opportunities are available, including possible temporary relocation to other Asian offices such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.