How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience? 

China Wantian Holdings Limited (the Group) is an investment holding company. The Group is primarily engaged in three key areas: green food supply, green catering and environmental protection technology. The Group has successfully expanded its food supply chain business from Hong Kong to encompass the entire Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area market. At the same time, the entire green food industry chain is being deployed at full speed to provide customers with fresh, healthy and safe food, and is committed to becoming China’s leading better life service provider.

Given the current international political and economic climate, the Group faces a period of crises. As the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, I will adjust the focus of legal and compliance initiatives in response to evolving external conditions and the company’s strategic shifts. Beyond offering standard legal risk and compliance recommendations, I will enhance the protection of intellectual property, refine internal control processes, address integrity risks, and advance ESG initiatives to safeguard the Group against sanctions and to protect the interests of the board and management.

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments? 

The advent of AI technology and big data has led to the emergence of intelligent legal systems, which are transforming the landscape of the legal industry. Particularly for in-house legal professionals, acquiring the skills to harness AI and intelligent systems for legal work has become essential. This involves enhancing capabilities in risk analysis and prevention, as well as utilising intelligent systems for tasks such as contract review and litigation case management.

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

China Wantian Holdings Limited (the Group) has always integrated the concept of sustainable green development into its overall strategy and key business areas, pursuing goals related to environmental protection and enhancing people’s livelihoods. As the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, I have also incorporated the concept of green development into the daily work, such as formulating compliance codes of conduct in conjunction with the company’s green development concept, strengthening corporate governance, and improving the ESG management system.