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?

It is important that during periods of instability and crises, the staff involved are confident and focused on dealing with the issues effectively. A crisis is an unexpected event, and it is not uncommon to see uncertainty, doubt, and confusion creep in. The legal team is often a beacon of stability, and it is important for them to demonstrate this. Moreover, it is crucial to help the business build resilience through training and crisis management workshops, which our legal team also prioritises.

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?

Our company is at the forefront of sustainability efforts in Hong Kong. We launched our Climate Vision 2050 in 2007, which serves as the blueprint for the Group’s transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions business by mid-century. It has shaped our business strategy and supports our long-term development. Our focus on sustainability is twofold: both inward (i.e. what we can do) and outward (i.e. how we can help others). My role in Legal, including as General Counsel of CLPe, involves advising our sustainability department and business units on sustainability issues and concerns, such as greenwashing.

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?

AI is an emerging technology that I believe will significantly impact the legal profession. I see the growth of AI as having some parallels to the launch of Wikipedia, which initially attracted mistrust but has now gained general, qualified acceptance. The key issue with AI is its “black box” nature, where the sources are unclear, and the workings of the algorithm are not fully transparent. There have been instances where lawyers have used ChatGPT in pleadings without proper verification. Whilst AI is becoming a useful tool, it is also necessary to understand its limitations and the risks associated with its use.