Hang Lung builds a solid foundation for its future leaders

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Since its incorporation in 1949, Hang Lung has gone well beyond bricks-and-mortar to deliver a rich and very human experience for its employees. Acknowledgement of is achievement in this area was confirmed when it was announced gold winner for Best Management Trainee Programme at this year’s Asia Recruitment Awards.

Hang Lung launched its Management Trainee (MT) Programme in 2005. It’s designed to groom talents to become the future leaders of the company. The programme addresses the needs to provide a talent pool and deliver a sustainable leadership pipeline. In 2018, it attracted over 2,000 applications from local, overseas and Mainland students. The 18-month programme provides MTs with abundant learning opportunities. They receive on-the-job training in multiple business functions within the company including in the mainland China portfolios. They gain a thorough understanding of the property industry, the corporate culture, the company’s core business and the operations of different departments.

Millennial learning

Hang Lung incorporate millennials’ wishes in the workplace and support their desire for corporate social responsibility and development opportunities. As millennials crave to learn, Hang Lung provides a well-structured programme for all MTs and customised training to individuals based on their needs.  At the start of their journey, the company provides a two-week intensive orientation to familiarize them with the organisation’s operations. Then, throughout the programme, Hang Lung provides workshops on the latest trends and market updates.  The trainees also shadow the company’s directors, developing leadership competencies through this close communication with senior management. Regular coaching with HR coaches acts as learning checkpoints.

MTs are also involved in the employee-managed Hang Lung Social Club, which promotes work-life balance through a wide range of leisure activities. To broaden their horizons further, MTs take part in corporate projects such as the Hang Lung Management Conference.

Team building

Hang Lung adopts a 360-degree approach to evaluate the capabilities of candidates in its MT flagship recruitment event, TEAMS Day. The uniqueness of TEAMS Day is that it mimics a real-life situation. Candidates use teamwork to demonstrate five skills: namely that they are talented, energetic, analytical, motivational and sensible in all tasks. Each group is led by an MT graduate and management members serve as judges.

Hang Lung also incorporates the latest technology to enhance the candidates’ experience. In the 2019 TEAMS Day, candidates used visual reality (VR) to experience Plaza 66, one of the company’s flagship projects in Shanghai, and its newly developed app, TEAMSmiles, to complete tasks. These innovative elements help Hang Lung stand out from its competitors.

Attracting talent

In addition to its MT programme, Hang Lung places significant emphasis on promotions.  Initiatives include promotions on all the major social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn (for recruitment updates), and YouTube (its corporate video channel).

There is also a focus on bonding with students. Mindful of the importance of the personal touch, the company continues to arrange career talks and fairs for students to give them a deep understanding of the recruitment process.  They can also interact with Hang Lung’s top management and MTs.

“We Do It Right” is a philosophy that extends beyond Hang Lung’s core business and is embodied in all initiatives the company undertakes for its staff, the communities where it operates, and in relation to the environment. Hang Lung believes this ethos is fundamental to its success and enables it to win the trust of stakeholders.

Every staff member in Hang Lung is an invaluable asset of the company. Each is nurtured to grow together with the company’s trajectory of excellence and success. Staff are not regarded as anonymous workers on an assembly line but a group of dedicated people that brings their experiences, interests, and aspirations to the workplace.

Hang Lung firmly believes that its employees are unique individuals, and is dedicated to providing an outstanding employee journey for every single one of them. The company’s culture and operating model support, inspire, and encourage all individuals to be the very best they can be.  The initiatives Hang Lung has implemented for its staff have successfully built the company’s reputation as the Employer of Choice.

In 2018, the company launched the Hang Lung Young Elite Success (YES) Programme, which integrated the MT and internship programme as a coordinated initiative. It engages with students in their early university years through the internship programme. This enriched programme includes a buddy-mentoring scheme, an engagement activity, tailor-made training and voluntary work to provide an even more meaningful learning experience to the interns.