Life at SK Tes - Shelley Jiang

I’m Shelley Jiang, Group ESG Specialist at SK Tes, based in Singapore. 

My career has been shaped by a long-standing passion for environmental issues and a desire to understand sustainability from different perspectives.

I began with an ESG internship at Deloitte, supporting clients with sustainability reporting and carbon accounting. It was my first exposure to how companies measure, manage and communicate their environmental and social impacts - and it made me curious about what happens beyond the reporting itself.

I then joined a foundation working on low-carbon energy transition projects, including wind power, biomass and other renewable energy initiatives. This allowed me to see how sustainability could move beyond reporting and translate into real projects.

Later, I came to Singapore to pursue my master’s degree and worked on climate-related projects at the World Bank. This gave me a broader understanding of climate challenges and the role of policy, finance and international cooperation. I then joined MSCI, working on ESG ratings and learning how investors assess companies’ sustainability performance.

Eventually, I wanted to move closer to the business and play a more direct role in driving sustainability within an organization. That brought me to SK Tes and my current in-house ESG role.

Connecting Sustainability with the Business

What I enjoy most is working in sustainability for a company whose core business is closely connected to the circular economy.

It gives me a strong sense that the work I do each day is directly connected to the company’s purpose.

Sustainability is also such a broad and fast-evolving field that the work is never repetitive. Carbon accounting, for example, requires me to understand the operations behind the data. I often speak with colleagues across different sites to learn where the numbers come from and what is happening in practice.

I really value these conversations because they help me understand the wider business beyond my own area of work.

Turning ESG Ambitions into Practical Action

Working in-house has taught me to consider not only the technical side of ESG and sustainability requirements, but also how they connect with the realities of the business.

When planning an emissions-reduction project for a site, I need to understand how the site uses energy and which solutions are available in that particular market. From there, we assess whether the project makes sense both operationally and financially.

Sustainability is not only about setting goals—it is about finding practical ways to turn those goals into action.

I’ve also been trusted to take ownership of my work and collaborate directly with different functions and sites. This has helped me grow from focusing mainly on my own responsibilities to learning how to bring people together, align priorities and move projects forward as a team.

Leading Through Collaboration

One of the challenges of sustainability reporting is that we rely on colleagues at each site to provide the information we need. However, this is often just one of many responsibilities they manage alongside their day-to-day work.

I’ve learned that taking the lead is not simply about sending a request and expecting everyone to meet a deadline. It means understanding people’s workloads, making requirements as clear and manageable as possible, explaining why the information matters and remaining flexible when challenges arise.

I’m grateful that colleagues across SK Tes continue to be supportive and responsive, even during busy periods. My manager and team also give me the space to take ownership while always being available with guidance and support when I need it.

Finding Balance Through Open Communication

For me, work-life balance includes being able to communicate openly when the workload becomes heavy or when I need support.

I appreciate that I can have honest conversations with my manager and work together to adjust priorities when necessary. There is also genuine respect for personal time.

When I’m on leave, I can properly disconnect and recharge without feeling that I need to constantly check in on work

Bringing Our Sustainability Story Together

Publishing our annual Sustainability Report is one of the most rewarding moments for me.

It takes several months to complete, and I’m involved throughout the process—from gathering information and developing the content to assurance, revisions and final publication.

During the year, I’m usually focused on individual projects or specific pieces of work. Preparing the report gives me an opportunity to step back, reflect on the year as a whole and see how much we have accomplished.

Seeing the final report go live on our website and knowing that people outside our team will read it gives me a real sense of achievement.

Seeing the Circular Economy Up Close

Before joining SK Tes, I had never really considered what happens to a laptop or server once a company no longer needs it. Now, I get to see what happens next and how these assets can be given a second life rather than simply becoming waste.

Working in an industry that many people may not see, but which plays such an important role in the circular economy, is something I find very special.

Building a Career with Purpose

It’s important to me to spend my time doing something I genuinely believe in and care about.

Sustainability is a field I have studied and worked in for many years, so I value being able to put that knowledge into practice. I also appreciate that there is always more to learn.

The longer I work in sustainability, the more I understand how complex it can be in practice—and that continues to keep me curious and motivated.

Connect with Shelley

Looking to make a difference?

At SK Tes, we’re redefining what’s possible in sustainability—and we’re always looking for curious, capable people to help us lead the change.