A Word with Vivien Teu

EMpower President and CEO Cynthia Steele recently spoke with Vivien Teu, Partner and Head of Asset Management & ESG at Dentons Hong Kong, about the ever-evolving ESG landscape, staying grounded in times of uncertainty, and what gives her hope about EMpower’s work and impact.

The ESG space remains dynamic. Talk to me about what you see that is relevant to EMpower’s work, especially the ‘S’.

ESG emerged as a buzzword a few years ago, although the term has been around for some time. So much in popular discourse has been on breaking down what ESG represents and how the related ideas are applied in practice. The space is dynamic as understanding and implementation continue to evolve in the corporate world and financial markets.  For EMpower, however, with over 20 years of on-the-ground experience working with local grantees and communities in emerging markets globally, the wealth of firsthand experiences on social issues and contexts provides tremendous opportunities for EMpower to offer these in supporting corporate and funding programmes to align and meet the "S" needs.  

At a time of real challenge and uncertainty in the world, including those of you who navigate such in the legal profession, what enables you to stay grounded?  

I believe that in times of real challenges and uncertainty, such as now, it is when our values are tested and more important than ever to be grounded and anchored with our core values.  That means a steadfast focus on our purpose, mission, and reasons for being.  

When you think about EMpower’s work, what gives you hope?

To me it has always been really inspiring that EMpower came about from and remains a community of people with a shared strong sense of stewardship and social responsibility.  EMpower's well-established 10-year funding model to grantee partners is a great model for venture philanthropy and growing with the community where we give.  

It gives me much hope that we can all come together always, pull together our efforts and resources, and many who take time to really learn more and care for our cause, so we can continue driving change where it matters.