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When asked to imagine what a Sciences major will be doing after graduation, most people would intuitively think of a scientist wearing a white coat and working at a laboratory. While this can be true, it is not always the case. In fact, there are numerous career options available to graduates. That said, Ms Lisa Cai, Director of Pivotal Life Sciences & Public Investing, has observed that even current students hold this stereotypical notion about careers in the Sciences.
“There are quite a lot of life sciences and medical science students in Hong Kong, but not many of them are aware of career paths other than medical doctors and university researchers. Actually, there are plenty of job positions they can consider, such as marketing at multinational pharmaceutical companies and investment analysis at investment firms. They can even start their own businesses after gaining research experience in the market,” Lisa remarks.
To assist students in uncovering the enormous prospects that lie ahead, Lisa has joined the annual Mentorship Scheme and Summer Internship Program organized by Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS). “My aim is to provide the next generation of life sciences talent with opportunities to explore the investment industry. These positions don’t usually recruit at the entry level, so there is very little information about what they actually entail. Through learning about what we do on a daily basis, interns will come out of the program with a better understanding of investment as a potential career path down the line.”
So, how are life sciences and investment – two seemingly unrelated disciplines – intertwined? “The life sciences sector has a huge demand for early-stage investment and fundraising, especially during the clinical trial stage,” explains Lisa, adding that the government and the industry should facilitate more collaboration between investors and researchers to expedite the funding process. “In this regard, HKLSS can serve as an effective platform for researchers, investors, and students to communicate and interact,” she says.
The robust financial system and abundant opportunities in the Greater Bay Area are just two aspects among the extensive list of favourable investment environment in Hong Kong. It is no surprise that the city has now emerged as Asia’s largest and the world’s second largest fundraising hub for biotechnology sector. With several government policies in the pipeline, such as a $200 million plan to support incubation and acceleration programmes to Hetao startups engaging in life and health technology, as announced in the HKSAR 2024-25 Budget, the industry will continue to thrive.
Having worked with young talent through HKLSS programs in the past four years, the industry veteran is impressed by their competence. “They all have a solid science background and demonstrate exceptional analytical skills, which is crucial for analysis of investment opportunities in any field. With minimal guidance, they have produced excellent research in various therapeutic areas. Another positive attribute they share is their great attitude. They are always eager to learn and help out whenever needed. It’s been a joy working with them.”
On a personal note, Lisa shares that the experience has added extra invigoration to her own work. “The interns and mentees brought about a sense of curiosity and wonder that tends to be muted over time after one has been in an industry. It has been refreshing to discuss various topics from the perspective of a fresh set of eyes.” While eagerly anticipating the arrival of more young scientists in the investment industry, she has some advice to share with the younger generation: “Keep abreast of other industries and global affairs. Read news to broaden your perspective. And, be proactive about networking.”