Scott Lim

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and what made you choose the University of Leeds?

I’m a Malaysian environmental engineer turned sustainability leader with over 7 years of experience in ESG and conservation across the Asia-Pacific region. After earning a civil engineering degree and holding early infrastructure roles at Arup, I chose Leeds for its prestigious MSc in Environmental Engineering and Project Management, as well as its BEng in Civil and Environmental Engineering—renowned for blending technical rigour with real-world sustainability leadership, which perfectly aligns with my goal to drive climate-resilient solutions.

Why did you choose to study your particular course?

The MSc in Environmental Engineering and Project Management was the ideal fusion of advanced engineering, agile project leadership, and sustainability strategy. I needed a programme that equipped me to design resilient infrastructure, lead complex stakeholder projects, and integrate green standards like LEED and WELL – skills now central to my NbS leadership at The Nature Conservancy.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?

The emphasis on industry-relevant tools, collaborative projects, and case-led environmental strategy made every session directly applicable to my career.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students? 

Leeds is vibrant, student-friendly, and perfectly sized –packed with culture, green spaces, and affordable living. As an international student from Malaysia, I appreciated the welcoming UK academic environment, the diverse global community, and the easy access to industry events in London and beyond. The city’s blend of history, nightlife, and proximity to the Yorkshire Dales made studying and living here energising and inspiring.

What would you say about the learning and the career support facilities in your academic School or Faculty, and at the University in general?

The School of Civil Engineering at Leeds provides exceptional learning support, featuring cutting-edge labs, industry-aligned modules, and lecturers with real-world expertise in sustainability and project management. The Faculty’s career services were outstanding: tailored CV workshops, mock interviews, and direct employer connections through sustainability fairs and alums networks fast-tracked my transition into Arup and beyond. 

What have you been doing since finishing your studies?

Since graduating from Leeds, I’ve advanced from Civil Engineer at Arup (2018–2020) to Sustainability Consultant, then Manager at New World Development (2024), and now lead Nature-based Solutions at The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong (Feb 2025–present). I apply my Master's in project management and environmental engineering daily – driving flood modelling, wetland restoration, and climate resilience strategies with agile, science-led execution.

What company are you working for, what is your role, and what does it involve?

I’m Project Manager for Nature-based Solutions at The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong, leading ecosystem restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and climate resilience projects across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. I design science-based solutions, manage flood mitigation and conservation finance initiatives, and build cross-sector partnerships with government, academia, and funders.

How do you think the skills and knowledge you developed at Leeds whilst studying your Masters helped with your career? 

Leeds equipped me with critical skills in environmental engineering, project management, and sustainable design –directly enabling my leadership in ESG strategy, green building accreditation (LEED, WELL), and NbS delivery. Professional qualifications, such as Chartered Environmentalist, earned during the course opened doors to industry networks (HKGBC, USGBC, WWF) and high-impact projects, including net-zero competitions and renewable energy systems.

Now that you’ve graduated, what would you say to students thinking about studying your course, do you believe your investment into the course was worthwhile for your career?

To students considering this MSc: it’s a high-return investment. The blend of technical rigour, project leadership, and sustainability focus propelled my career into influential roles tackling climate challenges. Leeds didn’t just teach me –it credentialed, connected, and empowered me to deliver real-world impact. Absolutely worthwhile.