The company is a subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Properties.

'We hire people throughout the year as Sun Hung Kai keeps developing new properties,' said Irene Wai Hon Shuk-ching, general manager of Kai Shing. 'We emphasise staff development.

'Since we've promoted some outstanding employees in the third quarter, we are looking for replacements to fill their positions. We've also started to prepare human resources [to make arrangements] for the new sites.'

In the old days, possessing a professional qualification and good communication and interpersonal skills were the requirements for property management professionals, Ms Wai said.

However, she said the profession's needs had gone far beyond that now. 'We only managed the maintenance of all facilities of the property in the past. Now customers are asking for more. Outstanding property management needs to be innovative, with revolutionary ideas, providing exceptional service to please the customers,' she said.

People with ambition and vision are vital in the industry. 'Planning and thinking ahead are very important. Besides the day-to-day operation, you need to think about how to improve your service,' she said.

To develop talent in the company, there is comprehensive internal training for more than 6,000 employees. Staff are trained to 'work smartly, instead of working hard', Ms Wai stressed. 'If you can use your creative mind and get your job done quickly and effectively, you will be more appreciated than [just] being a hard worker.'

While there is a two-year training programme catering for operation staff, the company has also worked with the Hong Kong Productivity Council to launch a two-year manager training course for senior staff.

'No matter which property you are stationed at, we offer opportunities for staff who are committed and can work without guidance. We first send them to a small property and let them manage the premises by themselves. From there, they can develop and move on to high-end properties,' she said, adding that staff might be sent overseas to gain fresh ideas on property management. On average, it takes anywhere from two to three years for a property officer to be promoted to senior property officer.

From time to time, workshops are held to equip employees with the latest knowledge and skills in the profession. Recently, the company organised workshops about mediation, media communication and presentation skills. 'This is an ever-changing industry,' said Ms Wai, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry. 'You have to keep updating and learning.'

Ms Wai believes the booming mainland and Hong Kong property markets will continue to be good for business.'There are loads of positions being created in the local market. Together with the rapidly expanding property market on the mainland, there is plenty of room to develop,' she said, adding that a lot of staff had moved to the company's mainland properties in order to further their careers.

At a glance

Kai Shing is recruiting more than 100 new staff for its new projects such as the International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon

Candidates need to have good communication and interpersonal skills, innovation, ambition and vision

Working smart will be more appreciated than working hard

Property management is an ever-changing industry, employees need to keep updated and learn new knowledge

The company develops talent through internal training and promotion