Bayer - Young Enviromental Envoy

Janice Lao, Philippines, BYEE 2001

Janice, who is now the Environmental Manager for Cathay Pacific Airways, took part in the 2001 BYEE, the first time the Philippines were included in the program. She subsequently graduated with honors from the Ateneo de Manila University and won a scholarship to Oxford University where she completed an MSc. in Environmental Change and Management.

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Janice at the first ever BYEE Eco-Camp in the Philippines in 2001.

Speaking about BYEE Janice recalls that “in 2001 the environment wasn’t anything like as big an issue as it is today. I was impressed by Bayer’s commitment to the environment. It increased my own passion for the environment and gave me the confidence that I was doing the right thing in studying environmental science. It also gave me more confidence in my own abilities and I felt that if I could impress a company like Bayer then I could achieve anything if I put my mind to it. Without this I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to apply to Oxford.”

Since graduating Janice has worked as an environmental consultant and manager around the world from Washington DC, to London and Hong Kong where she is now based.

Her current responsibilities at Cathay Pacific’s include developing the company’s environmental strategy, including waste management, clean air and greenhouse gas management, as well as managing the departmental communications program.

Janice still keeps in touch with other BYEE alumni both from her own and other years who she has met through work. She says “we share what we’re working on and it keeps me informed about what other organizations are doing”. In 2007 she returned to BYEE as a resource speaker at the Philippines Eco-Camp.