FEATURES | Mindful Capital

In a market economy where short-term profit and economic growth appear to be the ultimate goal, can the Buddhist teachings bridge the divide between our spiritual and material needs and reconcile the tension between doing good and doing well? What exactly is the relevance of Buddhist teachings in the pursuit of sustainable development for individuals, society, and the environment? The Mindful Capital column discusses exactly this interaction between spirituality and the capital market, and explores the efficacy of Buddhist perspectives on decision-making in personal development, management, and business.

About the author 

Dr. Ernest Chi-Hin Ng is CEO at Tung Lin Kok Yuen, a Buddhist NGO dedicated to the Buddhist teachings, education, and community services for more than 80 years. He is passionate about education and research on the integration of sustainable development, wisdom traditions, and market economics. Ernest is also president of the Centre of Buddhist Studies (CBS) Alumni Association and a visiting assistant professor at the CBS of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), where he teaches an undergraduate course on Buddhism and economics. He is committed to the development of the young generation and future leaders, serving as mentor for various universities and co-convenor of a work experience program. Previously, he was chief investment officer at Sumeru Capital and a vice-president at Morgan Stanley's Principal Strategies team with more than 15 years of experience in investment banking and asset management. Ernest graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago with a BA in economics and an MA in international relations. He has also received a Master of Buddhist Studies and PhD from the CBS. He was a Sir Edward Youde Scholar and is currently a Fellow at the European SPES Institute.

Mindful Capital is published bi-monthly.