HKMA further extends Award to encompass Training and Development programmes from the Greater Bay Area

In announcing the commencement of applications for the 2022 Award for Excellence in Training and Development (Training Award), The Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA) makes the point of welcoming entrants from Mainland China and smaller enterprises.

Anthony Rushton, Chairman of the Award Organizing Committee, Award for Excellence in Training and Development, says HKMA’s Training Award welcomes programmes from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas but hopes to continue lifting the prestigious award onto an international level.

The Training Award is the only award of its kind in Hong Kong that gives public recognition of achievements in training and development to individuals as well as large and small scale organizations of various business sectors. Since 1990, the Award has honoured HRD professionals and trainers for their outstanding achievements, and raised the standards of training and development in Hong Kong.

“The Association encourages, in particular, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in these awards,” says Rushton. “We offer incentives such as waiving participation fees for the Campaign Award for SMEs with less than 100 people.”

This year, three Special Awards have been added – Excellence in Digital Transformation; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Promotion; and Environmental Sustainability in the Workplace. Their new criterion will be targeting training and development programmes which have incorporated the consideration of diversity, equity and inclusion in the design and implementation of the programme.

The shifted focus on ESG during the pandemic can also be seen from a myriad of companies’ innovative use of technologies through a remote control mode to effectively transform virtual learning and training experiences. Rushton goes on to praise companies who have successfully cultivated and developed employees’ skills, knowledge and commitment to a more environmentally-sustainable workplace by adapting the delivery of their programmes and making sure they are user-friendly.

“If selected as finalists, HKMA has changed the presentation language for 2022 Mainland competitors, who will have the option of presenting in Putonghua during the final presentation seminar, and simultaneous interpretations will be arranged to minimize any language barrier. We want to further encourage participation of Greater Bay Area Training and Development programmes,” he adds.

By sharing illustrious examples of training and development, the Training Award serves as an exchange platform for HRD professionals and trainers on innovative ideas and best practices. Lifting the professionalism in training and development is the key to improved corporate results, says Rushton.

Deadlines for the Campaign Awards and Individual Awards are 21 February 2022 and 11 March 2022 respectively.