Hong Kong business to benefit from the debut of the Sustainability Governance Academy

The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute (HKCGI) has announced the launch of the HKCGI Sustainability Governance Academy, a pioneering initiative in Hong Kong and mainland China. The Academy aims to advance sustainability governance by fostering best practices and enhancing expertise in sustainable finance.

The Academy’s launch event, held at the HKEX Connect Hall at the end of July, garnered support from Hong Kong’s regulators and senior sustainability professionals from major corporations.

Ms Julia Leung, CEO of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), expressed her well-wishes for the launch, stating, “Congratulations to HKCGI on launching the Sustainability Governance Academy with a vision to promote the sharing of best practices and experiences. Hong Kong stands to benefit from this new platform through enhanced expertise and leadership in sustainable finance.”

The theme of the Academy is “sustainability governance in Hong Kong,” and it seeks to address sustainability in a holistic manner, beyond mere regulatory compliance. The goal is to help organizations achieve sustainable and profitable growth. Leung emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into business practices, highlighting the critical roles of company secretaries and sustainability professionals in unlocking opportunities for sustainable development.

This new Academy builds on the success of HKCGI’s ESG Reporting Certification Course, which has seen over 1,400 participants since its inception in February 2023. Graduates of this course, as well as future participants, will be eligible to join the Academy and become HKCGI Sustainability Governance Professionals. These professionals will be listed in a searchable database, recognized for their expertise in ESG and sustainability standards, including compliance with Listing Rules and climate change disclosures.

A revised version of the ESG Reporting Certification Course, updated to include the latest climate-related disclosure requirements, is already available for registration.

The Academy aims to position itself as a prominent force that shapes governance policies and practices, not only in Hong Kong but also on a broader, international scale. This ambition is bolstered by the Academy’s access to a skilled talent pool, as well as its affiliation with the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI).

Mr David Simmonds FCG HKFCG, Institute President, expressed his enthusiasm for the Academy, stating that long-term business success depends on making a positive and enduring impact on various stakeholders. Sustainability governance is essential for this. “I am excited to support the establishment of the HKCGI Sustainability Governance Academy and look forward to the platform that it will provide for expertise sharing and training, and the voice it will give to those working in sustainability here in Hong Kong,” he said.

Ms Ellie Pang FCG HKFCG (PE), Institute CEO, highlighted HKCGI’s commitment to integrating governance knowledge with sustainability. She noted, “After examining what was available in Hong Kong regarding the nexus of governance and sustainability, we realized there was an opportunity to offer a new platform for sustainability professionals and advocates to explore the many facets of ESG by sharing ideas and best practices.”

The launch event also featured the presence of Hong Kong regulators and senior sustainability professionals at major corporations, including Mr Michael Duignan, SFC’s Executive Director of Corporate Finance Division, and Ms Kelly Lee, HKEX Senior Vice President of Policy and Secretariat Services, Listing Division, along with six Advisory Board members.