HKIoD Annual Dinner cum Awards Ceremony for Director Excellence 2025 Theme: “Redefining Leadership for the New Era”

The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD) last night honoured 23 outstanding directors and boards at its Annual Dinner cum Awards Ceremony for Director Excellence 2025. Held at the Hopewell Hotel, the event recognised exemplary contributions to corporate governance, climate governance and social impact under the theme “Redefining Leadership for the New Era”.

Opening the evening, Mr Richard Tsang, Chairman of HKIoD, urged directors to embed ethical AI governance, translate climate targets into actionable survival plans and keep Hong Kong “agile, innovative and open”.

“Agility and innovation are no longer nice-to-haves—they are the essential tools of survival for your companies, your teams and Hong Kong’s business community,” he told 500 guests.

Distinguished Guests of Honour included:

Mr Xu Weigang, Director-General, Economic Department, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR

Mr Joseph Chan, JP, Under-Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury

Dr Kelvin Wong, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Securities & Futures Commission and HKIoD Past Chairman, who delivered the keynote address on regulatory resilience, board leadership and governance.

This year the Awards received an exceptionally positive response, with 23 winners selected who embody the 2025 theme. These awardees demonstrated resourcefulness, vision and courage in balancing today’s challenging economic landscape with robust governance. Their efforts underscore the critical role of directors in advancing holistic governance, addressing climate-related risks and promoting social sustainability for future generations.

Rigorous selection process

Candidates for the awards were nominated publicly and underwent a stringent selection process involving independent consultants and impartial judges. The awards are categorised by company type—ranging from listed to non-listed companies, as well as statutory and non-profit-distributing organisations—and by director capacities, including executive directors, non-executive directors and boards.

The role of HKIoD

The Hong Kong Institute of Directors serves as a pivotal organisation in promoting corporate sustainability and governance excellence in Hong Kong. Founded in 1997 with embedded values of multiculturalism and international perspectives, HKIoD has become a vital resource for directors across diverse industries. Its membership includes executive, non-executive, and independent directors who engage in training, events, and advocacy for good governance practices.

As a member of the Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI), HKIoD is committed to fostering collaboration on a global scale, emphasising the importance of director professionalism. It also hosts the Hong Kong Chapter of the Climate Governance Initiative, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, to ensure that directors are equipped to address climate-related challenges effectively.

The HKIoD’s Annual Dinner not only recognised the achievements of its members but also reinforced the vital role of directors in steering organisations toward sustainability and governance excellence. The winners of the 2025 awards are poised to inspire future leaders to embrace agility and foresight in their governance practices, paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible corporate landscape in Hong Kong and beyond.