Workers knowing ESG a minority, survey finds

Less than half of Hong Kong's workers possess a good understanding of environmental, social and governance principles, a survey shows.

In May, a survey commissioned by organizations including the International Chamber of Sustainable Development and World Green Organization interviewed 301 local working adults, aged 21 to 45 with post-secondary education or above, who were aware of ESG.

The survey results indicate that a majority of them lack a profound understanding of ESG and have not participated in any related courses.

However, a significant number of the respondents do recognize the significance of ESG. Interestingly, over half of the participants expressed an interest in enrolling in ESG-related courses in the future.

Less than 50 percent of the surveyed respondents reported having a strong understanding of ESG.

However, an overwhelming majority of 79 percent agreed that ESG is becoming increasingly important for Hong Kong companies and businesses.

A similar percentage (79.4 percent) of respondents believed that the ESG concept would be beneficial to their current work.

Furthermore, around 35 percent of the participants had taken formal ESG courses, with 85 percent of them finding the course contents valuable for their future career growth.

The areas that the respondents would like to see improvement in the workshop courses include greater flexibility in the mode of instruction, more interesting teaching, new knowledge and professional qualifications upon completion of the course.

Angus Yip Wing-hang, the founding chairman of the ICSD, highlighted that existing courses available in the Hong Kong market tend to focus on investment analysis rather than practical application in the workplace.

ICSD has introduced the first certified ESG planners program in Hong Kong with the aim of promoting and professionalizing ESG education while addressing the ESG challenges encountered by enterprises.

Trainees undergoing training with the "CEPAR" five-step methodology - Challenge, Evaluation, Planning, Action and Review - would become certified ESG planners.

The program offers tailored guidance on sustainability matters, facilitate regulatory compliance for companies and cultivate a pool of skilled ESG professionals.