HONG KONG, June 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute (HKCGI), a thought leader in governance in Hong Kong and Mainland China, held its hybrid 24th Annual Corporate & Regulatory Update (ACRU) on June 9, 2023, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to a resounding success.

Over 2,200 delegates, including directors, senior management, governance professionals and other business leaders, attended the hybrid conference where representatives from six regulators spoke:

• Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited
• Securities and Futures Commission
• Accounting and Financial Reporting Council
• Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau
• Companies Registry, and
• Inland Revenue Department

A study by HKCGI on the governance challenges and opportunities for boards and chairpersons in Hong Kong and Mainland China in five major areas was also published, titled "Upping the Game", HKCGI's theme for the year. Aiming to enhance the relevance of governance professionals, the report discusses:

• The linkages between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area - emphasising the value of building solid commercial relationships and having a nuanced understanding of cultural differences.
• The pandemic's effects on businesses - highlighting the crucial role that company secretaries and governance professionals play in helping boards manage risks and creating business continuity strategies.
• Macro and micro challenges in corporate governance - calling for company secretaries and other governance experts to keep abreast of socio-political, legal, and economic developments worldwide.
• The role of governance professionals in tackling issues concerning climate change, the carbon emissions market and ESG, including creating corporate policies and ensuring compliance.
• Digital transformation - developing technologies with an emphasis on the value of governance professionals in advising boards on technology risks, the impact of developing technologies, and the significance of digital transformation.

HKCGI President Ernest Lee FGC HKFCG(PE) states: "Through ACRUs and other training provided by the Institute, as well as research papers, guidance notes and other publications, HKCGI demonstrates its governance thought leadership. As the world continues to change at an unprecedented rate, this necessitates addressing a wide range of governance issues to maintain business sustainability, compliance, and relevance. In the face of the ever-changing regulatory landscape, HKCGI's members play an increasingly critical role in this space."

Please visit www.hkcgi.org.hk for further details on the research paper and to acquire a copy.

ABOUT HKCGI

(Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability by guarantee)

The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute (HKCGI), formerly known as The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries (HKICS), is the only qualifying institution in Hong Kong and Mainland China for the internationally recognised Chartered Secretary and Chartered Governance Professional qualifications.

With over 70 years of history and as the Hong Kong/China Division of The Chartered Governance Institute (CGI), the Institute's reach and professional recognition extends to all of CGI's nine divisions, with about 40,000 members and students worldwide. HKCGI is one of the fastest growing divisions of CGI, with a current membership of over 7,000, 300 graduates and 2,600 students with significant representations within listed companies and other cross-industry governance functions.

Believing that better governance leads to a better future, HKCGI's mission is to promote good governance in an increasingly complex world and to advance leadership in the effective governance and efficient administration of commerce, industry and public affairs. As recognised thought leaders in our field, the Institute educates and advocates for the highest standards in governance and promotes an expansive approach that considers all stakeholders' interests.

Better Governance. Better Future.
For more information, please visit www.hkcgi.org.hk.

Source: The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute