HONG KONG, June 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Corporate Governance Excellence Awards 2016, jointly organized by The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies ("CHKLC") and the Centre for Corporate Governance and Financial Policy ("CCGFP") of Hong Kong Baptist University is open for nominations starting today (June 13) till September 2, 2016.
"Corporate governance underlines how a company's affairs are controlled and managed so that the company will operate smoothly and to the highest standards of transparency, accountability and stakeholders' expectations. It also helps steer the company away from financial and operational risks with the necessary internal control and checks-and-balances. The latter is particularly important at a time when the worldwide economy anticipates an increasing level of uncertainty. A prudent and responsible approach to risks and business management is essential, and that's what a sound corporate governance commitment can achieve," said Mr. Francis Leung, Chairman of CHKLC.
"Through participating in the Excellence Awards programme, companies get to have a 360 degrees self-examination to satisfy themselves that they have comprehensive and coherent systems and processes in place to tackle the challenges ahead. The best performing and most prepared companies will of course be a winner of the award," said Mr. Leung.
The Hong Kong Corporate Governance Excellence Awards recognizes companies that exhibit a holistic approach to corporate governance and sustainability and demonstrate excellent achievements. Nominations for the Awards are open to all companies listed on the Main Board and GEM Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in three categories: Hang Seng Index Constituents Companies; Hang Seng Composite Index Constituents Companies and Others and GEM Board Companies.
As part of the overall assessment in giving Corporate Governance Excellence Awards, the Judging Panel would consider giving an award on Sustainability Excellence to companies whose performance and achievements in sustainability measures achieve an excellent standard. No separate submission is required.
Dr. Eddy Fong, former Chairman of Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong and Council Chairman of the Open University of Hong Kong, will lead the Award Judging Panel for the fourth year.
"I am pleased to continue my role as chairman of the judging panel and lend my support to such meaningful endeavour of supporting a strong corporate governance culture in Hong Kong. This year we will have a couple of new members joining the panel and that will help give fresh perspectives to the judging process," said Dr. Fong.
"Although the essentials of corporate governance remain, companies may have different priorities or emphasis to match their stage of development and the state of the economy. The panel's task is therefore to determine whether the company is doing the right things that matter most to the company and stakeholders in its particular circumstances," Dr. Fong continued.
The panel of judges will choose the winners using a model of eight key corporate governance and sustainability aspects respectively, developed by the CCGFP. Special attention will be given to companies that demonstrate innovation and significant improvements in corporate governance and/or sustainability made over the last three years; efforts made to internalize and pursue the highest principles of corporate governance and/or sustainability over-and-beyond compliance with requirements; and the ability to show positive business impact of the corporate governance and/or sustainability spirit and practices.
For press enquiries, please contact:
The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies
Amy Leung
Tel: +852-2970-0886
Email: amyleung@chklc.org
About the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies
Incorporated in September 2002, CHKLC is a non-profit organization serving listed companies in Hong Kong. The Chamber strives to promote sound corporate governance, function as an effective communication channel between listed companies and regulatory authorities, strengthen the commercial linkage and foster co-operation among listed companies from Hong Kong and China and uphold Hong Kong's position as an international trade, commercial and financial centre. Since 2007, the Chamber organises the annual "Hong Kong Corporate Governance Excellence Awards" jointly with the Hong Kong Baptist University to advocate best practices of corporate governance and recognize excellence.
About the Centre for Corporate Governance & Financial Policy of Hong Kong Baptist University
The Centre aspires to be a "Centre of Excellence" on corporate governance in the region. It promotes quality policy and academic research on corporate governance and related financial policy issues covering Hong Kong, China and the Asia-Pacific economies, with the aim to improve the quality of corporate governance practices. Additionally, the Centre provides professional executive education activities to disseminate knowledge and advance the highest ideals of responsible business leadership. Through consultancy projects, the Centre also assists organizations to design, improve and assess their corporate governance systems and structures.
Notes to Editors:
About the Hong Kong Corporate Governance Excellence Awards 2016
The Hong Kong Corporate Governance Excellence Awards are conferred annually since 2007 by the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies and the Centre for Corporate Governance and Financial Policy, Hong Kong Baptist University and are designed to promote and award excellence in corporate governance of listed companies in Hong Kong. The Awards Programme provides recognition and prestige for listed companies in achieving outstanding commitments to shareholder rights, compliance, integrity, fairness, responsibility, accountability, transparency, board independence & leadership, and corporate social responsibility.
There are 3 award categories, namely the Hang Seng Index Constituent Companies; Hang Seng Composite Index Constituent Companies and other Main Board & GEM Board Companies.
The Awards Programme is sponsored by BDO as Bronze Sponsor and supported by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, Securities and Futures Commission, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, HKICPA, the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, and the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association. Hong Kong Economic Times is Sole Chinese Newspaper Sponsor of the event; Metro Finance is Exclusive Radio Partner; QuamIR, irasia.com and TodayIR are Online Media Partners, and PR Newswire as Regional News Distribution Partner.
Any Hong Kong listed companies can self-nominate or be nominated for the Awards. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.chklc.org. Results of the awards will be announced at the prize presentation gala dinner to be held on December 13, 2016.
The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies
Room 3710, 37/F, Hopewell Centre,
183 Queen's Road East,
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852-2970-0886
Fax: +852-2970-0555
Email: info@chklc.org
Website: www.chklc.org
