HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 March 2025 - The Institute of ESG & Benchmark (IESGB) is proud to announce the launch of the fifth edition of the ESG Achievement Awards 2024/2025, a prestigious platform dedicated to recognising and celebrating excellence in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Building on its legacy of honouring trailblazers in sustainability, this year's awards will shine a spotlight on organisations and individuals who are driving transformative change through innovative solutions, responsible leadership, and a steadfast commitment to creating a more sustainable future. The Early Bird application period is open until 7 May 2025.

This year's ESG Achievement Awards are centred around the theme "Future-Forward Visionaries: Technology Driving Sustainable Transformation," highlighting the crucial role of innovation and digital advancements in shaping the future of ESG. In light of recent significant investments in artificial intelligence, including a notable HK$200 million donation to the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Centre (HKGAI), there is a clear trend of increasing financial commitment towards technology and AI initiatives. As businesses in Hong Kong and beyond face challenges like climate change, social inequality, and corporate governance, technology is emerging as a key driver of sustainable growth. Leaders are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital solutions to enhance ESG reporting, optimise resource efficiency, and promote responsible business practices. The Awards will serve as a platform for industry experts to discuss the transformative potential of technology in driving sustainable practices while also examining the ethical implications of AI.

Mr Paul Pong, Co-Founder of IESGB, underscored the significance of the awards, stating, "Technology is not just a tool; it is a catalyst for change. The theme this year aims to highlight how innovative solutions can address pressing environmental and social challenges. IESGB is ready to celebrate those who are harnessing technology to pave the way for a sustainable future, proving that responsible leadership and innovation can go hand in hand."

The awards will celebrate outstanding achievements in distinct categories that exemplify the multifaceted nature of ESG leadership. From environmental stewardship and social responsibility to corporate governance and innovative projects, the categories highlight the comprehensive efforts driving sustainability forward. Additionally, we are excited to announce an expanded panel of jurors, featuring experts from various specialties, including academia, corporate governance, environmental strategy, and sustainability consulting. This diverse group will evaluate submissions based on impact, innovation, and adherence to ESG principles. Winners will be celebrated at the prestigious Awards Ceremony Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for September 2025.

Mr Vincent Pang, Chairman of the Jury Panel, expressed his enthusiasm for this year's awards, saying, "Last year, we witnessed an incredible array of applicants who showcased their commitment to ESG principles and innovative practices. As we enter this year's awards, we anticipate even more inspiring submissions. We are eager to learn how various companies and NGOs are leveraging technology to enhance their ESG efforts, and we look forward to celebrating the visionaries who are leading the charge toward a more sustainable and equitable future."

Award Categories

Category	Sub-Categories
1. ESG Benchmark Awards	1.1) Outstanding Performance in Environmental Responsibility 1.2) Outstanding Performance in Social Responsibility 1.3) Outstanding Performance in ESG Governance
2. Outstanding ESG Awards	2.1) Listed Company 2.2) Non-Listed Company 2.4) NGO /NPO
3. Outstanding ESG Product and Service Awards	3.1) Company /Organisation
4. Outstanding Fund Manager's Choice Awards	4.1) Only applicable to entrants from Category 1 & 2.1 (Listed Company).
5. Outstanding Sustainable Vision Awards	5.1) Company /Organisation
6. Outstanding ESG Innovative Project Awards	6.1) Company /Organisation
7. Outstanding ESG Talent Development Awards	7.1) Company /Organisation
8. ESG Elite Awards	8.1) Individual
9. Honorary Awards (By invitation only)	9.1) Company /Organisation 9.2) Individual 9.3) Outstanding Sustainability Dividend Awards

Key Dates (Subject to change)

Date	Key Milestone
26 March	Awards Launch & Open for Application
26 March	Online Briefing Session
Early Bird: 7 May Standard: 27 June	Application Deadline
7-23 July	Judging Period
July	Presentations to the Jury Panel *Upon confirmation for applicants requiring presentation
Early August	Finalist Announcement
September	Award Ceremony Luncheon

Jury Panel (in alphabetical order of last name)

Full Name	Post
Chairman of Jury Panel
Mr Vincent Pang	Managing Partner AVISTA Group
Vice Chairman of Jury Panel
Ms Ashley Khoo	Past President CFA Society Hong Kong
Jury Panel Members
Ms Fanny Chan	Chief Human Resources Officer CTF Life
Ms Mabel Chan	Veteran of mutual fund industry Co-host of Metro Finance Radio HK
Ms Charmaine W.H. Cheng	Deputy General Manager / Named Company Secretary Fountain Set (Holdings) Limited
Ms Lovinia Chiu	Chairman, Executive Director and CEO Medialink Group Limited (2230.HK)
Mr Terence Chiu	President Hong Kong Independent Non-Executive Directors Association (HKINEDA)
Ir Edward Chow	Head, Carbon and Environmental Excellence Green Living and Innovation Division Hong Kong Productivity Council
Prof Rebcca Choy Yung	Founder & Chair Golden Age Foundation
Mr Chua Hoi Wai JP	Chief Executive Hong Kong Council of Social Service
Ms Pamela Chung	Managing Director, Head of IPO & Share Registry Vistra卓佳
Mr Roy Fan	Head of Sustainability, Climate Change and ESG Services SWCS Corporate Services Group (Hong Kong) Limited
Ms Loretta Fong	Sustainability Assurance Leader PwC Hong Kong
Ms Grace Kwok	Chairman and Executive Director Allied Sustainability and Environmental Consultants Group Limited
Ir C.F. Lam	Organising Committee Member Hong Kong Green Strategy Alliance
HON Robert Lee	Legislative Council Member Functional Constituency – Financial Services
Ir Edmund K H Leung	Vice-President Hong Kong Institute of Director
Ms Nana Li	Head of Sustainability & Stewardship, Asia-Pacific Impax Asset Management
Prof Charles W W Ng	Vice-President Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou)
Dr Erin So Pik Ki	Senior Lecturer Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Dr Kenny Tang	Chairman The Hong Kong Institute of Financial Analysts and Professional Commentators
Dr Aries Wong	Senior Lecturer, Department of Accountancy, Economics and Finance Associate Director of Centre for Sustainable Development Studies Hong Kong Baptist University
Mr Mike Wong	Chief Executive Officer The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies
Ms Jessie Yu	Chief Executive Hong Kong Single Parents Association

For more information about the ESG Achievement Awards 2024/2025, please visit www.iesgbawards.org
Hashtag: #IESGB

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About IESGB

The Institute of ESG & Benchmark (IESGB) is a non-profit organization founded in 2020, dedicated to advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in Hong Kong and beyond. Committed to promoting ESG education, IESGB cultivates Certified ESG Professionals (CESGP®) and fosters collaboration between commercial and non-commercial sectors. Through its initiatives, IESGB aims to shape a stronger, more sustainable ESG ecosystem that drives meaningful change and delivers long-term impact.