20 December 2024 

HSUHK hosted the inaugural “Outstanding SME ESG and Business Performance Award” Presentation Ceremony on 20 December 2024. Organised by the School of Business and the Start-up and SME Resource Centre (SSRC), and co-organised by the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association, the Award recognises small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that excel not only in business performance but also in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives into their operations to achieve sustainable growth. This year, nine companies were awarded “the Outstanding SME ESG Product Award”, and 19 companies received the “Outstanding SME ESG Service Award”, with a total of 28 SMEs being awarded.

In her opening remarks, Vice-President (Learning and Student Experience) Professor Jeanne Fu stated that ESG and sustainable development have become essential components of business operations across all industries, and are critical steps for SME to move forward. Dr Thomas Man, Associate Dean (TPG and Executive Education) of the School of Business and head judge of the Award, remarked that this Award not only acknowledges the significant efforts of SMEs in ESG and sustainable development but also inspires more businesses to transform sustainability into opportunities, integrating it into their core operations for long-term success.

During the ceremony, representatives from the Hong Kong Red Cross, Occupational Safety and Health Council, and Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals shared their insights on ESG and sustainable development, providing inspiration for the participants.

This year’s awards were strongly supported by numerous statutory bodies and associations, including the Occupational Safety and Health Council; Business Environment Council; Equal Opportunities Commission; Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals; Hong Kong Red Cross; Hong Kong Green Building Council; The Hong Kong Registered Contractors Association; SME Sustainability Society; The Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business; Hong Kong SME Economic and Trade Promotion Association; Hong Kong SME Development Federation; Hong Kong (SME) Economic and Trade Promotional Association; SME Global Alliance; and Riskory Consultancy, award technical advisor.