- Scheme
Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme 2026
The inaugural “Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme and Ceremony,” a collaborative effort between Sing Tao News Corporation and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was successfully held from May to November 2023. The program attracted widespread participation from renowned companies across various sectors, yielding significant results. It served to acknowledge outstanding organizations for their proactive adoption of ESG practices, while providing a powerful platform for the exchange of industry expertise and valuable experiences. This collective effort has successfully fostered deeper exploration of the prospects and business opportunities for ESG development, both in Hong Kong and on a global scale.
We are delighted to announce that for the “Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme and Ceremony 2026,” Sing Tao News Corporation will continue its valued partnership with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The event will be co-organized alongside the School of Accounting and Finance, the Research Centre for ESG Advancement (RCESGA), and the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT). The active participation of these institutional partners further energizes the collaborative endeavors between Sing Tao and the academic community in driving social sustainability. This elevated partnership signifies a significant stride towards advancing sustainable development initiatives, aiming to promote the philosophy of green development and raise awareness across all sectors.
The “Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme 2026” has been officially launched. As a leading integrated media corporation, Sing Tao News Corporation leverages its cross-media platforms, bilingual content capabilities, and cross-border networks to translate professional ESG topics into actionable insights and engaging event experiences. To ensure the highest standards, a professional panel of judges comprising ESG authorities and industry leaders will strictly evaluate the performance of applicants in Environmental, Social, and Governance aspects. Combined with public voting to drive broader social engagement, the scheme will recognize outstanding companies with exceptional achievements in carbon reduction and social responsibility, while providing expert guidance to steer the business community toward higher standards of sustainable development.
- Schedule
Open for Entry
From April 2026
Submission Deadline
31 August 2026
Judging Process
1 -15 September 2026
Public Voting
1-7 September 2026
Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Ceremony and Sustainable Development Forum 2026
Mid-October 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Each company is required to have a valid business registration from Hong Kong, Mainland China, or abroad (each “Applicant”).
Companies wishing to apply for the ESG SME Pioneer Award must meet the HKSAR Government’s definition of small- and medium-sized enterprises (manufacturing businesses with fewer than 100 employees; non-manufacturing businesses with fewer than 50 employees).
Award Categories
Level 1 (Highest Honors)
Prestigious ESG Accomplishment of the Year
Level 2 (Professional Certification)
Outstanding ESG Environmental Performance Awards
Outstanding ESG Social Performance Awards
Outstanding ESG Corporate Governance Performance Awards
Level 3 (Commendation Certification)
ESG Commendation Certification
Others
ESG Innovation Technology Application Awards*
- ESG Innovation Technology Application Awards: Recognize businesses that have made notable achievements in the ESG field through innovative solutions and the application of various technologies, including clean energy technology, data analytics, AI, and more.
Application Method
All applicants are required to submit the following documents through email or by post. Please specify “Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme Application” on the email title or the envelope cover.
Email: [email protected]
Address: New Media Business, 8/F, Sing Tao News Corporation Building, 7 Chun Cheong Street, Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate, Tseung Kwan O, N.T., Hong Kong
- Application Form
- Latest ESG Sustainability Report (full set) or
- Latest ESG Sustainability Report Summary, event circulars, pamphlets, press release etc.
- Introduction of ESG innovative solutions or technological applications
ESG Recognition and Certification Criteria
| Pillars | Key Themes | Key Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Green Operations & Certification | Achievement of energy saving and carbon reduction targets; attainment of domestic and international environmental certifications. |
| Green Products & Innovation | Sustainable product development; application of eco-friendly technologies/patents. | |
| Resource & Waste Management | Effectiveness of waste and wastewater reduction; green supply chain procurement policies. | |
| Social | Employee Well-being & Safety | Gender equality ratios; occupational health and safety incident rates; training and benefit systems. |
| Social Contribution & Philanthropy | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investment; growth in poverty alleviation and employment opportunities. | |
| Quality & Customer Relations | Acquisition of quality certifications; customer satisfaction and service system robustness. | |
| Corporate Governance | Governance Structure & Transparency | Board diversity; quality of financial and ESG report disclosures. |
| Risk & Compliance Management | Tax transparency; supply chain stability and operational risk control. | |
| Promotion & Publicity | Brand Influence | Media coverage and reach; quality of ESG-themed publications and content. |
ESG Innovation Technology Application Awards Criteria
| Pillars | Key Themes | Key Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Breakthroughs | Depth of Originality and R&D | Proportion of independently developed core technologies |
| Patents and academic recognition | ||
| Problem-Solving Capability | Processing speed and accuracy in complex scenario | |
| System energy saving and emission reduction efficiency | ||
| Technological Leadership & Compatibility | Environmental adaptability and stability | |
| Cross-platform application and industry collaboration. | ||
| AI+ESG Transformation Effectiveness | Environmental Benefit Conversion | AI-driven precision carbon reduction conversion rate |
| Optimization efficiency of resource circulation and recycling | ||
| Social Contribution | Actual population covered by inclusive services | |
| Depth of addressing social pain points | ||
| Corporate Governance & Compliance | Efficiency of automated compliance monitoring | |
| Data anti-counterfeiting and security assurance | ||
| Promotion & Communication Reach | Public awareness conversion metrics | |
| Enhancement of brand reputation and image | ||
| Data Ethics & Security | Privacy & Security | Compliance rate of data de-identification/anonymization. |
| Transparency & Trustworthiness | Explainability ratio of AI decision-making. |
