- Scheme
Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme 2024
The “Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme” is jointly organized by Sing Tao News Corporation and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and has achieved significant participation from well-known companies since its inaugural event in 2023. The scheme aims to recognize outstanding companies actively practicing ESG principles across real estate, banking and finance, public affairs and other sectors, as well as explore ESG development prospects and business opportunities in Hong Kong and globally through industry expertise and valuable experience sharing.
The core objectives of the “Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme” include commending corporate ESG performance, providing in-depth evaluations and recommendations from a professional committee, alongside facilitating learning and exchange among enterprises through ESG workshops offered by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. By providing professional advice and the latest ESG knowledge, the scheme aims to effectively enhance corporate performance in the three key areas of environment, society, and corporate governance.
The scheme includes: “Prestigious ESG Accomplishment of the Year”, “Outstanding ESG Environmental/ Social/ Corporate Governance Performance Awards”, “ESG Commendation Certification”, and “ESG Innovation Technology Application Awards”. Additionally, this year’s scheme introduces the “ESG SME Pioneer Award” to recognize small- and medium-sized enterprises dedicated to contributing to sustainable development.
All awards and recognitions are determined through a professional selection process by Sing Tao News Corporation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and KPMG, to ensure that the awarded companies have met the criteria for ESG management policies and performance. The organizers will further provide professional feedback and recommendations on the ESG performance of all participating companies, with the aim of effectively improving their performance to further enhance their ESG levels.
The awards will be presented at the “Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Ceremony and Sustainable Development Forum 2025”. In addition to recognizing award-winning companies, the event will feature specialized panel discussions where industry leaders will share their insights on various topics. Furthermore, award-winning companies will have the opportunity to participate in ESG training workshops organized by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, providing participating enterprises with comprehensive and diverse ESG implementation strategies to help businesses achieve sustainable development through ESG practices.
- Schedule
Open for Entry
From Now
Submission Deadline
31 August 2025
Judging Process
1 -30 September 2025
Public Voting
1-7 September 2025
Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Ceremony and Sustainable Development Forum 2025
October 2025
ESG Workshop
1st Quarter, 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 SME Pioneer Awards*
ESG Excellence Model 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.
- ESG SME Pioneer Awards: Recognize small- and medium-sized enterprises dedicated to contributing to sustainable development.
- ESG Excellence Model Awards: Honor companies that have advanced ESG initiatives for three consecutive years, elevating environmental, social, and governance standards through innovation and sustainable strategies.
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
Evaluation Criteria
Pillars | Key Themes | Key Indicators |
---|---|---|
Environ-ment | Environmental Management System | Environmental Management System |
Green Business Objectives | Low-carbon plans or targets | |
Green procurement policies or plans | ||
Green Products | Carbon emission | |
Sustainable products or services | ||
External Environmental Certification | Product or firm obtaining environmental certification | |
Waste and Water Management | Waste and water management system | |
Implementation of Technological Innovation | New technology/Methods to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment | |
Social | Systemic Framework | Quality of social responsibility |
Health and Safety | Targets or plans to reduce safety accidents | |
Gender equality | ||
Social Contribution | Socially responsible donations | |
Employment growth opportunity and training system | ||
Employment welfare | ||
Poverty alleviation | ||
Quality Management | Product or firm obtaining quality certification | |
Customer Relation | Customer service system | |
Cor-porate Gover-nance | Institutional Development | ESG self-supervision |
Governance Structure | Board-to-supervisory ratio quality including diversity, independence, and committee roles | |
Financial reporting and auditing quality | ||
Business Operations | Tax transparency | |
Operational Risk | Supplier relation stability |