ESG Reporting

On September 16, 2024, the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("HKICPA") issued Exposure Drafts for HKFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and HKFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures, seeking market comments. The HKICPA has proposed full convergence of HKFRS S1 and S2 (HKFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards) with the IFRS S1 and S2 standards set by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), effective from August 1, 2025.
 
The application of HKFRS S1 and S2 will remain voluntary until mandated by relevant authorities, with publicly accountable entities (PAEs), including listed companies and regulated financial institutions in Hong Kong, prioritized for implementation. As outlined in FAQ 1 of the explanatory memorandum accompanying the Exposure Drafts (addressing "Which entities must apply the HK Standards and by when?"), relevant authorities/regulators authorities, including HKEX, HKMA, SFC, MPFA, and IA, will conduct their consultations soon to determine the approach and timeline for adopting HKFRS S1 and S2. Entities required to prepare sustainability disclosures will continue to follow the regulations, guidelines, or rules specified by these authorities.  Until further decisions are made by the relevant authorities/regulators, entities preparing sustainability disclosures have the sole discretion to decide whether sustainability disclosures should be prepared in accordance with the HK Standards or other frameworks.
 
This alignment is crucial for Hong Kong as a global financial center, facilitating the integration of global capital with local businesses in Hong Kong, mainland China, and beyond.
 
AVISTA Group has submitted comments on the Exposure Drafts, including feedback on the proposal to fully align HKFRS S1 and S2 with IFRS S1 and S2, along with other relevant comments. We are committed to actively contributing to the enhancement and advancement of the industry market, leveraging our expertise, experience, and dedication to excellence to drive positive change and progress within the industry.
 
For further information, please refer to the exposure drafts document: <a title="https://www.hkicpa.org.hk/en/Standards-setting/Standards/Open-for-comment-documents/Sustainability-Reporting" href="https://www.hkicpa.org.hk/en/Standards-setting/Standards/Open-for-comment-documents/Sustainability-Reporting" data-outlook-id="03ea1a45-a56b-4d51-a74d-475864bf726b">https://www.hkicpa.org.hk/en/Standards-setting/Standards/Open-for-comment-documents/Sustainability-Reporting</a>
 
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AVISTA Provided Feedback on Exposure Drafts for HKFRS S1 and S2 Released by HKICPA

AVISTA Group was honored to be invited by the ESG Seasonal Forum as the sponsor of the 2024 China ESG Summit - Consumer Goods Industry. The conference, themed “Enhancing ESG Standards, Building a Sustainable Future Together,” was successfully held on September 5th and 6th, 2024, in Shanghai.
 
Our Managing Partner, Mr. Vincent Pang, had the honor of delivering a speech titled “Driving Brand Value: Harnessing the Power of ESG Integration,” emphasizing the crucial role of ESG integration in enhancing brand value. His insights provided attendees with valuable guidance on effectively implementing ESG strategies in the consumer goods industry.
 
The Summit showcased practical experiences from consumer goods companies, offering insights into ESG trends in China, sustainable consumption in the Asia-Pacific region and China and shifts in consumer behavior. Attendees have gained valuable knowledge on achieving environmental goals through sustainable supply chains and leveraging digitalization for improved ESG outcomes, enhancing their understanding of current trends and challenges in ESG for consumer goods.
 
We extend our appreciation to the organizers for the invitation, allowing us to share our expertise and engage with industry peers. Together, we are dedicated to exploring and promoting the comprehensive implementation and innovative practices of ESG in businesses, striving to uphold commitments to sustainable development.
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As a Guest Speaker and Sponsor at the 2024 China ESG Summit - Consumer Goods Industry in Shanghai

Our Principal of Risk Management Advisory, Ms. Sabrina Lam, was honored to be invited as a guest speaker by the Society of Chinese Accountants and Auditors (SCAA) for its seminar titled “Implications of HKEX New Climate Disclosure Requirements on SMPs and SMEs”.
 
During the seminar, Sabrina emphasized the importance of addressing Scope 3 GHG emissions, setting GHG reduction targets and promoting responsible supply chain management for SMPs and SMEs, as they are part of the value chain of listed companies obliged to comply with HKEX’s new climate disclosure requirements. To assist SMPs and SMEs in enhancing their overall sustainability performance and gaining a competitive advantage through ESG, the session also highlighted the value of ESG integration into their business models with case studies and showcased the global key ESG trends. 
 
As a leading professional advisory firm in providing sustainability and climate solutions, AVISTA values the opportunity to share our knowledge and contribute to the professional development of industry peers through platforms like the SCAA Seminar.
 
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As Guest Speaker at the Society of Chinese Accountants and Auditors (SCAA) Seminar – “Implications of HKEX New Climate Disclosure Requirements on SMPs and SMEs” 

On April 19, 2024, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the Exchange) released its Consultation Conclusions on the enhancement of climate-related disclosures under its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework.
Taking into account market feedback and aligning with the Hong Kong Government's sustainability disclosure vision and the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) jurisdictional guide preview, the proposals were adjusted to closely reflect IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures (IFRS S2) as outlined in the Consultation Conclusions (New Climate Requirements).
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The New Climate Requirements, based on IFRS S2, introduce implementation reliefs including proportionality and scaling-in measures to address reporting challenges that may be faced by issuers. 
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Along with that, the amended Listing Rules will be effective from January 1, 2025.
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Check out the <a href="https://www.hkex.com.hk/-/media/HKEX-Market/News/Market-Consultations/2016-Present/April-2023-Climate-related-Disclosures/Conclusions-Apr-2024/cp202304cc.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Consultation Conclusions</a> document for more details.

Consultation Conclusions on Enhancement of Climate-related Disclosures under the ESG Framework

We are pleased to announce that AVISTA has officially become a corporate member of the Business Environment Council. As a leading professional advisory firm dedicated to advancing sustainability, we are firmly committed to empowering our clients to unlock growth opportunities through our <a href="https://www.avaval.com/en/our-services/ESG-Advisory">Sustainability and Climate Solutions</a>.
 
This strategic alignment with Hong Kong’s leading coalition of responsible businesses and experts will strengthen our engagement and collaboration with like-minded organizations, further propelling our shared mission of sustainable development. Together with our fellow members, we aim to drive green innovation and champion sustainable business practices, marking a significant step forward in our sustainability journey.
 
We look forward to our future collaborations with the Business Environment Council. Together, AVISTA creates business value while embracing a sustainable future – for its people, for its clients, for its communities, and for the planet. 
 
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AVISTA Becomes a Corporate Member of Business Environment Council

Our Managing Partner, Mr. Vincent Pang was honoured to be invited as the Head Juror for the third consecutive year for the Institute of ESG &amp; Benchmark (IESGB)’s ESG Achievement Awards (“Awards”) this year. He had the privilege of acting as a speaker and awards presenter at the Awards Presentation Ceremony, which took place at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong on 22 September 2023.
 
Featuring the theme of “ESG Champions: Pioneering Sustainable Development”, the Awards stand as a beacon of recognition for businesses, individuals and non-profit organizations who have integrated ESG best practices at every level of their operations.
 
Co-organized by The Institute of Financial Technologists of Asia (IFTA) and supported by the ESG Data Partner, Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited (HSIL), the Awards ceremony kicked off with an opening speech by Mr. Paul Pong, Co-Founder of IESGB, and Mr. Joseph Chan, JP, Under Secretary for Financial Services &amp; the Treasury of the Hong Kong SAR Government. In his impactful speech, Mr. Chan highlighted Hong Kong's exceptional attributes - its open market, robust infrastructure, regulatory alignment, and highly skilled professionals, all of which position the city to spearhead the region's growth and development in green finance. He emphasized that Hong Kong was poised not only to become Asia's premier green finance hub but also an international financial center.
 
Concurrently, Vincent had the honour of delivering a keynote speech during the Awards ceremony, where he expressed his delight in witnessing the enthusiastic response to this year’s event, a clear testament to the growing adoption of ESG practices in the community. He eagerly anticipates the participation of more diverse industries and organizations in the future, which will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of ESG development in Hong Kong.
 
The Awards celebrated the outstanding contributions of 59 winning organizations in promoting sustainable development, fulfilling social responsibilities and delivering excellent corporate governance across 9 award categories. The winners include industry leaders such as Henderson Land Development Company Limited, Sino Land Company Limited, Kerry Properties Limited, Link Asset Management Limited, Café de Coral Holdings Limited, Chinachem Group, and Canvest Environmental Protection Group Company Limited.
 
From global industries to local governments, the promotion of a green economy has taken center stage. AVISTA Group is honoured to showcase achievements in ESG best practices, and we eagerly anticipate further advancements in ESG implementation across industries. We hope that the Awards will continue to serve as a catalyst for fostering a forward-thinking and harmonious ESG community.
 
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As the Head Juror of IESGB ESG Achievement Awards 2022-2023 and Speaker of the Awards Presentation Ceremony

We are pleased to announce that AVISTA Hong Kong has successfully hosted an additional session of its ESG seminar, titled "Perspectives from Issuers: Staying Ahead of HKEX’s Proposed Climate-related Disclosure Requirements" in response to overwhelming demand. During this seminar, our Managing Partner, Mr. Vincent Pang, alongside our Principal and Manager of Risk Advisory Services, Ms. Sabrina Lam and Ms. Queenie Wong, delivered invaluable insights into HKEX’s proposed amendments based on the IFRS S2 Climate-related Standard and their implications for listed companies.
The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of the key proposal in the climate-related disclosure proposal and explored the strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of climate-related disclosures under its ESG Framework. The speaker also shared how a listed company addressing the key challenges that they may face in implementing the climate-related disclosure requirements. Following the presentations, participants engaged in an interactive Q&amp;A session to address their concerns regarding the proposed amendments.
At AVISTA, we harness our knowledge, expertise and experience to empower our clients with the most up-to-date ESG regulatory developments for long-term value creation. We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone for joining us on our sustainability journey towards a better and greener future.
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AVISTA’s ESG seminar series - An additional session of “Perspectives from Issuers: Staying Ahead of HKEX’s Proposed Climate-related Disclosures Requirements”