Dear members,
As I mark nearly a year as President of the Hong Kong Institute of CPAs, I am pleased to share a summary of our collective achievements and milestones. Guided by the HKICPA Strategic Plan 2025, this period has been defined by collaboration, learning, and progress for our profession.
Hong Kong continues to position itself at the forefront of global sustainability reporting. After the publication of HKFRS S1 and S2 in December last year, our commitment was recognized in the IFRS Foundation’s Jurisdictional Profiles, with Hong Kong among the first to target full adoption of ISSB Standards.
To further equip members for HKFRS S1 and S2 implementation, we hosted the inaugural HKICPA Sustainability Forum, launched the Certificate on Sustainability Reporting (now eligible for subsidy under the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme), and released HKFRS S1 and S2 Guidance – Part 1.
A highlight this year was the ISSB Preparer Readiness Training in October, held with the IFRS Foundation and supported by CLP Holdings, and led by Sue Lloyd, Vice-Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and Neil Stewart, Director of Corporate Outreach of the IFRS Foundation.
To accelerate digital adoption across the profession, we’re also launching the Digital Transformation Roadmap in November – a strategic framework designed to empower SMPs and SMEs to navigate the complexities of digitalization through six pivotal stages, supported by essential resources. This initiative underscores our commitment to equipping members and the profession with future-ready capabilities.
Future-proofing the profession remains a top priority. We renewed Mutual Recognition Agreements with CPA Australia and ACCA, enhancing international mobility and career development.
The new Certificate in Accounting and Business was rolled out to help professionals build future-ready capabilities, and members have embraced these digital credentials, inspiring the next generation to pursue the Qualification Programme (QP). We were pleased to host over 150 participants, including strategic partners, employers, academia, members, and students in October to showcase key features and celebrate the launch of this important qualification.
“The progress made in sustainability, talent development, Mainland and international engagement, and member wellbeing has positioned the HKICPA to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
We also strengthened our connection with future talents, with over 30,000 students from primary to tertiary levels in 2024/25 academic year engaged to strengthen talent pipelines and sustain the profession.
The Greater Bay Area Conference and delegation to Foshan promoted cross-border growth and collaboration, while the launch of the Alliance of CPA Firms Dedicated to Financial and Tax Guidance for Businesses’ Global Expansion united 123 firms to support outbound enterprises. In October, I was honoured to represent the Institute to take part in the official launch of the government-led Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, further strengthening support for Mainland enterprises expanding internationally.
This year, HKICPA strengthened its global presence through high-profile collaborations and events in recent months. We welcomed leaders from the International Accounting Standards Board, International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Global Accounting Alliance, hosting strategic meetings and joint member events that reinforced Hong Kong’s role as an international accounting hub. The HKICPA x IFAC SMP Conference in November also brings global expertise directly to our members, fostering valuable exchange on digitalization, sustainability, and quality assurance.
We recently concluded the Council Election 2025, during which members were elected to serve for the next two years. A total of 6,333 valid votes were received, and I am grateful for your engagement and participation.
While it is not possible to list every achievement in this message, I want to emphasize that together we have laid a strong foundation for the Institute’s future. The progress made in sustainability, talent development, Mainland and international engagement, and member wellbeing has positioned the HKICPA to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
As my term as President draws to a close, I am deeply encouraged about the future of our Institute. The groundwork we have established over the past year sets a strong foundation for ongoing advancement and achievement. It has been a true privilege to serve as your President and to help guide such an innovative and forward-looking organization.
I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to remaining actively involved as a Council member and Immediate Past President.
Edward Au
President
