Dear members,
The first half of 2026 has brought great energy and a renewed focus to our profession. As the economic and technological landscape shifts, our strategy remains firmly anchored in three pillars: building trust, nurturing talent, and driving development and transformation.
A central focus during this period has been strengthening our strategic engagement with the Chinese Mainland. This comes at a pivotal time as the nation launches its 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong prepares its own first Five-Year Plan. The Institute has been gathering members’ feedback to ensure our ongoing professional input remains impactful.
In April, I joined a delegation to Chongqing, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Association of Registered Public Interest Entity Auditors Limited and Hong Kong Business Accountants Association. During this visit, I had the opportunity to meet with the Chongqing Party Secretary, Yuan Jiajun. This trip also marked the signing of a Strategic Cooperation Framework Memorandum between the Institute, Chongqing Institute of CPAs, and the two organizers, to further strengthen collaboration and exchange between the accounting profession of Hong Kong and Chongqing.
Another key highlight was the delegation to Beijing and Shanghai in June, with the aim of strengthening professional cooperation. Following substantive dialogues with key Mainland government departments, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Shanghai Institute of Certified Public Accountants to establish a joint platform for talent development. To further expand this regional talent pool, earlier in May, we also partnered with Zhongnan University of Economics and Law to accredit undergraduate programmes at their School of Accountancy.
This momentum continued with my participation in a delegation to Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai in June, led by Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and 20 financial sector leaders. Through this visit, the Institute’s support for the Chinese Mainland enterprises “going global” has unlocked mutually beneficial collaboration opportunities for both sides.
“Such strong engagement underscores that the profession remains at the forefront of the strategic shifts shaping Hong Kong’s economic landscape.”
Our commitment to global engagement continued into July with a delegation to London. We paid a courtesy call on Dame Susan Langley, Lord Mayor of the City of London, and had in-depth exchanges on international collaboration, talent mobility, United Kingdom-Asia connectivity, and the accounting profession’s contribution to cross-border economic and trade development. We also held a series of meetings with professional bodies, think tanks, business and finance leaders, and academic institutions, including the London Stock Exchange and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. This visit underscores the Institute’s vital role in expanding global opportunities and elevating the stature of Hong Kong’s accounting profession on the world stage.
This international standing is also reflected in this recent recognition, as the Institute has been appointed as an official training partner of the International Sustainability Standards Board, which strongly validates our technical capabilities and our commitment to advancing the global environmental, social and governance agenda.
Another major highlight of this period was our latest Public Affairs Series, featuring the Honourable Regina Ip. I had the privilege of joining Mrs. Ip on stage, where we co-hosted an engaging discussion with over 300 participants on how emerging technologies, the space economy, and geopolitical tensions are transforming global business. Such strong engagement underscores that the profession remains at the forefront of the strategic shifts shaping Hong Kong’s economic landscape.
Beyond professional development, our commitment to the community has entered an inspiring new chapter. I was personally engaged in this heartwarming initiative, as we held the official kick-off ceremony of the HKICPA Volunteer Team in June. The Volunteer Team rallied nearly 1,000 members and their families, reflecting a profession deeply invested in driving positive social impact alongside technical excellence. I invite you to join us for this meaningful cause, as we will continue to grow the team and make a positive impact on the community together.
Finally, I hope you will enjoy reading the profile feature in this issue on Webster Ng, our LegCo Councillor (Accountancy). His professional journey and insights offer an inspiring read, and I trust members will find his story both relatable and motivating.
As we look toward the second half of the year, I am confident that the momentum we have collectively built will carry us forward into our next chapter of growth.
Stephen Law
President
