Most Hong Kong workers say ESG useful in their careers: survey

Proper ESG training can help companies and the nation achieve their sustainability goals.

Majority of workers in Hong Kong believe that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) plays a significant role in both their careers and the entire business community, although most of the employees do not fully understand the concept, a recent study showed.

Around 79% of 301 local working adults surveyed agreed that ESG plays an increasingly significant role in the operations of Hong Kong’s enterprises and the business community, while having a good grasp of the concept would be helpful to their current work, according to a survey commissioned by the International Chamber of Sustainable Development (ICSD) and the World Green Organisation (WGO). 

Despite this, the respondents did not have a profound understanding of ESG in general while only less than 50% were confident to have a good knowledge of the concept. 

WGO chief executive officer William Yu said Hong Kong needs to train more ESG talents and promote ESG education among its people to help local businesses comply with national policies on sustainability and at the same time, reach their carbon neutrality goals.

The survey showed about 65% of the respondents have never taken any ESG-related course but more than half expressed interest in these programmes. Over 83% agreed obtaining  professional certification and qualifications in the field will be beneficial to both their current and future work, but the courses should be relevant to their work and offer flexible teaching modes.

To promote ESG education, ICSD launched the Certified ESG Planner programmes in Hong Kong offering certification for students to be ESG planners.