2026.01.28 Navigating the New Era of ESG: Sustainability Disclosures & Assurance
Jan 15, 2026
Sustainability is the new frontier of the accounting profession. The AFRC’s proposal for a mandatory sustainability assurance framework represents a pivotal shift for accounting professionals, transforming voluntary ESG reporting into a highly regulated statutory function. By mandating compliance with Hong Kong Standard on Sustainability Assurance 5000 (HKSSA 5000), the framework positions accountants at the centre of Hong Kong's green finance strategy. As HKFRS S1 and S2 become the mandatory language of corporate reporting, the demand for sustainability assurance is no longer a niche service—it is the new growth engine for the industry.
Highlights of the Webinar:
This seminar is designed to equip accounting professionals with an essential practical overview of the current landscape to navigate this transition effectively. Key discussion topics will include:
►Why ESG Matters & Core Concepts
►Decoding the Requirements: Navigating the HK Sustainability Disclosure Roadmap, HKEX’s climate-related disclosures, and the implementation of HKFRS S1 and S2
►The Assurance Frontier: Overview of AFRC’s latest consultation and preparing for the new HKSSA 5000 standards
Event Details:
Date: 28 January 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Channel: Zoom Webinar
CPD: 1.5 hours
Language: Cantonese
Fee: HK$100 for Members & Colleagues; HK$150 for Non-members
Speaker:
Ms. Athena Ng
Athena Ng has over 20 years of investment and corporate finance experience, spanning across four distinct professional fields—from certified public accountant, to investment banking (CFA), to corporate executive (qualified as company secretary and Certified ESG analyst). Athena currently serves as an independent non-executive director of China Overseas Property Holdings Limited (2669.HK), a board member and honorary treasurer of Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong), and a council member of The Hong Kong Institute of Directors.
Athena holds certifications including certified public accountant from the Virginia Board of Accountancy and the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, chartered secretary from The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute and The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, chartered financial analyst from the CFA Institute, Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential holder, and a certified ESG analyst registered with the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies. Athena is a member of AWAHK.
