Previous winners represented household names from various industries, including food and beverage, manufacturing, real estate, and finance, among others. This year, the awards have opened with the theme "ESG Champions: Pioneering Sustainable Development," which aims to celebrate businesses, individuals, and non-profits who have integrated ESG into every level of their operations. These early adopters have taken the path of trial and error, inspiring us to take the first step towards meaningful change.

"As the world grapples with numerous sustainability challenges and ever-changing regulations, it is important to recognize and celebrate the achievements of those who have paved the way towards a more sustainable future. From worldwide industries to our local government, the promotion of a green economy is a significant matter," said Mr Paul Pong, Co-Founder of IESGB. "The awards seek to do just that by highlighting the efforts of organizations that are committed to making a positive effect on the environment, society, and the economy. Thus, we invite organizations of all sizes across the Greater Bay Area to join us, so that we can generate a bigger impact together.

The award categories focus on companies' ESG leadership, demonstrated through their holistic reporting, effective operations, and innovative approach to sustainable development. Winners will be selected by esteemed jurors and presented at the Awards Ceremony Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for September 2023.

Mr Vincent Pang, Chairman of the awards' jury panel, shares that the awards introduced four new award categories: Best Sustainable Vision Awards, ESG Learning, ESG Elite Awards and Development Awards, and ESG Innovative Project Awards. "The addition of these new categories acknowledges companies with specific actions towards net zero carbon footprint, stakeholder education, and innovative work with ESG in mind. Productivity in ESG implementation can take various forms, and these categories ensure we don't miss out on those efforts", he said.

IESGB is a non-profit organization founded in 2020 with a mission to promote ESG practices in Hong Kong and beyond, facilitate ESG education, and encourage a balance between commercial and non-commercial organizations. Ultimately, IESGB hopes to co-create a better ESG ecosystem in Hong Kong.