We continue our GoldenGen Reflections series with the third interview spotlighting senior professionals in the governance field. Our featured guest this month is Anna Sum FCG HKFCG.

When did you first join the Institute and what was your professional role at that time?

‘I enrolled as an Institute student when I took my higher diploma in Company Secretaryship and Administration at the then–Hong Kong Polytechnic (now The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)) in the mid-1970s. In 1984, I then became an Associate member after gaining practical experience in a small Certified Public Accountant’s firm, where I started as a company secretarial assistant and worked my way up.’

Did membership of the Institute support your career development and, if so, in what ways? What prompted your shift from professional services to teaching?

‘Yes, absolutely, membership of the Institute played a vital role in my career. The path to membership provided me with a valuable structure for professional growth, first with the examinations and then the continuous professional development (CPD) training, which helped keep me informed about evolving regulations such as the Listing Rules. The Institute also introduced its Enhanced CPD programme in 2004, ensuring members stay up to date with the more technical and job-specific knowledge. As for my transition to teaching, it began in the late 1980s when a former classmate – who was then a lecturer at PolyU – invited me to teach part-time courses at that university. I enjoyed interacting with students, sharing my professional knowledge and experience, and learning from their own practical experience. I took a full-time teaching role in 1996, driven by a passion for helping shape the next generation. I also had the opportunity to coauthor a textbook on company secretarial practices.’

How has the changing governance landscape affected your role as a lecturer in corporate governance? And has this also influenced your students’ motivations and expectations?

‘Governance has evolved from basic compliance tasks, like filing returns, to addressing broader issues, including ESG concerns and climate change. This shift has elevated the importance of governance professionals, who now advise on a wider scope of corporate responsibility, including sustainability practices, digital transformation and cybersecurity. For students, the motivations have also transformed. Many aspire to contribute to the strategic management of companies, influenced by global trends like carbon neutrality and ethical AI use. The introduction of ESG-focused regulations, such as Hong Kong’s new climaterelated disclosure requirements, has further highlighted the need for governance expertise at the board level.’

What has changed for women in the governance profession since your own career began and how has the Institute helped in that regard?

‘When I started out in my career, the governance profession – much like many industries at the time – was male-dominated. Women were often relegated to support roles and the idea of women rising to senior positions, let alone boardrooms, was still rare. Back then, company secretarial work was often perceived as administrative, rather than strategic, and this perception appeared to limit opportunities for women. Governance has evolved over the years into a strategic function and women have proved time and again that they can excel in this field. A number of my female students and peers have gone on to take leadership roles in governance, whether as company secretaries, compliance officers or board members. The Institute has been instrumental in this shift, offering training, networking events and mentorship programmes that equip women to take on leadership roles. More recently, it has actively promoted diversity and inclusion. Through initiatives that highlight the importance of gender balance on boards and in senior management, the Institute has contributed to a broader conversation about diversity in governance.’

Can you share some of your golden memories of the Institute’s early days?

‘One standout memory is conducting revision courses in a small Causeway Bay office. These courses were impactful, fostering close-knit learning communities. Another highlight was codeveloping the Master of Corporate Governance degree with PolyU, which is one of the Institute’s Collaborative Course Agreement programmes. Witnessing the programme’s growth and its impact on students’ careers remains deeply rewarding.’

What advice would you give to the younger generation starting out on their governance careers?

‘Stay curious and adaptable. Governance is a dynamic field in which continuous learning is essential. Always align your professional growth with emerging trends and remember that your role impacts not just your company but also society at large.’

我们继续睿思智享系列的第三篇专访，聚焦公司治理领域的资深专业人士。本月的特别嘉宾是岑香雪女士FCG HKFCG。

您是什么时候加入公会的？当时您的职业角色是什么？

‘我在1970年代中期攻读香港理工学院（现香港理工大学）的公司秘书管理高级文凭时，以学生的身份加入公会。 之后，我在一家小型注册会计师事务所从公司秘书助理做起，逐步发展事业，积累了实践经验后，在1984年成为正式会士。’

公会的会员资格是否支持了您的职业发展？具体表现在哪些方面？您从专业服务转向教学的原因是什么？

‘当然，公会会员资格在我的职业发展中发挥了重要作用。 成为会员要经过有系统的过程，这对我的专业发展帮助很大，弥足珍 贵：首先是通过考试，然后是持续专业进修培训，这帮助我及时了解如上市规则等法规的变化。公会还在2004年推出强化持续专业发展计划，确保会员掌握更具技术性和与工作相关的知识。至于我转向教学的原因，可以追溯到1980年代末，一位在理工大学当讲师的前同学邀请我在该大学教授兼职课程。我非常喜欢与学生互动，分享我的专业知识和经验，并从他们的实践经验中学习。1996年，出于希望帮助培养下一代的热情，我选择了全职教学工作。我还曾有机会共同编写了一本关于公司秘书实务的教材。’

随着治理领域的变化，您作为公司治理讲师的角色发生了怎样的转变？这是否也影响了学生的动机和期望？

‘治理工作已经从基本的合规任务，如提交文件，转向关注更广泛的议题，例如ESG问题和气候变化。这种转变提升了治理专业人士的重要性，他们如今在较广阔层面的企业责任方面提供建议，包括可持续发展实务、数码转型和网络安全等。学生们的动机也发生了变化，在全球趋势如碳中和和有道德地运用AI的影响下，许多学生希望为公司的战略管理做出贡献。随着香港气候相关披露新要求等ESG法规出台，更突显了需要在董事会层面加强治理专业知识。’

与您职业生涯刚开始时相比，治理行业中女性的地位发生了怎样的变化？公会在这方面起到了什么作用？

‘在我职业生涯初期，治理和许多其他行业一样，以男性为主导。女性通常被安排在支持性角色，很少有女性能够晋升到高级职位，更不用说进入董事会。当时，公司秘书工作常被视为行政性事务，而非战略性工作，这种认知限制了女性的发展机会。然而，多年来，治理工作已经演变为一种战略职能，女性多次证明了她们在这一领域的卓越能力。我的许多女性学生和同行都成为了治理领域的领导者，担任公司秘书、合规人员或董事会成员。学会在这一转变中起到了关键作用，通过培训、网络联系活动和导师计划，帮助女性胜任领导职位。近年来，学会还积极推动多元化与包容性，通过强调董事会和高级管理层性别平衡的重要性，学会促进了关 于治理多元化的广泛讨论。’

您能分享一些关于公会早期的美好回忆吗？

‘让我印象深刻的回忆之一，是在铜锣湾的一间小办公室里开展复习课程。这些课程很有效，让学员建立了紧密的学习伙伴关系。另一个亮点是与理工大学合作开发了公司治理硕士学位课程，也是公会的合作课程之一。见证这一课程的成 长及其对学生职业发展的影响，让我倍感欣慰。’

您对刚刚开始治理生涯的年轻一代有什么建议？

‘保持好奇心和适应能力。治理是一个充满活力、不断发展的领域，需要持续学习。在发展专业的过程中，经常紧贴新兴趋势，并记住你的角色不仅影响公司，还会对整个社会产生重要影响。