This month, CGj interviews Davis Lau FCG HKFCG, Managing Director, Boardroom Corporate Services (HK) Ltd.

What is your current role and what was your career path to this role? 

‘In my current role, I am responsible for overseeing the entire business operations in Hong Kong. Our company provides corporate secretarial, share registry, payroll, taxation and accounting services to various types of corporate client, ranging from startups to listed companies. When I first graduated, I worked at the Institute, where I became familiar with the company secretarial profession. I later became an Associate of the Institute. This professional qualification was an asset when I then joined an investor services company, where I primarily handled corporate actions and investor relations for Hong Kong listed companies. Eventually, I joined Boardroom Corporate Services (HK) Ltd, where I have been for almost 10 years.’

When did you first hear the terms ‘company secretary’ and ‘governance’? What was your impression of these terms? 

‘I studied public administration in college, so initially my understanding of governance was rooted in the concept of public governance in the social sciences. This involved formulating policies that were beneficial to the public. However, as I familiarised myself with corporate governance, I realised that governance goes beyond public institutions. In fact, any type of organisation, whether public or private, regardless of its size, requires good systems and governance. It needs to establish internal governance policies and structures. Depending on the nature of the business and place of incorporation, it also falls under various regulatory frameworks, while the interests of different stakeholders must be considered. These are practical matters that, from my perspective, are just part of my everyday life.’

What qualities do you think are needed to be a successful governance professional? 

‘You must be focused, cautious and meticulous. These are the basics. Additionally, it is important to continuously pursue further education and to stay aware of the changes happening around you. The regulatory environment is constantly evolving, and regulations for companies and businesses are also subject to change. You need to understand the transformations, promptly inform the company’s management and update the company’s policies when necessary. You cannot rely on the same set of practices for 10 years. There will be new developments every day so you must constantly update your knowledge. Maintaining a mindset of continuous learning is crucial.’

What was your chosen route to complete the Institute’s qualifying programme and what advice would you give to people who are considering qualifying as a Chartered Secretary and Chartered Governance Professional? 

‘I obtained a master’s degree in Professional Accounting and Corporate Governance from City University of Hong Kong, which is tailored for non–business school students. It was well suited to my level and, by following the curriculum, I was able to acquire the necessary knowledge. I didn’t have to allocate time to study for the qualification exams on my own, so this made it a comfortable approach for me. I recommend that individuals choose the path that suits them best. There’s no definitive answer as to whether taking exams or pursuing part-time education is better. The best option is the one that aligns with your own individual needs and preferences.’

As a member of the younger generation, how do you think governance will evolve in the future and would you recommend a career in governance to others? 

‘I believe this industry has promising prospects. In the new economy and with the rapid development of technology, there will inevitably be an increase in corresponding regulatory requirements. For example, last year Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission introduced a new licensing regime for virtual asset trading platforms. In the future there will undoubtedly be an increased demand for governance professionals. Furthermore, corporate governance is not limited to company secretarial work – compliance and ESG are also integral aspects of governance. You can choose to develop in the direction that most interests you, as there isn’t just one path to take.’

CGj本月采访了刘屹智先生FCG HKFCG，宝德隆企业服务(香港)有限公司董事总经理。

请问您目前的职位是什么？能告诉我们您的职业发展经历吗？ 

‘我目前的职位负责监督整个香港的业务。我们公司为不同类型的企业客户，从初创公司到上市公司，提供公司秘书、 证券登记、薪酬管理、税务及会计服务。毕业后，我在公会工作，认识了公司秘书这一个行业，后来成为公会的会员。 这个专业资格有助我加入了一间投资者服务公司，当时主要负责香港上市公司的企业行动和投资者关系。后来我加入了宝德隆，在这里服务已经差不多十年了。’

您第一次听到‘公司秘书’或‘公司治理’是什么时候？ 您当时对这些专业名词有什么印象？ 

‘我在大学是读公共行政的，所以我最初对治理的理解是社会科学中公共管治的概念，也就是订立有利于公众的政策。开始认识公司治理后，我就发觉不只是公营机构，其实任何类型的机构，无论是公营或者私营，不管大小，都需要有良好的制度与管治，要订立内部治理方针和架构。 视乎业务性质和注册地法规，机构也会受到多方面的规管，同时必须照顾不同持份者的利益。这些是很务实的事情，我觉得就像是日常生活的一部分。’

您认为成为一名成功的治理专业人士需要具备哪些素质？

‘做事要专注，要谨慎，要细致，这是最基本的。另外就是要持续进修，知道身边的转变。监管环境持续变迁，公司法规和业务的监管规定同样会有变化，你必须明白这些转变，及时让公司管理层知道，有需要时更新公司的方针政策。我们不可以十年不变地跟随同一套做法：每天都有新发展，所以要经常更新自己的知识，持续进修的心态是至关重要的。’ 

您完成公会的资格计划的路径是怎样的？对于那些有想去成为特许秘书和公司治理师的人，您有什么建议？ 

‘我在香港城市大学取得专业会计与企业管治硕士学位，这是为非商学院学生量身打造的课程，比较适合我的程度，只要跟着课程的设计，就能学习到所需的知识，也不需要为应付资格考试而自行分配时间温习，这对我来说是比较舒服的方式。我建议想取得专业资格的朋友选择适合自己的途径。 考试或者兼读进修哪一个比较好，不能一概而论，能配合自己的需要和喜好的，就是最好的选择。’ 

作为年轻一代的一员，您认为‘治理’将来会如何发展？您会推荐其他人从事治理方面的工作吗？

‘我觉得这个行业的发展很有前景。随着新经济的转型，科技快速发展，相应的监管要求只会越来越多，譬如去年香港证券及期货事务监察委员会便订立了虚拟资产交易平台的新发牌制度。将来对治理专业人员的需求肯定会更大。另外， 公司治理不限于公司秘书工作，合规和ESG（环境、社会及管治）都是治理的一环，你可以选择自己觉得有兴趣的方向去发展，不是只有一条路可以走。’