A dinner was held in Beijing in November 2016 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries (HKICS) Representative Office in Beijing. On behalf of HKICS Council, HKICS President Ivan Tam FCIS FCS, gave a speech at the anniversary dinner looking back at the Institute's development and accomplishments in Mainland China.

Back in the 1990s, only a handful of companies from Mainland China were listed in Hong Kong. Today, over 60% of total market value of shares traded in Hong Kong are shares of Mainland Chinese companies. In addition, investors from both sides can invest in each other's market through the Mainland-Hong Kong Stock Connect mechanism. Whilst Hong Kong has grown to be one of the key international financial centres at a global level, HKICS is becoming the fastest-growing professional association for Chartered Secretaries, playing an increasingly prominent role in the development of global corporate governance practice and the company secretary profession. HKICS traces its initial engagements with Mainland regulatory bodies back to the early 1990s, providing advisory services to the Mainland companies to be listed in Hong Kong with the confidence of its own prominent roles and accomplishments against the backdrop of China growth. Since the establishment of its Beijing Representative Office, HKICS has been faithful to its own mission and committed to promoting sound corporate governance concepts, best governance practices and the growth of the Chartered Secretarial profession in the Chinese Mainland.

Effective cooperation

During the initial years of the Representative Office, HKICS primarily focused on engagements with regulators in the Mainland and collaborative efforts in providing training, whilst actively promoting the system and the value of the Hong Kong Chartered Secretarial profession, as well as assisting Mainland China in articulating the responsibilities and the professionalisation of board secretaries. Today, HKICS has established close and regular engagement and visiting channels with, and received guidance and advice from, government agencies such as the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Commerce and self-governing professional associations such as the China Association for Public Companies (CAPCO).

Historical breakthroughs in promoting the profession

Eight years after the establishment of the Beijing Representative Office, HKICS launched its Affiliated Person (AP) programme in 2004 for the board secretaries of H-Share companies listed in Hong Kong. The AP programme has been providing tailor-made continuing professional development training to enhance the professional knowledge and practical skills of the H-share board secretaries, and to provide a platform for experience sharing and exchange. Meanwhile, HKICS organised annual corporate governance forums in the Mainland for three consecutive years after 2006, promoting sound corporate governance concepts and best practices. As of today, 41 sessions of the Institute's Enhanced Continuing Professional Development (ECPD) programme have been held in the Mainland, attracting a total of 4,500 APs and their colleagues, as well as board members and senior executives of listed companies and other professionals. Over the years, the Institute has had a total of 371 Affiliated Persons and as of October 2016, the Institute has 172 Affiliated Persons (out of 236 H-Share companies listed in Hong Kong) on the register.

IQS examinations in the Mainland

HKICS established its first Mainland-based examination centre for the International Qualifying Scheme (IQS) in Beijing in 2007 and its second in Shanghai in 2015. Moreover, the inaugural Post-graduate Programme in Corporate Governance was launched in Shanghai through the collaboration with The Open University of Hong Kong. As of today, all qualification routes in Hong Kong have been made available in Mainland China. As of October 2016, the Institute has 162 Mainland-based registered students who will sit examinations, and 36 qualified Chartered Secretaries, as recognised by Hong Kong regulatory bodies and accredited internationally. Given the scarcity of qualified Chartered Secretaries in the Mainland, we are convinced that our Mainland-based channels will attract more and more Mainland applicants to get qualified as Chartered Secretaries, facilitating their career path towards company secretaryship at listed companies.

Regional networks for board secretaries

In view of the sheer size of the Mainland, HKICS has established Regional Board Secretary Panels based in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, Chongqing and Chengdu through the Affiliate Persons platform since 2009, based on the success of the Mainland-Hong Kong Board Secretary Leadership Forum. These Regional Board Secretary Panels discuss professional development and technical issues and matters of general concern in Hong Kong and in the Mainland with a view to compliance with regulatory requirements for listed companies. A total of 25 Regional Board Secretary Panel Roundtable sessions have been held as of October 2016, covering a wide range of topics, such as disclosure of inside information, connected transactions, risk management, amendment of mandatory provisions, and enhancing communications and experience sharing among APs in the same region.

Enhancing professionalism through empirical studies

Our Institute also plays a thought leadership role in regulatory and governance-related matters. Since its 2008 publication of A Comparitive Study of Continuing Disclosure in Hong Kong and the Mainland, HKICS has organised its APs to write up the Guidelines on Practices of Inside Information Disclosure of A+H Companies in 2013. More recently, the Institute prepared a special report in collaboration with CAPCO on the Amendment of the Mandatory Provisions of the Articles  of Association of Companies Seeking Listings Overseas and submitted the report to the CSRC through CAPCO to facilitate regulatory amendments.

New prospect of full collaboration

HKICS has signed Memoranda of Understanding to collaborate strategically with the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges and the Insurance Association of China in multiple areas such as governance research, training and sharing of information, and the promotion of the professionalisation of board secretaryship in the Mainland. We are very proud of the development of both HKICS and the company secretarial profession in the Mainland. On this 20th anniversary of our Beijing Representative Office, we would like to express our deep appreciation of the guidance and support from all walks of life for our Institute's efforts in growing the company secretarial profession in the Mainland. This profession, which is at an initial stage in the Mainland, is embracing opportunities as well as challenges. Looking ahead, the Institute will further its efforts to facilitate the evolution and growth of our profession in close collaboration with our Mainland stakeholders, to share our international professional institutional experience and contribute towards a long-term objective of the establishment of a self-regulatory system for corporate governance professionals. Ivan Tam FCIS FCS President, on behalf of the Council of, The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries The BRO anniversary dinner was held on 18 November 2016 at The Westin Beijing Financial Street Hotel, Beijing. More photos of this event are available on the Gallery section of the Institute's website: www.hkics.org.hk.

SIDEBAR: BRO 20th anniversary messages of congratulation

Xiao Jinfeng Deputy Chief, Main Board Compliance and Disclosure Department, Shenzhen Stock Exchange The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries is an independent professional association with a long history and superb reputation. Over the years, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and the Institute have maintained a good cooperative working relationship. We co-sponsored the inaugural Professional Training Programme for Board Secretaries in 1996. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in March 2016, marking a new milestone for our future collaboration. Against the backdrop of the upcoming launch of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Link, both parties are entering into a more extensive space for cooperation to raise the bar for better corporate governance and operational standardisation for listed issuers. Yan Weimin Vice-Chairman & Secretary-General, Shenzhen Listed Companies Association Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Representative Office of The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries. It has been 23 years since the first H-Share listing in Hong Kong. The market reform and internationalisation initiatives of the Chinese economy have had long-established and close ties with the development of capital markets in Hong Kong. The capital markets in both the Mainland and Hong Kong have supported China's reform and opening initiatives and witnessed its achievements and will continue to contribute actively to China's upcoming great renaissance. Best wishes for deeper cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and more vibrant China and Hong Kong markets through the stock links. Dr Jin Xiaobin Former Board Secretary and Joint Company Secretary and Authorised Representative in Hong Kong, Vice-Chair, Investment Banking Committee, Haitong Securities Co Ltd As a senior board secretary of a listed issuer and a board secretary representative in the PRC securities industry, may I express my warmest congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Beijing Representative Office of The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries. As one of the world's most professional organisations for corporate governance, the Institute has continued to advocate sound corporate governance concepts and best practices to Chinese listed companies through various channels over the last 20 years, resulting in not only enhanced execution capabilities for board secretaries, but also the professionalisation, standardisation and internationalisation of corporate governance practices among China's listed companies. My best wishes for more value-adding initiatives and greater achievements in the corporate governance space by the Institute' s Beijing Representative Office in the next 20 years. Guo Xiangdong FCIS FCS Board Secretary and Deputy General Manager, Guangshen Railway Co Ltd The Year 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries Beijing Representative Office, as well as the 20th anniversary of the H-Share listing of Guangshen Railway Co Ltd. “Our mission, our road ahead” is therefore the most appropriate theme for the celebrations. The Institute has equipped its members and Affiliated Persons with broader horizons, enhanced communications and mutual assistance in promoting the vibrancy of the Mainland and Hong Kong markets. My best wishes for successful celebration events. Huang Qing Board Secretary, China Shenhua Energies Co Ltd Great accomplishments have been achieved in promoting the professionalisation of board secretaryship through the close ties between The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries and China Association for Public Companies. Wishing both parties greater achievements in moving hand-in-hand towards the internationalisation of board secretaryship. Yao Jun Company Secretary, Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Ltd The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries has tirelessly promoted better corporate governance practices and talent training programmes for Mainland companies listed in Hong Kong for over 20 years. It has created diverse opportunities for exchange and cooperation to solidify the foundations for the long-term development of corporate governance. Wishing the Institute's Beijing Representative Office future success on the strength of fruitful accomplishments over the past 20 years. Huang Wensheng Vice-President and Board Secretary, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation For the past 20 years, The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries and its Beijing Representative Office have focused on the popularisation of knowledge and skill set of operational standardisation, corporate governance, regulatory rules and company secretarial practices and have played a unique role in forming the platforms for learning, exchange and research and facilitating the integration of the PRC companies, including Sinopec, into the international capital markets. As a senior board secretary having attended trainings, exchanges and conferences, I praise the high level of professionalism, service standards and training effectiveness of the Institute and its Beijing Representative Office. Looking forward, as China securities industry is accelerating the process of its internationalisation and increasing and deepening the cross-border collaborative exchanges between the Mainland and Hong Kong, the Institute and its Beijing Representative Office will further their success into the world stage. Chen Duo President, Research Institute of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the PRC State Council With 20 years’ diligence, the Beijing Representative Office of The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries has harvested very significant accomplishments in professionalising and standardising board secretaryship in the Mainland and promoting exchanges and collaborations between professionals from the Mainland and Hong Kong. My utmost tribute to your splendid past and my best wishes for future greater achievements from this new starting point of the 20th anniversary. Shi Meijian Deputy Secretary-General, Head of General Office, The Listed Companies Association of Shanghai Our Association has formed a great partnership with The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries since the signing of our Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation as early as 2000. The Association has benefited greatly from the support and assistance of the Institute particularly in the areas of professionalism and professionalisation of board secretaryship. Many thanks and many congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Institute's Beijing Representative Office. Aisin Gioro Henglin Secretary-General, The Listed Companies Association of Beijing On behalf of The Listed Companies Association of Beijing, my heartfelt congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Beijing Representative Office of The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries. The Institute has adhered to its mission of promoting corporate governance and its objective of raising the standards and increasing the exchanges of the professional skills of board secretaries of domestic and overseas listed companies. The accomplishments of the Institute through diverse and successful events have been duly recognised by all stakeholders. Best wishes for the Institute's future greater achievements in the areas of corporate governance and professional exchange and progress. Fan Yun Assistant Director, Investor Education Department (Corporate Training Centre), and Chief Representative, Market Development in Hubei Area, Shanghai Stock Exchange The 20 years of Beijing Representative Office of The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries is a living testimony of the development of China's capital markets for the last 20 years. The professional mission of promoting better corporate governance has been embedded in each of its training sessions, exchange activities and journals and publications. As a mutual supporter to each other from our humble start, we hope to move forward shoulder to shoulder to achieve our shared dreams. China Association for Public Companies It has been a great pleasure to acknowledge the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Representative Office of The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries, a remarkable occasion to celebrate collaboration, openness, mutual benefit and development of the capital markets in the Mainland and Hong Kong. The Institute advocates good corporate governance with the objective of heightening the professionalism of board secretaryship, which is highly consistent with the Association's mission of perfecting corporate governance and improving the quality of listed issuers. We anticipate further professional collaborations between the parties going forward to contribute collectively to the improvement of the quality of China's listed companies and the vibrancy of the capital markets in the Mainland and Hong Kong.  

秉承使命　共创未来

香港特许秘书公会（公会）于2016年11月于北京举行晚宴，庆祝北京代表处成立20週年。公會會長譚國榮代表公會理事會在晚宴上致辭，回顧公會在內地發展的歷程。

在90年代，內地在香港上市企業寥寥可數；時至今天，內地上市企業市值已佔香港股票交易總市值六成以上，投資者亦可透過“互聯互通”投資兩地的股市。香港目前已成長為全球主要國際金融中心之一，而公會則成為全球特許秘書專業機構之中發展最快的一家，在全球公司治理和公司秘書專業發展中發揮著日益重要的作用。 公會於90年代初就開始與內地監管部門聯絡，為內地赴香港上市企業提供上市輔導服務。當時公會已相信自己會在中國發展的進程中有所作為，扮演重要角色。 北京代表處成立後，公會恪守使命，勵精圖治，一直致力於在內地推廣良好的公司治理理念和實踐，發展特許秘書專業，並與時俱進，在各方面不斷取得新的進步。

構建了良好的合作關係

代表處成立初期，公會內地專業工作主要聚焦於與內地監管機構的聯絡工作與合作培訓，並積極推介香港公司秘書製度及其治理價值，協助內地制定董事會秘書職責，推動其專業化發展。目前公會已與中國證券監督管理委員會、國務院國有資產監督管理委員會、中國財政部、中國商務部等內地監管機構以及中國上市公司協會（中上協）等內地自律組織建立了密切聯繫及常規訪問，並得到了各方的指導與支持。

專業推廣取得歷史性突破

在代表處成立8年後，公會於2004年針對在香港上市的H股公司董事會秘書設立聯席成員計劃，為其提供量身定制的強化持續專業發展培訓，提升其專業知識和實務技巧，並搭建了經驗分享與溝通交流的平台。與此同時，公會自2006年開始連續三年每年在內地舉辦一期 “公司治理研討會”，倡導良好的公司治理理念與實踐。迄今為止，公會共舉辦了41期強化持續專業發展講座，累計出席人數超過4500人次，受眾除了聯席成員及其工作團隊外，也吸引了上市公司董事、高級行政人員及其他專業人士參與。多年以来，联席成员数目达371人。截至2016年10月，公會擁有的聯席成員数量已達172人(H股上市公司236家)。

專業資格考試植根內地

公會於2007年在北京開設內地首個國際專業知識評審考試(International Qualifying Scheme, IQS)考點，2015年在上海設立第二個考點，公會透過香港公開大學舉辦的首期高級企業管治研修班也於2016年9月11日在上海開課，至此香港有的專業資格考試途徑已全部在內地落地生根。截至2016年10月，共有162名內地人士註冊參加IQS考試，36人已取得香港監管機構及國際認可的特許秘書專業資格。目前，內地持有擔任公司秘書資格的人士還較為稀缺，相信未來將有越來越多內地業內人士通過此方式獲取特許秘書專業資格，繼而通往擔任上市公司之公司秘書的職業路徑。

建成董事會秘書區域網絡

鑑於內地地域遼闊，在2009年圓滿舉辦中港兩地董事會秘書高峰論壇之後，公會依靠聯席成員計劃平台相繼在北京、上海、深圳、廣州、重慶及成都多個城市設立了地區性董事會秘書小組，探討兩地專業發展及執業技術問題，並就大家關心的問題進行交流，更好地滿足中港兩地上市監管要求。截止到2016年10月，公會共舉辦地區性董事會秘書圓桌會議25期，研討主題涵蓋兩地內幕信息披露、關連交易管控、風險管理、必備條款修訂等領域，加強了區域內聯席成員的溝通與執業經驗共享。

起航實務研究引導專業

20多年來，公會亦致力在內地規管及治理事宜上，發揮其專業引導作用。繼2008年發布《香港與中國上市公司之持續披露比較研究- A、H股雙邊上市之啟示》研究報告之後，公會於2013年組織聯席成員編寫出版了《A+H股公司內幕信息披露實務指引》，另於2014年與中上協聯合成立工作小組，針對《到境外上市公司章程必備條款》的修訂課題進行調研，並透過中上協向中國證券監督管理委員會遞交了專門報告，推動相關法規盡快修訂。

開創全面合作的新局面

自2011年以來，公會已先後與上海及深圳證券交易所、中上協及中國保險行業協會簽訂了合作備忘錄，建立了多方位的戰略合作關係，加強在公司治理研究、培訓、交流及其他專業服務方面的合作，共同推動內地董事會秘書的專業化發展。 回顾公会及内地特许秘书专业的发展历程，我们深以自豪，也藉北京代表处成立20周年之际，感谢各界对公会内地专业工作的一贯指导与支持！内地特许秘书专业发展尚在起步阶段，发展机遇与挑战并存。公会将以现在为起点，更加广泛深入地探索专业改革与发展之路，与内地同仁携手共进，分享国际专业机构的经验，为构建内地公司治理自律体系与秩序﹑为实现建立公司治理专业的远大目标而做出贡献。 譚國榮 FCIS FCS 會長 謹代表香港特許秘書公會理事會

北京代表处成立20周年纪念贺辞

深圳證券交易所 公司管理部副總監肖金鋒先生 香港特許秘書公會是一個歷史悠久、聲譽卓著的獨立專業團體，長期以來，深圳證券交易所與公會一直保持著良好的合作關係。早在1996年雙方合辦了第一期上市公司董事會秘書專業培訓。 2016年3月雙方簽署合作備忘錄，合作關係翻開了新的一頁。在深港通即將開通的背景下，雙方將迎來廣闊的合作空間，進一步提升兩地上市公司的公司治理和規范運作水平。 深圳上市公司協會 副會長鄢維民先生 祝賀香港特許秘書公會北京代表處成立20週年！ H股到香港上市已有23年，中國經濟的改革及中國經濟的市場化國際化發展，與香港資本市場的發展有著特別淵源與密切聯繫，大陸資本市場與香港資本市場的發展，推動並見證了中國的改革開放，並將繼續為中國的偉大復興做出積極貢獻。祝愿深港兩地的合作發展愈加深入，中港兩地股票市場互聯互通的發展越來越好！ 海通證券股份公司 原董事會秘書、香港聯席公司秘書、公司授權代表、公司投資銀行委員會副主任金曉斌博士 值此香港特許秘書公會北京代表處成立20週年之際，我謹以中國證券行業資深上市公司董秘和董秘代表的身份，致以最熱烈的祝賀！ 20年來公會作為全球公司治理最專業的機構之一，通過多種方式為中國上市公司傳播科學的公司治理理念和實務，不僅提高了董秘的履職能力，也大大推進了中國上市公司法人治理的專業化、規範化和國際化。衷心祝愿公會北京代表處在新的20年裡，為中國公司治理創造更大的價值，再創新的輝煌！ 廣深鐵路股份有限公司 董事會秘書、副總經理郭向東先生 2016年，既是香港特許秘書公會北京代表處成立20週年，也是廣深鐵路H股上市20週年，特別契合此次慶典“攜手並進，共創未來”之主題。公會幫助會員及聯席成員拓展視野、溝通互助，促進了中港兩地市場的共同繁榮。敬祝慶典圓滿成功！ 中國神華能源股份有限公司 董事會秘書黃清先生 在推動董事會秘書職業化的道路上，香港特許秘書公會與中國上市公司協會董事會秘書專業委員會密切合作，碩果累累。祝愿雙方在探索董事會秘書國際化的道路上攜手並進，再創佳績! 中國平安保險(集團)股份有限公司 公司秘書姚軍先生 20多年來，香港特許秘書公會不遺餘力地推動內地在香港上市公司治理水平提升和人才培訓制度建設，為會員公司提供多元化的交流和合作機會，從而奠定公司治理長遠發展的基礎。在此謹恭賀香港特許秘書公會北京代表處桃李芬芳20載，繼往開來續輝煌﹗ 中國石油化工股份有限公司 副總裁兼董事會秘書黃文生先生 過去的20年，香港特許秘書公會及北京代表處專注規范運作、公司治理、監管規則和公司秘書實務等方面知識和技能在中國內地的推廣，為內地和香港上市公司搭建了高水平的學習、交流、研究平台，為推動包括中國石化在內的中國企業更好地融入國際資本市場發揮了獨特的作用。作為參與過多次培訓、交流和講演的資深董秘，我深切感受到公會及北京代表處良好的專業水準、服務精神和顯著的培訓效果。展望未來，中國證券行業國際化進程將進一步加快，兩地跨境合作交流將更加廣泛和深入，公會及北京代表處必將百尺竿頭更進步、十方世界展崢嶸! 國務院港澳事務辦公室港澳研究所 所長陳多先生 經過20年的辛勤耕耘，香港特許秘書公會北京代表處在推動內地董秘專業規範發展和促進內地與香港同行交流合作方面收穫了豐碩成果，謹此表示崇高的敬意。祝貴處從20年這個新的起點出發，取得更優異的成就! 上海上市公司協會 副秘書長、辦公室主任史美健先生 我協會早在2000年就與香港特許秘書公會簽署了《合作備忘錄》，雙方建立了良好的伙伴關係。尤其在董秘隊伍職業化、專業化建設方面，協會得益於公會的鼎力支持和幫助，值此公會北京代表處成立20週年之際，謹表謝意並致以熱烈祝賀! 北京上市公司協會 秘書長愛新覺羅·恒林先生 值此香港特許秘書公會北京代表處成立20週年之際，謹代表北京上市公司協會表示衷心的祝賀! 20年來，公會以倡導和推廣公司治理為使命，以促進境內外上市公司董事會秘書的專業技能的交流與提升為服務宗旨，開展了一系列豐富並卓有成效的活動，獲得了各方廣泛認同。 願公會今後在公司治理和董事會秘書專業交流與提升方面再創輝煌! 上海證券交易所 投資者教育部（企業培訓中心）總監助理 湖北地區市場發展首席代表范雲先生 香港特許秘書公會北京代表處的20年是伴隨著中國資本市場發展的20年。它的每一期培訓、每一次交流、每一本刊物都弘揚著公會推行“良好公司治理”的專業使命。作為上市公司培訓之路上相濡以沫的伙伴，希望我們繼續並肩攜手，共同成就夢想。 中國上市公司協會 欣聞香港特許秘書公會北京代表處迎來20載華誕，倍感欣喜，此乃香港與內地資本市場合作、開放、共贏、發展之大事，殊為可賀。公會倡導良好的公司治理，以促進上市公司董事會秘書專業水平提升為宗旨，與中國上市公司協會“完善上市公司治理、提升上市公司質量”的根本使命高度契合，一脈相通。期待未來雙方進一步深化專業合作，促進會員交流，攜手共進，為提升中國上市公司質量、繁榮內地及香港資本市場共同貢獻力量。