The Hong Kong Management Association and the Chairman, Mr James Thompson, are awarded the Directors of the Year Awards 2018 by the Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD) in the Statutory/ Non-profit-distributing Organizations - Boards category and the Statutory/ Non-profit-distributing Organizations - Non-Executive Directors category respectively.

Rooted in Hong Kong for close to six decades, the HKMA has played a crucial part in nurturing human capital and promoting best management practices to foster the economic growth of Hong Kong and the region. Corporate governance, being an integral part of excellent management practices, has always been the centrepiece of the work of the Association. Its Council comprising 43 business and community leaders with diversified backgrounds and experiences is committed to upholding the highest standard of corporate governance as an exemplary management organization.

The Panel of Judges of the Directors of the Year Awards commended that, "As Chairman, Mr James Thompson displays sound leadership skills in the development of The Hong Kong Management Association. He has introduced strategic and innovative decision-making to the board and entrepreneurial mindset in engaging the local community. He has been actively promoting an open and transparent culture among board members. He is committed to high standards of corporate governance, supported by integrity, fairness and accountability as cornerstones."

"It is a great honour for me and Association for being awarded the 2018 Directors of the Year Awards. I would like to bestow this honour to my fellow Council Members, the Chairmen who precede me, as well as all staff members of HKMA for their passionate and concerted efforts over the past fifty-eight years. The HKMA will continue our good work and make use of our effective platform to advocate good corporate governance among the business community in Hong Kong and the region," said Mr Thompson at the Award Presentation Ceremony.

First launched in 2001, the Directors of the Year Award aims to give recognition to outstanding boards and directors for their achievements in demonstrating exemplary high standards in corporate governance and director professionalism. Results of the 2018 Directors of the Year Award were announced at the HKIoD Annual Dinner held on 29 Nov 2018 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre officiated by the Hon James Henry Lau Jr JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

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Issued by The Hong Kong Management Association on 29 November 2018