ESG Social Contribution Award 24-25

1. Award Concept

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) have been a mandatory requirement for listed companies to demonstrate their commitment to ecological sustainability, social responsibility and ensure regulatory compliance. Companies and industries across sectors are also seeking a similar development path to enhance their brand reputation and corporate images.

Many viable options are available for “environmental” issues within the ESG ambit. However, most companies and organizations lack effective solutions for the “Social” requirement of ESG. Social Enterprises (SEs), with their inherent social missions, could serve as viable and accountable solution providers to fulfill the “Social” requirement of ESG.

Through purchasing products and services from social enterprises, companies, organizations support social enterprises’ sustainable operations and enable them to continue advancing their social missions. Collaborations with social enterprises to create positive social benefits are specify ways to demonstrate the fulfillment of social responsibilities within the ESG arena.

2. Award Aims

  • Encourage corporations and organizations to purchase products and services from social enterprises as their accountable solution on ESG reporting and brand-building for the “Social” dimension.
  • Raise public awareness and understanding of ESG “Social dimension”.
  • Enhance connectivity between private corporates/other organisations and social enterprises through providing a platform for support and collaboration.
  • Promote mutual understanding and integration of ecosystem between private business and social enterprises.
  • To acknowledge good practices and exemplary models of private companies and organizations in the “Social” dimension of ESG arena.

3. Operating Organization

  • Organizer
    • Hong Kong General Chamber of Social Enterprises (HKGCSE)
  • Co-organizer
    • Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA)
    • The Bank of East Asia (BEA)
    • CMA Testing (To Be Confirmed)
  • Strategic Partner
    • Banks & business federations (To Be Confirmed)
  • Supporting Organization
    • SME Sustainability Society
    • The Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI)
    • ESG Committee, Federation of Hong Kong Industries
    • The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS)
    • The Institute of Purchasing & Supply of Hong Kong (IPSHK)
    • Fullness Social Enterprises Society (FSES)
    • Social Enterprise Research Academy (SERA)
    • Banks, business federations, NGO, charitable organizations, social enterprises & SE platforms, etc. (To Be Confirmed)

4. Award Categories

  • ESG Social Contribution Award (Platinum)
  • ESG Social Contribution Award (Gold)
  • ESG Social Contribution Award (Silver)
  • ESG Social Contribution Award (Bronze)

5. Awards

  • Award winners will receive a certificate.
  • Winners of Gold or Platinum Award will receive a trophy.
  • Recipients of major awards may use the official logo of the Award for corporate and brand image promotion within two years after receiving the award. The logo must not be used to promote any individual products or services of the corporation, and must explicitly state the Award Name and Year of Recognition.

6. Eligibility

Except for government departments, statutory bodies and public organizations, participating companies or organizations must hold a valid Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation and have substantive business operations in Hong Kong.

Eligible entities include:

  • Government departments
  • Statutory bodies
  • Listed companies
  • Holding companies and subsidiaries operating under a group structure
  • Private companies
  • Chambers of commerce
  • Professional organizations
  • International service organizations
  • Charitable organizations or foundations exempt from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance
  • Hospitals
  • Universities and post-secondary colleges

7. Judging System

a. Company or organizations must purchase products or services from social enterprises under the below categories. Scores will be given based on the categories of the social enterprises:
Category A Category B  Category C Category D
  • Category A: Social enterprises endorsed by SEE Mark issued by HKGCSE
  • Category B: Social enterprise project with the Full Membership of HKGCSE
  • Category C: Social enterprise listed in “SE Directory” issued by the Hong Kong Council of Social Services
  • Category D: Social enterprise issued “SE Tree Mark” by the Home Affairs Department of HKSAR

Social enterprises in Categories B, C, or D will be regarded as Category A if they have already obtained the SEE Mark certification.

b. Procurement Amount

The table below indicates the corresponding scoring based on the accumulated procurement amount.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c.“Corporate – SE collaboration Initiatives” (Optional)

Participating companies or organizations may use the online form to submit a ” Corporate – SE Collaboration Initiatives” report, which include collaboration plans with social enterprises, non-procurement support provided to social enterprises, etc. Supplementary electronic evidence (e.g. Electronic supporting documents, photos, video recordings) can also be provided.

The Judging Panel will review the submitted materials. Scores will be given based on effectiveness and impacts of the collaboration initiatives (a maximum of 5 points).

The final award tier will be determined by the total score of Session b & c.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Entry Guidelines

Participating companies or organizations must complete and submit the online application form to HKGCSE. The initial submission may optionally include electronic copies of valid receipts issued by eligible social enterprises (for completed procurements), and the “Corporate – SE Collaboration Initiatives” report, (if applicable) etc.

After the initial submission of the online application form and other materials, participants may submit supplementary materials (e.g., new procurement receipts, updated “Corporate – SE Collaboration Initiatives” reports) via the online form on or before September 30, 2025.

Both initial applications and supplementary materials must be submitted by September 30, 2025.

9. Entry Fee

  • The entry fee is HK$10,000.
  • Early bird offer: HK$8,000 (for application submitted on or before August 31, 2025).
  • Eligibility will be confirmed upon receipt of payment.
  • No refunds will be made in case of withdrawal.
  • Please make cheques payable to “Hong Kong General Chamber of Social Enterprises Limited”. Payment by The Faster Payment System (FPS) is also accepted.

10. Benefits to Participating Companies and Organizations

  • Showcase their commitment to the “social” dimension of ESG to the public.
  • Opportunity to win awards of different levels.
  • Participating companies or organizations will be provided with an Exclusive Assessment Summary by HKGCSE. With the theme of “Procuring from Social Enterprises, Creating Shared Success”, the assessment will cover: overview of the social enterprise’s background, analysis of procurement projects and their social benefits, correspondence with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and social value created (e.g. “supporting employment for people with disabilities”, “advancing environmental protection”, “empowering the disadvantaged”, “fostering community development”, etc.).
  • Announcement of award winners and the award ceremony will be open to media as part of promotions.

11. Award Winners & Award Ceremony

  • The 24-25 ESG Social Contribution Award Ceremony is tentatively scheduled to be held in December 2025.

12. Schedule

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. Further Enquiries

For any enquiries, please feel free to contact us at 3616 6951 or esgaward@sechamber.hk.

***The organizer reserves the right to adjust and update the above arrangements and details.***


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