The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries

Chartered Secretaries or Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries (HKICS) is an independent professional body dedicated to the promotion of its members’ role in the formulation and effective implementation of good governance

Good governance

Good governance is an indeterminate term used in development literature to describe how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources in order to guarantee the realization of human rights. Governance describes "the process of decision-making and the process by which...

policies in Hong Kong and throughout China as well as the development of the profession of Chartered Secretary. Through its association with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators is an international professional membership body and a recognised authority on corporate governance.-History:The organisation was founded in 1891 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1902...

(ICSA), HKICS also acts as the China Division of the worldwide institute.

History

HKICS was first established in 1949 as an association of Hong Kong members of ICSA of London. It became a branch of ICSA in 1990 before gaining local status in 1994 and today has more than 5,000 members and approximately 2,500 students

Mission

Promoting good governance, management and efficient administration of companies and other public bodies in commerce, industry and public affairs﹔ promoting the study of, and research into, the law and the practice of secretaryship and administration﹔supporting and protecting the character, status and interests of its members, graduates and students﹔promoting the efficiency and usefulness of the service and the standard of professional conduct provided by its members, and considering all manners of questions affecting the interest of the profession of Chartered Secretaries

Qualifying Examination Scheme and the Exemption Policy

To qualify as a member of HKICS, there are two routes:

Register as a student and successfully sit for the examinations of the International Qualifying Scheme (IQS). This is a portable global qualification, covering subjects such as corporate governance; corporate administration; corporate secretaryship; company law, accounting, taxation and management.
For those holding a relevant degree/ professional qualification like Accounting, Finance, Law and Management, there is an exemption policy that entitles up to a maximum of 4 subject exemptions from both Professional Programme Part I and II under IQS. All the exemptions are the discretion of the Institute and the final decision rests with the Exemption Sub-Committee.
Complete the post graduate collaborative courses that have been developed by the Institute and local universities: City University of Hong Kong, The Open University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, leading to full exemption of the IQS for graduates.

Membership Profile

Having gained relevant work experience before, during or after the study for examinations, graduates can qualify as Associates (3–6 years) or fellows (8 years or above) of the HKICS.

As a qualified member, a dual membership is offered from both ICSA and HKICS. This qualification is recognised by other divisions in other countries such as United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, South Africa and more than 60 other countries throughout the world.

Recognition

HKICS members receive wide recognition from local governmental departments, public organisations, statutory professional bodies, regulators as well as legal recognition of their professional status under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and listing rules.

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