The vital role of a company secretary

Company secretaries play an essential role within an organisation. According to the Hong Kong Company Ordinance, any business organisation is required to have at least one company secretary, whether it is a public or privately owned firm.

The Hong Kong Institute of Company Secretaries (HKICS) is an independent professional body with 4,200 full members and 2,700 student members.

After obtaining a degree or diploma, students must attend all qualifying examinations to become full members.

The profession was in great demand during the 1960s and 1970s, when most company secretaries acquired their knowledge and recognition through self-studies. However, owing to computerised technology that has helped corporations streamline their operations and save on labour costs, the growth of the profession has not been as obvious in recent decades.

Within a corporate hierarchy, the company secretary reports directly to the board of directors and the chairman.

'They are high up in an organisation. As a senior member [of the company], they have to provide sound and timely advice to [chief executives] and board members on key issues such as corporate governance and compliance to the authorities like Listing Rules and Companies Ordinance. Their ultimate objective is to protect the interests of the company, its shareholders and employees,' says HKICS president Samantha Suen Pui-yee.