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One Hundred and Sixty Organisations in Hong Kong Receive Recognition as Equal Opportunity Employers

14/05/2021

Today (14 May 2021) the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) officially announced the results of its inaugural Equal Opportunity Employer Recognition Scheme at an awards presentation ceremony in the EOC office. Officiating at the ceremony as the Guest of Honour was the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick TSANG Kwok-wai, IDSM, JP.

Mr Tsang said, “Over the past two years, Hong Kong has undergone unprecedented challenges. Different sectors and industries, big or small, are facing considerable operating difficulties. Nevertheless, the Recognition Scheme attracted over 400 applications, demonstrating that many employers in Hong Kong are committed to the values of equal opportunities, inclusion and diversity, and strive to build a safe, inclusive and harassment-free working environment for their employees through good times and bad times.”

Welcoming the guests and the Equal Opportunity Employers at the ceremony, EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, IDS said, “We are truly excited by the results of the Scheme, and motivated to see so many organisations working towards our common goal of creating an equal, diverse and inclusive workplace. We applaud the efforts and achievements of the 160 organisations named as Equal Opportunity Employers, and extend our gratitude to all the participating organisations for their enthusiastic support. Notwithstanding the stark challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, these organisations remain steadfast in their commitment to the values of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We are also thankful to the members of the assessment panels including our EOC Members, for lending us their expertise in selecting the Equal Opportunity Employers.”   

Organised by the EOC for the very first time, the Scheme – which is one of the highlights of the Commission’s 25th anniversary programme – aims to raise awareness of the benefits of equal opportunity employment policies and practices, and encourage more employers to adopt these policies. Companies and organisations in both public and private sectors may enrol on any one or all four categories of the Scheme, namely Gender Equality, Equality for Diverse Abilities, Family Status Equality and Racial Equality and Inclusion. During the enrolment period from November 2020 to January 2021, the EOC received 420 applications from 192 organisations across a wide spectrum of industries and sectors. Together these organisations account for over 220,000 employees in Hong Kong.

After careful and thorough review by the assessment panels, which are comprised of 28 experts and professionals coming from different fields and sectors, as well as EOC Members, a total of 160 organisations were selected and honoured as Equal Opportunity Employers. Among these, 14 were bestowed with the Gold Award for their remarkable achievements in all four categories of the Scheme, while another 10 organisations were presented with the Outstanding SME Award.

Mr Chu said, “Today’s event is especially meaningful to the EOC, as we are going to reach the 25th anniversary of our establishment on 20 May 2021. As well as shining a light on the best examples of equal opportunity policies and practices, the extensive list of Equal Opportunity Employers underlies our community’s increased awareness and support for the equal opportunity value and the EOC’s effort in cultivating the value through all these years. Looking ahead, we will work closely with the Equal Opportunity Employers, the Government and our stakeholders to mainstream the value of equal opportunity, and ensure that it is firmly rooted in different sectors of Hong Kong.” 

Today’s ceremony, which was live-streamed online, saw the presentation of the Gold Award and the Outstanding SME Award. Also joining the ceremony were members of the assessment panels and the EOC Members. Owing to social distancing measures, the presentation of certificates to other Equal Opportunity Employers will be held on 21 and 26 May 2021.

For the full list of Equal Opportunity Employers and the awardees of the Gold Award and the Outstanding SME Award, please visit:
https://www.eoc.org.hk/s/eoemployer/en/awardees.html

For details of the Equal Opportunity Employer Recognition Scheme, please visit: https://www.eoc.org.hk/s/eoemployer/en/index.html

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Equal Opportunities Commission
14 May 2021

 Mr Erick TSANG Kwok-wai, IDSM, JP, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs (front row, fourth left), and Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, IDS, Chairperson of the EOC (front row, fourth right) officiate at the Awards Presentation Ceremony and present trophies to the winners of the Equal Opportunity Employer Gold Award.

Mr Erick TSANG Kwok-wai, IDSM, JP, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs (front row, fourth left), and Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, IDS, Chairperson of the EOC (front row, fourth right) officiate at the Awards Presentation Ceremony and present trophies to the winners of the Equal Opportunity Employer Gold Award.

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