In reference to Alfred Deignan S.J. (1927-2018), the inaugural edition of the Deignan Award for Responsible Entrepreneurship is launched to highlight the vibrant business scene in Hong Kong and Macao, and pay homage to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in both Special Administrative Regions (SARs) that are committed to ethical business practices and create sustainable business models guided by the principles of justice, solidarity, subsidiarity and the benefit of the Common Good.
Organised by Macao Ricci Institute at the University of Saint Joseph, Macao, and Wofoo Social Enterprise, the Deignan Award for Responsible Entrepreneurship rewards Hong Kong and Macao SMEs, which show a credible track record of achievements in the fields of sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Ethics, as well as ESG, namely Environment, Social and Governance objectives.
The Macao Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility in Greater China; the University of Saint Joseph, Macao; the Hong Kong International Institute of Educational Leadership as well as the Centre for Catholic Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong are the supporting institutions of the Award.
The name of this award initiative is to commemorate the inspiring mission in education of Alfred Deignan SJ, who served as Principal in both Wah Yan College Hong Kong and Wah Yan College Kowloon between 1968 and 1992, as well as served as Warden of Ricci Halll, University of Hong Kong from 1970 to 1978. Relocating to Hong Kong in 1953 in tandem with the instructions from the Society of Jesus, Alfred Deignan S.J. had nurtured generations of students and business leaders in Hong Kong with a focus on values of integrity, honesty, truthfulness, forgiveness, and human dignity, as well as promoted business ethics and responsible entrepreneurship in Hong Kong and beyond in a more effective way.
To be eligible for the entry of the Deignan Award, Hong Kong and Macao SMEs are defined as companies that employ fewer than 100 persons.
The Judging Panel will represent a broad range of circles including from the public authorities, social service organisation, academia, caring partners and industry players. The eligible SMEs will be judged on a number of criteria in regards to ESG, sustainability and corporate social responsibility which have been worked out by a team of researchers of the MICSRGC, the Macao Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility. The two key ethical principles relate to respecting human dignity and the common good of the community and larger society.
Other key requirements for SMEs are:
(1) Develop quality goods and services that meet the needs of the community;
(2) Show genuine solidarity with the poor and the disadvantaged by taking care of their needs;
(3) Make meaningful contributions to the community by fostering healthy working conditions;
(4) Offer employees opportunities for development;
(5) Maintain good management of the resources, including capital, human and environmental resources;
(6) Create sustainable wealth and distribute it justly to all stakeholders, namely, employees, customers, investors, suppliers and the larger community.
For further information, please refer to the details of judging criteria: www.deignanaward.org.
A panel of esteemed judges will shortlist THREE finalists of SMEs from Hong Kong and Macao respectively, and the Winner of the Deignan Award will be unveiled in the award ceremony on 25th March 2023.
The Deignan Award is overseen by a steering committee, in which Dr. Stephan Rothlin SJ of Macao Ricci Institute serves as the chairmam while Dr Joseph Lee of Wofoo Social Enterprises as the vice-chairman. The other Steering Committee members are: Prof. Jenny Lao Phillips, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law of the University of Saint Joseph, Dr Anselm Lam, Director of Centre for Catholic Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prof. Dr. Carlos Noronha, Vice President of the Executive Council, Macao Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility in Greater China, Ms. Karen Neng, Managing Director of the IT firm Moxlink; Fr. John Tang S.J. Warden of Ricci Hall & Chaplain of Hong Kong University and Fr. Emilio Zanetti S.J. ,Fund Raising for East Asia.
Entry forms and brochures will be available for download from the official website at www.deignanaward.org.
For further information, please visit the Deignan Award official website or contact Secretariat of the Organising Committee:
Hong Kong:
E-mail: Waverly Yeung | [email protected]
Tel: (852) 3651-5333
Macao:
E-mail: Sofia Sou and Brian Chao | [email protected]
Tel: (853) 2853-2536
About Wofoo Social Enterprise
Founded in 1997, Wofoo Social Enterprises is a collaborative platform that provides a wide range of services. Wofoo is committed to cooperating with the government, business sector, academia, social groups and people from various walks of life, so that resources can be pooled to offer high-quality and up-to-date social services. Our projects emphasise both innovative ideas and sustainable development, as well as aim to strengthen the general public’s commitment and contribution to the society.
About Macao Ricci Institute
Macao Ricci Institute is a non-profit, study and research institution dedicated to fostering better mutual understanding between China and the world community. Offering a unique blend of cultural, professional, and research programmes, the purpose and method of the Macao Ricci Institute are best summed up in its links with the city of Macao, the person of Matteo Ricci, the Society of Jesus, and the people of China. Through its programs, publications and services, the Macao Ricci Institute gives witness to the advantages that all share through a continued and mutual search for intercultural understanding.
Media Contact
Email: Annya Lai | [email protected]
Tel: (853) 2870 2218
