New HKCGI Research Exposes the ‘Governance Gap’: 1,200 Professionals Signal Urgent Need for Boardroom Digital Oversight

Technology is shaping our future. We are moving at an astonishing speed through a revolution in the ways businesses operate, how they are regulated and governed and in the skills demanded of every stakeholder in good corporate governance. A landmark report by The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute reveals that while technology optimism runs high, board-level readiness and formal risk controls are lagging dangerously behind. 

HONG KONG, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute (HKCGI) today announced the release of its latest research report, “Technology: Matching Optimism with Governance and Capability – Five Imperatives for Responsible Innovation”.

The Institute surveyed 1,200 governance practitioners to examine their awareness of the impact of new technology, especially AI, and their readiness and capability to unlock its potential and manage its risks.

On an encouraging note, the Report revealed that:
– more than half of respondents were positive about the impact of AI on their careers and on their organisations;
– almost 90% rated their understanding of AI as reasonable or better; and
– 55% were confident that Hong Kong is well-positioned for new technology.

On the other hand:
– fewer than one in six clearly understood the different types of AI;
– only a quarter rated their Board’s tech-awareness as high, whilst fewer than one-third of Boards had a tech-savvy director;
– fewer than one-third rated their organisations’ technology readiness as excellent; and
– for two-thirds of respondents, self-teaching was the main source of learning about new technology, rather than any organised learning process.

The overall picture painted by the Report is one where Hong Kong businesses and governance practitioners recognise the scale of the revolution in technology, but are not yet ready proactively to tackle the transformation in business practices and skills that this demands.

To help navigate this transformation, the Report establishes Five Governance Imperatives:

1. Elevate Technology to a Core Board Responsibility
2. Strengthen Digital Competence at Board Level
3. Integrate Technology into Risk Management and Internal Controls
4. Formalise AI and Data Governance Frameworks 
5. Enhance Transparency Around Technology Strategy and Oversight  

“Innovation without governance maturity is an operational hazard,” said Mr Tom Chau FCG HKFCG(PE), President of HKCGI. “While the enthusiasm for digital transformation across Hong Kong is undeniable, our systems of oversight are playing catch-up. Governance professionals are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap, ensuring that strategic ambition is always matched by disciplined, structured boardroom oversight.” 

Mr Peter Greenwood FCG HKFCG, co-author of the Report, emphasised that “The input from our corporate governance colleagues shows a potentially dangerous mismatch between Hong Kong’s willingness to embrace new technology and its ability to do so. Our Report calls urgently for structured, committed and collaborative efforts by the Hong Kong Government and regulators, directors and all levels of business management to develop and deploy the capabilities needed to unlock the vast opportunities offered by new technology. The outcome of those efforts will determine whether Hong Kong is to be a leader in the new technological revolution or only one of the followers.”

The full Report is available on the HKCGI website.

The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute (Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability by guarantee)

The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute (HKCGI) is the sole accrediting body in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland for the globally recognised Chartered Secretary and Chartered Governance Professional qualifications. Formerly known as The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries (HKICS), HKCGI is the Hong Kong/China Division of The Chartered Governance Institute (CGI).

With a legacy of over 77 years, HKCGI has established itself as a trusted and reputable professional body in the region. Its influence extends to CGI’s global network of around 40,000 members, graduates and students. As one of CGI’s fastest-growing divisions, HKCGI’s community comprises about 10,000 members, graduates and students, with significant representation in listed companies and diverse governance roles across various industries.

Guided by the belief that governance leads to better decision-making and a better world, HKCGI is committed to advancing governance in commerce, industry and public affairs. It achieves this through education, thought leadership, advocacy and active engagement with its members and the broader community. As a recognised thought leader, HKCGI promotes the highest standards of governance while advocating for an inclusive approach that considers the interests of all stakeholders, and ensures that every voice is heard and valued.

Better Governance. Better Future.

For more information, please visit www.hkcgi.org.hk.