Hong Kong: The Financial Times Non-Executive Directors Diploma, the first post-graduate course designed specifically to train independent non-executive directors, is going global and expanding to Hong Kong.
The six-month course launches on 18 June, 2013 and is based on the Hong Kong Corporate Governance Code. It covers the skills and knowledge needed for any non-executive role, including:
- The legal liabilities and duties of a non-executive
- Correct structure and operation of a board
- Audit and financial reporting
- Internal control and risk management
- The behavioural skills necessary to make an effective contribution to a board
To ensure that the content of the course is as practical and relevant as possible, every module has been reviewed by an experienced practitioner, including the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries, Hong Kong Institute of CPAs, Asian Corporate Governance Association, law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and accounting firm Grant Thornton.
The programme will be delivered by Course Director Murray Steele, a leader in the development of non-executive director skills and an experienced non-executive himself.
The course is taught through a combination of workshops and online distance learning, and the qualification is earned through successful completion of a case study and formal assessment. It is ideal for business leaders eyeing their first non-executive role, in addition to non-executives seeking recognition and development of their knowledge and skills.
Angela Mackay, managing director of the Financial Times in Asia Pacific, said: “More than 250 people have completed the NED diploma in London so far and some of those graduates were based in Asia, in particular Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. This encouraged the FT to adapt the course forHong Kong’s board-ready executives and the response from regulators, business leaders and the professional services industry has been enthusiastic.”
Teresa Ko, China chairman of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer said: “Corporate governance is so much more than just compliance. It has never been more vital to our markets in China. I am glad to see such quality bespoke training being made available to help deepen our understanding in this important area.”
Peter Greenwood, group executive director – strategy of CLP Holdings and a fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries, referenced the Corporate Governance code, which calls for directors to participate in continuous professional development to ensure that their contribution to the board remains informed and relevant. “The company induction is just the beginning. Professional qualifications like this one from the FT can effectively combine a person’s experience with the skills needed to become, and remain, a successful non-executive director,” he said.
The INED-accredited diploma combines the quality, reliability and reach of the FT with the services provided by its parent company and the world’s leading education company, Pearson plc. Pearson Qualification Services delivers the online learning and support for students, while the FT focuses on designing first-class and relevant content.
For more information, visit http://www.non-execs.com/diploma.
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Notes to editors:
The course costs £5,400 and includes attendance at the orientation in Hong Kong, two-day workshop in Macau including hotel and meals, networking sessions, access to online materials and online support tutor, examination fees and a one year’s membership to The Financial Times Non-Executive Directors’ Club.
For further information please contact:
Asia:
Fiona Morgan
Communications Director, Pearson Asia Pacific
T: +852 3181 0881
E: fiona.morgan@pearson.com
Andrew Green
Communications Manager, Financial Times
T: +1 917 551 5093
E: andrew.green@ft.com
UK/EMEA:
Emily Gibbs
Corporate Communications Manager, Financial Times
T: +44 (0) 207 873 3184
E: emily.gibbs@ft.com
US:
Darcy Keller
Deputy Director of Global Communications
& Head of Communications in the Americas, Financial Times
T: +1 917 551 5096
E: darcy.keller@ft.com
About the Financial Times:
The Financial Times, one of the world’s leading business news organisations, is recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. Providing essential news, comment, data and analysis for the global business community, the FT has a combined paid print and digital circulation of more than 602,000 (Deloitte assured, Q4 2012). FT.com has over 316,000 paying digital subscribers and the newspaper has a global print circulation of 269,121 (ABCs, February 2013).Mobileis an increasingly important channel for the FT, driving 30% of FT.com traffic and 15% of digital subscriptions. FT education products now serve 25 of the world’s top 50 business schools.