On Monday, 10 November 2025, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, students from the Department of Law and Business were treated to an insightful professional talk by Mr. Mohan Datwani, Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute (HKCGI) and a seasoned solicitor with extensive public board experience. Mr. Datwani delivered an engaging and thought-provoking session on Independent Non-Executive Directors (INEDs) and Corporate Governance, explaining the legal foundations of corporate personality, the strict fiduciary duties imposed on directors, and the evolution of INEDs as a cornerstone of board independence and accountability. Drawing on landmark cases such as Salomon v Salomon and real-world governance challenges—including conflicts of interest, long-tenure INED debates, overboarding, and sustainability oversight—he provided students with a practical and in-depth understanding of how modern governance structures function and why independent oversight is essential for organizational integrity.

 

Following Mr. Datwani’s lecture, Ms. Ellen Suen, Senior Manager (Qualifications & Assessments) at HKCGI, delivered a lively and inspiring career talk introducing students to the diverse opportunities in the profession of governance. She highlighted HKCGI’s global presence through the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI), the advantages of dual membership and dual qualification, and the wide-ranging career paths spanning corporate governance, compliance, ESG reporting, company secretarial practice, and investor relations. Through real career-progression case studies, salary benchmarks, and a clear explanation of the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme (CGQP), Ms. Suen helped students understand the steps from university to Associateship and eventually Fellowship. She also showcased HKCGI’s extensive support system—including mentorship, networking activities, learning resources, and student ambassador opportunities—that empowers young professionals to thrive in the governance field.

 

Throughout the session, students actively communicated with both guest speakers, raising thoughtful questions and engaging in meaningful discussions during the Q&A segments. Their interaction reflected a strong interest in governance, compliance, and professional development. The talks not only broadened students’ understanding of modern corporate governance and the governance profession but also equipped them with valuable insights for their future career planning.