On behalf of ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Hong Kong, I warmly welcome you all to the 2027 ACCA Community Day.

2027 is particularly significant, marking not only the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, but also the 30th anniversary of ACCA Community Day, which was established by ACCA Charitable Foundation Limited. Our signature Rickshaw Races have become a long-standing charitable tradition within Hong Kong’s accountancy profession and one of the city’s flagship charitable events. With the support of the wider community over the years, ACCA Community Day has raised nearly HK$26 million, continuing to bring support and hope to those in need.

In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), embracing new technologies is becoming part of both our professional and personal lives. While AI is transforming how we work, learn and solve problems, it also reminds us of the importance of the unique human qualities that bring our community together. I’m pleased to report that this year’s rickshaw races will still be powered by people rather than robots! More importantly, as we come together for ACCA Community Day, we are celebrating not only innovation and progress of the society, but also the teamwork, kindness and connections that continue to make a lasting difference in our communities.

This year, ACCA Community Day is held under the theme ‘30 Years Together: A legacy of care. A future of innovation’. We are honoured to welcome Mr Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as our Guest of Honour once again. Thirty years ago, during his tenure as Chair of ACCA Hong Kong, Mr Chan demonstrated remarkable foresight and a spirit of ‘Think Ahead’ by establishing the Rickshaw Race, an event that embodies the very human qualities that AI can never replicate. Over the past three decades, the event has successfully brought together accounting firms, multinational corporations, business organisations, academic institutions and various community groups. It has encouraged accounting and finance professionals to step beyond their offices and engage with the community, turning their sense of responsibility into genuine care and meaningful action.

As a leading global professional accountancy body with a 77-year presence in Hong Kong, ACCA has grown alongside this international financial centre through its highs and lows. ACCA firmly believes that the accountancy profession is not merely a cornerstone of economic activity, but also a vital force in driving social development and building a sustainable and inclusive future. In response to the challenges brought about by the digital revolution and shifts in the global economic and trade landscape, we will actively leverage ACCA’s extensive global network to help our Hong Kong members seize global opportunities, embrace digital transformation and stay abreast of the latest developments in ESG and sustainable development. By equipping themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate this evolving landscape, our members will be better positioned to enhance their professional capabilities and remain competitive.

This year's proceeds will benefit three organisations: (1) Changing Young Lives Foundation, (2) Read-Cycling and (3) Hong Kong Association for AD/HD Ltd. Each organisation has dedicated itself to supporting young people, promoting reading, or providing support to the ADHD community. Our donations will help them further their work and reach more children and families in need.

On behalf of ACCA, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all sponsors, advertising sponsors, participating rickshaw teams and everyone who has made a generous donation. It is your support that has enabled this 30-year legacy of care to continue from one generation to the next and made this year's ACCA Community Day possible.

Thirty years together have given us a lasting legacy of care, built on the compassion and commitment passed down through generations of accounting and finance professionals. Creating a future of innovation calls on us to move with the times, not only in our professional endeavours but also in the way we serve the community. We must embrace fresh ideas and take meaningful action to broaden the horizons of charitable giving and community service. I hope you will all enjoy the races and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. May you carry this same enthusiasm and compassion back into your work and daily lives, so that the spirit of care continues to reach even further.

I wish everyone a successful and enjoyable day. Let us move forward together with compassion and a shared sense of purpose, and race towards a brighter, more caring tomorrow for Hong Kong!

Ambrose Ting
Chair of ACCA Hong Kong