"DLS prides itself as a centre of expert knowledge in the area of corporate governance law.”

On 25 and 26 April 2016, Deakin Law School (DLS) Professor Jean du Plessis, Director of the recently established Centre for Comparative Corporate Governance (CCC-G) organised an International Corporate Governance and Law Forum, hosted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School. The primary sponsor for the Forum was the German Alexander von Humboldt Foundation through Professor Du Plessis’ Anneliese Maier Research Award (2013-2018).

The forum focused on ‘Reflections on Voluntary Corporate Governance Codes: is it now time to move on from a ‘soft law’ approach to a ‘hard law’ approach?’ and will examine whether self-regulation is the most effective way to ensure corporations act responsibly and adhere to good corporate governance principles.

Professor Du Plessis says, ‘The ability to organise a high-calibre event such as this is largely due to the reputation and authority of Deakin Law School as a centre of expert knowledge in the area of corporate governance and corporate law. This is in line with the commercial law focus of Deakin Law School.’

The Dean and Head of DLS, Professor Sandeep Gopalan, opened the forum and also delivered a paper on ‘The creeping codification of non-financial disclosure’, with a focus on US legislation aimed at preventing trade in ‘conflict minerals’. His opening address was followed by presentations by experts in the field from institutions in Germany, Australia, China, England, Scotland, Singapore, the USA and Norway.

The Centre for Comparative Corporate Governance was established to conduct research into international trends and best practice in corporate governance, with the aim of ensuring responsible, sustainable and long-term growth for corporations. The comparative focus of the centre is unique and distinguishes it from other centres in the area of corporate governance.