ICAC chief, as President of IAACA, announces Hong Kong Declaration for greater international co-operation

Icac chief calls for global partnership in fight against corruption with hong kong declaration

The 8th ICAC Symposium co-hosted by the ICAC and the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) concluded today (May 24). In the closing ceremony, the ICAC Commissioner, Mr Woo Ying-ming, in his capacity of President of the IAACA, announced the adoption of the "Hong Kong Declaration on Strengthening International Cooperation in Preventing and Fighting Corruption" (Hong Kong Declaration), calling on international counterparts to stand united in the mission to eradicate corruption and uphold the principles set out in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

"Hong Kong's story in the fight against corruption should give us all confidence and belief in our mission. Let us re-affirm our commitment to the shared vision of a world without corruption. Together, we are better. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can chart a new path to combat corruption." Mr Woo said in his closing address.

The symposium also served as the 11th Annual Conference of the IAACA. Mr Woo noted that the Hong Kong Declaration showcased the collective commitment of the members to combat corruption. He also called on international counterparts to leverage the UNCAC to enhance collaboration in the prevention of and fight against corruption. He also emphasised the importance of adopting digital and financial forensics to tackle the increasing complexity of corruption crimes.

The Hong Kong Declaration also welcomed various international initiatives, including the "Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment" (GRACE Initiative) proposed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It also encouraged member organisations to draw reference to the "Global Policy Guide for Strengthening Youth Engagement in Anti-Corruption Initiatives" (Youth Anti-Corruption Policy Guide) jointly developed by the ICAC, the UNODC and the IAACA.

The plenary session this morning was themed "The Power of Youth in Creating a World of Integrity". For the first time, young people from around the world, including members of YouthLED Integrity Advisory Board to the GRACE Initiative, were invited to speak at the panel. Some of them had taken part in the development of the Youth Anti-Corruption Policy Guide.

The young speakers shared how young people could inject new vigour to a global culture of integrity and become integrity leaders as well as anti-corruption champions. About 200 local, mainland and overseas university and secondary school students, as well as ICAC's iElite Youth Leaders were also invited to participate in the session for the first time.

Upon conclusion of the symposium, participants joined a back-to-back anti-corruption training programme co-organised by the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC) and the IAACA. The programme included workshops on law enforcement, education and prevention, as well as visits to ICAC facilities including the Exhibition Hall, the HKIAAC, the Identification Parade Suite, the Video Interview Rooms, mock court and the detention center.

Over 50 participants will join an ICAC delegation, led by the ICAC Commissioner, Mr Woo Ying-ming, and the Deputy ICAC Commissioner and the Head of Operations, Mr Ricky Yau Shu-chun, on a study tour to the city of Changsha in Mainland China from May 26 to 28.

Company director sentenced to community service order for contravening Employment Ordinance

A former director of Ace Technology Group Limited was prosecuted by the Labour Department (LD) for violating requirements under the Employment Ordinance (EO). The former director was convicted earlier and was sentenced at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (May 15) to 200 hours' community service. The former director was also ordered to pay the employees concerned an outstanding sum of about $439,000.

The company wilfully and without reasonable excuse contravened requirements of the EO, failing to pay two employees' wages and payment in lieu of notice within seven days after the expiry of the wage periods and termination of employment contracts of about $306,000, and also failing to pay the awarded sums of about $439,000 within 14 days after the date set by the Labour Tribunal (LT). The former director concerned was prosecuted and convicted for his consent, connivance or neglect in the above offences.

"The ruling will disseminate a strong message to all employers, directors and responsible officers of companies that they have personal liability to ensure payment of wages and sums awarded by the LT or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board to employees within the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO," a spokesman for the LD said.

​"The LD will not tolerate these offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law and safeguarding employees' statutory rights," the spokesman added.