#Hong Kong #Anti-Corruption #ICAC #ASEAN Youth

Groundbreaking Anti-Corruption Training for ASEAN Youth

In a significant step towards enhancing integrity among the youth in Southeast Asia, the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC), in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Thailand (NACC), has successfully concluded its first-ever regional capacity-building program. This ambitious initiative aims to cultivate a robust anti-corruption workforce across the ASEAN region through meaningful engagement and education.

The training program took place in Thailand and was attended by over 200 representatives from various anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies across seven ASEAN countries. Spearheaded by ICAC's Director of Community Relations, Diman Mak Wai-keung, the three-day event focused on inspiring young leaders to take active roles in combating corruption.

During the program, Mak emphasized the importance of youth as the future torchbearers of integrity in their societies. He stated, "Young people are the future of our societies. The engaging dialogues during the training will serve as seeds for actionable change that will flourish in their respective countries."

The participating nations included Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines, showcasing a collaborative effort to deepen the fight against corruption across the region. Youth members from these nations actively engaged in discussions that aimed not only to foster understanding but to inspire practical solutions.

As part of the training, ICAC personnel shared innovative strategies on harnessing social media for integrity promotion. Participants were encouraged to create youth-targeted integrity promotion materials for use on various platforms, ensuring that the voice of youth is effectively amplified in the ongoing fight against corruption.

The UNODC also introduced the “Policy Guide for National Anti-Corruption Authorities on Meaningful Youth Engagement in Anti-Corruption Work,” co-developed with ICAC and IAACA. This guide serves as a pivotal resource for anti-corruption agencies aiming to integrate youth engagement into their strategies.

Notably, two students enrolled in ICAC's "ELITE Youth Leadership Programme" accompanied the delegation. This opportunity offered them a first-hand experience of sharing Hong Kong’s successes on a global platform and understanding the international landscape of graft-fighting.

The ICAC has proactively integrated discussions about youth capabilities into its International Anti-Corruption Programme, which encompasses various modules such as investigation, corruption prevention, and education. They plan to invite anti-corruption agencies from different jurisdictions to participate, ensuring a broad and inclusive approach to tackling corruption.

As the training came to a successful conclusion, it became apparent that this groundbreaking initiative is a promising stride towards instilling integrity among the future generations of ASEAN. With ongoing collaboration and continuous training, the hope is to cultivate an enduring culture of integrity that will positively shape societies in the Asia-Pacific region. For those interested in the details of the program, further information can be found on the HKIAAC website at: HKIAAC Program.