Learning from the past and challenges for the future

Speaker:
Francis C S Lee IDS
Director of Investigation (Private Sector), Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong

Abstract:
Mr Francis Lee will describe the corruption scene in Hong Kong which led to the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in 1974 and its three pronged attack on corruption, namely law enforcement, prevention and education. He will outline Hong Kong’s strong anti-corruption legislation and how, over the years, that legislation has remained strong but become subject to increasing transparency and judicial regulation designed at balancing ICAC’s enforcement needs with society’s ever increasing awareness of the rights and freedoms of the individual. Mr Lee will also explain how corruption has evolved from quid pro quo bribery involving government officials to self generated profiteering from the individual’s misuse of his public office; and how the whole emphasis has been changed by the continual spread of globalisation and the shift towards corruption within the private sector. He will conclude by sharing his views about the challenges ahead for ICAC and how recruitment and training of professional ICAC personnel is pivotal in meeting those future challenges.