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2008/10/22

Ethics Training Highly-ranked by Business Community in Recent Survey

You might be interested to know that the 2008 Training and Development Needs Survey recently conducted by the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management pointed out that at all seniority levels, 'ethics/business conduct' remains a highly rated topic in employee training conducive to organisational and business success. This finding indicates that companies in Hong Kong put high emphasis on providing ethics training for their staff to equip them with high standards of business conduct in the workplace to enhance competitiveness. In fact, from the ICAC's experience, good ethical practices have at least two practical benefits - reducing the negative costs arising from corruption, fraud, conflict of interests and other malpractices and, at the same time, adding positive value to a company by engendering improved trust, goodwill and loyalty among customers, suppliers and employees. That's why the Centre offers a full range of tailor-made consultancy services to help companies practice ethical governance, which include formulating a corporate code of conduct to set a common standard for staff members, strengthening internal control systems to plug loopholes for abuses and malpractices, and what's more, providing ethics training sessions to enhance staff's legal knowledge and skills in handling ethical dilemmas. All services are free. For any enquiry about our consultancy services, please call 2587 9812.

2008/09/22

The Centre's Executive Director Shared the Key to Effective Corporate Ethics

The Centre's Executive Director, Mr Raymond Ng, was interviewed by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) recently on ICAC's experience in assisting business organisations to implement corporate ethics as a safeguard against corruption and other malpractices as well as a value-added strategy to enhance trust and reputation. The interview, entitled Corporate Ethics – Doing What's Right , was used as the cover story of the August/2008 issue of FHKI's monthly industry magazine – Hong Kong Industrialist. In the interview, Mr Ng introduced an assessment tool "the Health Checklist on Corporate Ethics Programme" which was recently produced by the centre to help companies quickly diagnose their current position on the implementation of corporate ethics programme. He urged companies to use the checklist to examine and update different aspects of their corporate ethics programme regularly and deploy the Centre's free consultancy services on corporate codes of conduct, integrity trainings and system controls. Mr NG also pointed out that for effective implementation of corporate ethics programme, one key element was the "alignment" or "synchronisation" of different components that were put in place – ethical leadership demonstrating and reinforcing cultural norms, business systems synchronising and supporting various ethical governance structures, and business ethics being integrated with strategy-making, financial planning, marketing strategy etc. throughout the organisation and work naturally alongside the daily operation of every staff. Corporate Ethics–Doing What's Right (Full Version)       Extract of the Health Checklist

2008/08/12

The ICAC and the Centre assist cross-boundary businessmen to promote sound governance

"Rapid economic and social developments over the border do bring new challenges to our businessmen. Once across the border, they are facing a different set of rules and laws, which have continuously evolved over the years. We have right now tens of thousands of Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) engaged in a diverse array of businesses in the Mainland, especially in Guangdong. With limited resources, these SMEs may encounter difficulties in setting up effective risk control systems. With this in mind, the ICAC and the Guangdong Provincial People's Procuratorate (GDPP) have jointly produced the Corruption Prevention Guide for SMEs Investing in Hong Kong and Guangdong to address such concerns.", remarked by Ms Julie Mu, Assistant Director of Community Relations, ICAC in the newly released 6th issue of the ICAC Post. The Guide was recently launched at the "Business Ethics Conference for Small and Medium Enterprises"co-organised by the ICAC and GDPP, in collaboration with 19 business organisations including the Centre's six member chambers, which kicked off the ICAC's two-year Ethics Promotion Programme to help SMEs promote sound governance in cross-boundary businesses. The 6th issue of the ICAC Post probes into details of the guidebook and highlights how it is in fact useful to any cross-boundary investors, such as members of the Centre's member chambers, to cope with different evolving ethical challenges. Apart from providing detailed information on anti-corruption laws in both jurisdictions of Hong Kong and the Mainland, the guidebook also illustrates the governance problems of SMEs through case studies and recommends preventive measures. Besides, the Post extracts a number of tips on doing business in the Mainland and Hong Kong from the guidebook and encourages companies interested in getting the guidebook and the ICAC services to contact the Centre. Click here to view the ICAC Post.

2008/06/24

The Centre's New Reference Books

The Centre runs a resource library which has a depository of local and overseas publications related to business and professional ethics. We acquire new books from time to time to update users on topical issues such as corporate governance, integrity management, etc. Want to know more about our latest collection? Simply click the following link and visit our library! Address of the library: 1/F, Tung Wah Mansion, 199-203 Hennessy Road, Wanchai; Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00 (closed on public holidays) Brief Introduction on New Reference Books

2008/05/30

Business Ethics Conference for Small and Medium Enterprises

"Promoting business ethics in Hong Kong and Guangdong can actively contribute to the economic integration and long-term development of both places." Mr Timothy Tong, Hong Kong ICAC Commissioner, remarked at the Business Ethics Conference for Small and Medium Enterprises on 23 April 2008 (Hong Kong). Co-organised by the Independent Commission Against Corruption, HKSAR (ICAC) and the Guangdong Provincial People's Procuratorate (GDPP) and in collaboration with 19 business organisations including the Hong Kong Ethics Development Centre's six member chambers, the Conference represented the joint effort between Hong Kong and the Mainland in enhancing the understanding of anti-graft laws of both places among cross-boundary SME operators as well as encouraging them to practise ethics management in their companies. The Conference, which comprised an opening ceremony, two keynote speeches, a workshop and a luncheon, was well attended by some 180 SME operators and company managers. Please click here to download the programme rundown , relevant speeches and photos. The Conference also kicked off the ICAC's two-year Ethics Promotion Programme for SMEs, of which a major initiative was the Corruption Prevention Guide for SME Entrepreneurs Investing in Hong Kong and Guangdong, jointly produced by the ICAC and GDPP. The Guide not only helps cross-boundary enterprises acquaint themselves with the ant-graft laws in both Hong Kong and Guangdong, but also highlights the importance of putting ethics management into practice as the first line of defence against corruption. If you are interested in getting the Guide (Chinese version) or obtaining the ICAC services, please complete this form and return it to us by fax (Fax: 2189 7001) or post (Address: G/F, Harbour Commercial Building, 124 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan). The English version of the Guide would be published later this year. If you are interested in getting a copy, please complete this form and return it to us. We would send you the English Guide when ready. Extract of the SME Guide       View the video clipping (VO in Cantonese only)

2008/05/09

The Centre' s 13th Anniversary

12 May 2008 marks the 13th anniversary of the HK Ethics Development Centre. Over the years, the Centre has been receiving invaluable guidance from its advisory committee (EDAC), which is represented by six major chambers of commerce, in the promotion of business and professional ethics in HK. Member chambers also actively supported the events and activities of the Centre and the ICAC. For example, all member chambers served as the supporting organisations of the "Business Ethics Conference for Small and Medium Enterprises" jointly organised by the ICAC and the Guangdong Provincial people' s Procuratorate on 23 April 2008. During the Conference, representatives of six member chambers, together with other guests, officiated at the ceremony and Mr Kenneth Ting, our EDAC Chairman, was also invited to present a souvenir to the luncheon speaker, Mr Zhu Zenan, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province. Looking forward, the Centre will continue to partner with the business community in promoting business and professional ethics as the first line of defence against corruption. Please click here for other Conference photos.

2008/04/24

The Centre's New Ethics Tool - Health Checklist on Corporate Ethics Programme

Have you ever pondered if your company has done enough to safeguard against corruption and other malpractices? Are you in search of a tool to help you conduct a quick assessment? The Centre has recently produced the Health Checklist on Corporate Ethics Programme to help you diagnose your company's current position. Please click the following link for an extract of the Checklist and contact us for the full version. Extract of the Checklist

2008/04/09

Taking Stock of Ethical Leadership and Governance - the New E-newsletter on the 2007 Directors' Forum

Promoting company directors' ethical governance has remained one main thrust of work of the Hong Kong Ethics Development Centre recently. As reported in previous issues of EDC news, a landmark event - "Ethics – The Core Value of Leadership" 2007 Directors' Forum - was held on 14 September 2007 to kick off this first-ever coordinated and systematic training programme for company directors. Interested in the pith of the Forum and what's next for the training programme? The Centre has recently issued a newsletter on this Forum jointly organised by the ICAC with 12 related regulators, professional bodies and major chambers of commerce. Apart from enlightening speeches delivered by prominent government and corporate leaders on ethical governance and leadership, it also features insights and summaries of the in-depth discussions on the ethical challenges faced by company directors and their professional advisors during concurrent group discussion on a specially designed case study and plenary sessions. What's more - you can visualise all these major components as video/sound clippings are available. Please click here for access of the E-newsletter.

2008/04/01

A Gentle Reminder : Coming Conferences on Corporate Governance and Business Ethics

The following two important events promoting corporate governance and business ethics, with support of the Hong Kong Ethics Development Centre of the ICAC, are about to be launched in April 2008: Directors' Conference 2008 (9 April 2008) Organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Directors, the Conference will be held on Wednesday, 9 April 2008, at Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Themed "Directorship in the 21st Century", the Conference will bring together world-class leaders to share their success stories and wisdom. Directors and senior management could take this opportunity for experience exchange, sharing, and networking. Business Ethics Conference for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) (23 April 2008) Jointly organised by the ICAC, HKSAR and the Guangdong Provincial People's Procuratorate, the Conference will be held on Wednesday, 23 April 2008, at Conrad Hong Kong in Admiralty. The Conference will comprise keynote addresses, a discussion forum and a luncheon speech by Hong Kong and Mainland officials as well as prominent business leaders. Participants will learn more on the anti-graft laws of both places, on how to minimise corruption risks when conducting cross-boundary businesses and how to practise ethics management to enhance competitiveness. Not yet enrolled for the conferences? Click the following links for more updates and registration. Don't miss them out! Directors' Conference 2008 (9 Apr 2008)       Business Ethics Conference for SMEs (23 Apr 2008)

2008/03/19

The Centre encourages directors and related professionals to attend forthcoming conferences on corporate governance

Further to the 2007 Directors' Forum, which heralds ICAC's partnership with relevant regulators, professional bodies and major chambers of commerce in launching a coordinated directors' ethics training programme, the Centre also undertakes to serve as one of the supporting organisations for the forthcoming conferences organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIOD) and the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries (HKICS) on 9 April and 9 May 2008 respectively at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre: (i) "Directorship in the 21st century" Directors' Conference 2008 organised by HKIOD (9 April 2008) The Conference will explore how to become an effective director in the 21st century with challenges from all facets of the business world. Renowned public sector and corporate leaders will be brought together to share their experiences in leading their companies through the good and down times to success. (ii) "The 9th Annual Corporate and Regulatory Update" organised by HKICS (ACRU 2008) (9 May 2008) ACRU is traditionally the most popular and largest ECPD programme run by the Institute. This year, representatives from the Securities and Futures Commission, Companies Registry, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and Hong Kong Monetary Authority will update participants on the latest developments in their respective areas. The conferences are now open for registration. Register now! Click here for details of Directors' Conference 08       Click here for details of ACRU 2008

2008/03/13

Upcoming Event: Business Ethics Conference for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

In view of the economic merger between Hong Kong and the Mainland, the increasing growth of cross boundary businesses and different legal systems between Hong Kong and Guangdong, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, HKSAR and the Guangdong Provincial People's Procuratorate are going to co-organise a Business Ethics Conference for SMEs on 23 April 2008 at Conrad Hong Kong in Admiralty. As the Conference represents the joint effort between Hong Kong and the Mainland in promoting business ethics, that's why the six member chambers of our Centre's Hong Kong Ethics Development Advisory Committee are assisting organisations of the event. The half-day Conference will comprise keynote addresses, a discussion forum and a luncheon speech by Hong Kong and Mainland officials as well as prominent business leaders. Participants will learn more on the anti-graft laws of both places, on how to minimise corruption risks when conducting cross-boundary businesses and how to practise ethics management to enhance competitiveness. The Conference is now open for registration. Seats are limited. Register now!. Click here for details and registration!

2008/02/20

Sustained Promotion of Sound Governance in the New Year

Mr Timothy Tong Hin-ming, ICAC Commissioner, reiterated in the fifth issue of the ICAC newsletter - ICAC Post - the Commission's sustained efforts to promote sound governance in the new year. Seen as an icon of anti-corruption internationally, the ICAC is committed to ensure that a clean business environment perpetuates in Hong Kong through strong enforcement actions against the unscrupulous and sustained efforts to promote ethical governance. This issue mentions that riding on the success of the "Ethics - The Core Value of Leadership" 2007 Directors' Forum organised by our Centre in September 2007 which kicked off a comprehensive, innovative and sustainable integrity programme for company directors, the ICAC will next join forces with the anti-corruption authorities in Guangdong to promulgate a corruption prevention guidebook for small and medium enterprises with investment operations in the Mainland. Please watch out for our future updates! This issue also highlights the addresses made by Mrs Laura Cha and Dr Victor Fung at the 2007 Directors' Forum calling for ethical practices from the top. Besides, an ICAC case about a financial controller masterminding a HK$9.6 million bribery scam ending in jail and the corruption prevention advice offered for enterprises by ICAC's Advisory Services Group were featured. On this occasion of the Chinese New Year, may the Centre wish you successful governance and flourishing prosperity in the Year of the Rat! Click here to view the ICAC Post.