ICAC spearheads Sports Governance and Integrity Alliance with multiple partners to foster governance of Sports Associations
2025-8-28
The ICAC, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), and The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute (HKCGI) today (August 28) jointly launched the Sports Governance and Integrity Alliance (SGIA), marking the onset of a three-year collaborative initiative to enhance governance of local national sports associations (NSAs) and turn Hong Kong into a clean and fair centre of mega sports events.
Speaking at the launching ceremony today, ICAC Commissioner Mr Woo Ying-ming said that over the years, the ICAC had strived to enhance NSAs’ governance. Previous initiatives included formulating corruption prevention guides as well as providing integrity trainings. The establishment of the SGIA was a major milestone of continuing efforts to elevate NSAs’ governance.
“Sports is a collective symbol of fairness, justice and perseverance. Without integrity, there is no fair play; without fairness, there is no sportsmanship. The purpose of the SGIA is to protect and uphold these fundamental core values. SF&OC sets the standards, HKJC provides the resources, HKCGI improves governance, and the ICAC safeguards integrity. Together, they sustain the core values of fairness, integrity and professionalism on a long-term basis,” said Mr Woo.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Miss Rosanna Law Shuk-pui remarked that the objective of the SGIA aligned with the government’s initiative to enhance governance standards in the sports sector. “In recent years, the government and SF&OC had actively implemented initiatives to strengthen the governance standards of NSAs. It is important for NSAs to implement good governance practices in order to foster the development of sports in Hong Kong and enhance athletes’ performance in international competitions, allowing Hong Kong, China athletes to excel on the global stage,” Miss Law noted.
Miss Law also encouraged NSAs to actively participate in activities of the SGIA to elevate their governance levels and work together to turn the sports industry of Hong Kong into a vibrant driving force for societal development.
Also officiated at today’s ceremony was the Legislative Council member representing the Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publication sector, Mr Kenneth Fok Kai-kong. Mr Fok expressed his support for ongoing efforts of NSAs to strengthen internal governance and integrity, “Time and again, Hong Kong's sports sector had achieved outstanding results and our athletes shone brightly in international competitions. Behind success lies the support of a sound corporate governance system which ensures the proper use of resources so that athletes and their teams could focus on training while maintaining the public image and confidence in the sports community. Since introducing the Code of Governance last year, SF&OC continuously reviews the implementation in NSAs. The SGIA brings together expertise and resources of different sectors to provide tailored support for NSAs, including training, consultation, sharing of best practices, etc. It serves as a vital force in advancing corporate governance,” said Mr Fok.
Mr Moray Taylor-Smith, Executive Director of Security, Integrity and Information Security of the HKJC, emphasised the shared commitment among partners to ensure that sports were clean, fair, inclusive, ethical, rules-based and accountable to stakeholders. Mr Moray said that drawing on a long history of integrity management expertise in its racing operations, the HKJC was honoured to collaborate closely with Hong Kong NSAs and share with them the tools, resources and knowledge required to uphold the highest standards of governance.
Mr David J Simmonds, the President of the HKCGI, remarked that the Institute was delighted to join the SGIA and contribute to the initiative. HKCGI is collaborating with the HKJC to launch the Jockey Club HKCGI Sports Governance Programme. Mr Simmonds said that in alignment with the policy objectives of the government, the first stage of the programme included a Sports Governance Certification Course, while other initiatives would follow.
The Honorary Secretary General of SF&OC, Mr Edgar Yang Joe-tsi, also officiated at today’s ceremony.
Following the launching ceremony, the ICAC’s Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption hosted the second Integrity Leadership Training for over 140 representatives of the HKCGI and 65 sports associations under the SF&OC. ICAC officers discussed with participants common corruption risks faced by NSAs as featured in short videos based on real cases and produced by the Commission, and briefed them on the modus operandi of criminals, red flags, legislative requirements and practical corruption prevention advice and safeguards. Participants also toured ICAC facilities to gain a deeper insight into the Commission’s anti-corruption work.
Last year, the ICAC published the Integrity and Corruption Prevention Guide for NSAs, which outlined the key principles and standards for good governance and internal control for the sports sector. The guide covers areas such as management of athletes, coaches, referee selection and training programmes. The ICAC will continue to provide integrity seminars for their personnel and athletes.
The four alliance organisations have planned a series of initiatives over the next six months for enhancing NSAs’ governance and integrity. These include the Jockey Club HKCGI Sports Governance Programme, as well as the International Symposium on Sports Governance and Integrity to be held in December when global experts will be invited to share their insights and experiences. The HKJC will also provide assistance to SF&OC to implement its Code of Governance.
SF&OC has been conducting workshops for NSAs by phase to help the latter to implement the Code of Governance. Following the first phase of workshops conducted earlier this year, another series of workshops will be offered early next year, covering integrity management, management of coaches and umpires, and general administration. Meanwhile, in the first quarter of 2026, HKCGI will launch the Sports Governance Certification Course, an 18-hour professional certification training course in collaboration with the HKJC, offering free governance training for NSAs members and support for their professional development.
Speaking at the launching ceremony today, ICAC Commissioner Mr Woo Ying-ming said that over the years, the ICAC had strived to enhance NSAs’ governance. Previous initiatives included formulating corruption prevention guides as well as providing integrity trainings. The establishment of the SGIA was a major milestone of continuing efforts to elevate NSAs’ governance.
“Sports is a collective symbol of fairness, justice and perseverance. Without integrity, there is no fair play; without fairness, there is no sportsmanship. The purpose of the SGIA is to protect and uphold these fundamental core values. SF&OC sets the standards, HKJC provides the resources, HKCGI improves governance, and the ICAC safeguards integrity. Together, they sustain the core values of fairness, integrity and professionalism on a long-term basis,” said Mr Woo.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Miss Rosanna Law Shuk-pui remarked that the objective of the SGIA aligned with the government’s initiative to enhance governance standards in the sports sector. “In recent years, the government and SF&OC had actively implemented initiatives to strengthen the governance standards of NSAs. It is important for NSAs to implement good governance practices in order to foster the development of sports in Hong Kong and enhance athletes’ performance in international competitions, allowing Hong Kong, China athletes to excel on the global stage,” Miss Law noted.
Miss Law also encouraged NSAs to actively participate in activities of the SGIA to elevate their governance levels and work together to turn the sports industry of Hong Kong into a vibrant driving force for societal development.
Also officiated at today’s ceremony was the Legislative Council member representing the Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publication sector, Mr Kenneth Fok Kai-kong. Mr Fok expressed his support for ongoing efforts of NSAs to strengthen internal governance and integrity, “Time and again, Hong Kong's sports sector had achieved outstanding results and our athletes shone brightly in international competitions. Behind success lies the support of a sound corporate governance system which ensures the proper use of resources so that athletes and their teams could focus on training while maintaining the public image and confidence in the sports community. Since introducing the Code of Governance last year, SF&OC continuously reviews the implementation in NSAs. The SGIA brings together expertise and resources of different sectors to provide tailored support for NSAs, including training, consultation, sharing of best practices, etc. It serves as a vital force in advancing corporate governance,” said Mr Fok.
Mr Moray Taylor-Smith, Executive Director of Security, Integrity and Information Security of the HKJC, emphasised the shared commitment among partners to ensure that sports were clean, fair, inclusive, ethical, rules-based and accountable to stakeholders. Mr Moray said that drawing on a long history of integrity management expertise in its racing operations, the HKJC was honoured to collaborate closely with Hong Kong NSAs and share with them the tools, resources and knowledge required to uphold the highest standards of governance.
Mr David J Simmonds, the President of the HKCGI, remarked that the Institute was delighted to join the SGIA and contribute to the initiative. HKCGI is collaborating with the HKJC to launch the Jockey Club HKCGI Sports Governance Programme. Mr Simmonds said that in alignment with the policy objectives of the government, the first stage of the programme included a Sports Governance Certification Course, while other initiatives would follow.
The Honorary Secretary General of SF&OC, Mr Edgar Yang Joe-tsi, also officiated at today’s ceremony.
Following the launching ceremony, the ICAC’s Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption hosted the second Integrity Leadership Training for over 140 representatives of the HKCGI and 65 sports associations under the SF&OC. ICAC officers discussed with participants common corruption risks faced by NSAs as featured in short videos based on real cases and produced by the Commission, and briefed them on the modus operandi of criminals, red flags, legislative requirements and practical corruption prevention advice and safeguards. Participants also toured ICAC facilities to gain a deeper insight into the Commission’s anti-corruption work.
Last year, the ICAC published the Integrity and Corruption Prevention Guide for NSAs, which outlined the key principles and standards for good governance and internal control for the sports sector. The guide covers areas such as management of athletes, coaches, referee selection and training programmes. The ICAC will continue to provide integrity seminars for their personnel and athletes.
The four alliance organisations have planned a series of initiatives over the next six months for enhancing NSAs’ governance and integrity. These include the Jockey Club HKCGI Sports Governance Programme, as well as the International Symposium on Sports Governance and Integrity to be held in December when global experts will be invited to share their insights and experiences. The HKJC will also provide assistance to SF&OC to implement its Code of Governance.
SF&OC has been conducting workshops for NSAs by phase to help the latter to implement the Code of Governance. Following the first phase of workshops conducted earlier this year, another series of workshops will be offered early next year, covering integrity management, management of coaches and umpires, and general administration. Meanwhile, in the first quarter of 2026, HKCGI will launch the Sports Governance Certification Course, an 18-hour professional certification training course in collaboration with the HKJC, offering free governance training for NSAs members and support for their professional development.
ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, Legislative Council member Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, HKJC Executive Director of Security, Integrity and Information Security Moray Taylor-Smith, and HKCGI President David J Simmonds and Honorary Secretary General of SF&OC Mr Edgar Yang Joe-tsi, preside over the launch of the SGIA.
ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming says the ICAC is committed to harnessing concerted efforts to provide comprehensive professional support to sports associations.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui says the objective of the SGIA aligns with the Government’s initiative to enhance professional governance standards in the sports sector.
Legislative Council member Kenneth Fok Kai-kong reiterates that a sound corporate governance system in NSAs ensures proper use of resources.
HKJC Executive Director of Security, Integrity and Information Security Moray Taylor-Smith says that the HKJC will share with NSAs the tools, resources and knowledge to uphold the highest standards of governance.
HKCGI President David J Simmonds reveals that a Sports Governance Certification Course will be introduced.
The Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption provides Integrity Leadership Training for NSA representatives.
Sports association representatives tour ICAC facilities to learn about ICAC’s anti-corruption work.