Then HKTDC HR manager and sister charged by ICAC for failing to declare conflict of interest in recruitment
2026-3-26
Following an investigation stemming from a corruption complaint referred by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), a then human resources manager of the HKTDC and her younger sister were charged by the ICAC yesterday (March 25) for allegedly concealing conflict of interest by failing to disclose their relationship in a recruitment exercise where the siblings were the interviewer and candidate, with the intent to deceive the organisation, resulting in the employment of the younger sister.
Liu Yi-ying, 41, then Human Resources Manager of the HKTDC, faces two counts of agent using document with intent to deceive his principal, contrary to section 9(3) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO); her younger sister Liu Yi-lam, 32, then Corporate Events and Customer Service Assistant Manager of the HKTDC, faces one count of agent using document with intent to deceive his principal.
The duo were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance for mention at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (March 27).
In November 2023, Liu Yi-ying conducted a recruitment for the position of Corporate Events and Customer Service Assistant Manager. Her duties included screening candidates curriculum vitae, scheduling interviews, assessing in interviews, discussing salary packages and sending out offers to candidates.
Liu Yi-ying was one of the two interviewers in the recruitment while her younger sister Liu Yi-lam was one of the candidates. Both interviewers and candidates were required to complete relevant forms to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
It is alleged that on November 29, 2023, Liu Yi-ying intended to mislead the HKTDC by submitting an interview assessment form that contained statements which were false, declaring that she did not know the candidate Liu Yi-lam.
The ICAC enquiries revealed that Liu Yi-ying not only declared that she did not know her younger sister Liu Yi-lam but also rated her sister as a suitable candidate in the interview assessment form. Liu Yi-lam subsequently joined the HKTDC in January 2024.
Two other charges allege that in March and February 2024, Liu Yi-ying and Liu Yi-lam intended to mislead the HKTDC by each submitting a declaration of outside interests containing a false statement that they have no family member or relative working in the HKTDC.
The ICAC enquiries revealed that the two defendants had never declared their sibling relationship to the HKTDC.
The HKTDC rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
The ICAC advises public bodies to formulate clear guidelines and mechanisms for declaration of conflict of interest. Public servants are reminded to make timely and accurate declarations when a conflict of interest arises. Public officials should not conceal any conflict of interest in relation to their official duties to benefit themselves or their associates.
Liu Yi-ying, 41, then Human Resources Manager of the HKTDC, faces two counts of agent using document with intent to deceive his principal, contrary to section 9(3) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO); her younger sister Liu Yi-lam, 32, then Corporate Events and Customer Service Assistant Manager of the HKTDC, faces one count of agent using document with intent to deceive his principal.
The duo were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance for mention at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (March 27).
In November 2023, Liu Yi-ying conducted a recruitment for the position of Corporate Events and Customer Service Assistant Manager. Her duties included screening candidates curriculum vitae, scheduling interviews, assessing in interviews, discussing salary packages and sending out offers to candidates.
Liu Yi-ying was one of the two interviewers in the recruitment while her younger sister Liu Yi-lam was one of the candidates. Both interviewers and candidates were required to complete relevant forms to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
It is alleged that on November 29, 2023, Liu Yi-ying intended to mislead the HKTDC by submitting an interview assessment form that contained statements which were false, declaring that she did not know the candidate Liu Yi-lam.
The ICAC enquiries revealed that Liu Yi-ying not only declared that she did not know her younger sister Liu Yi-lam but also rated her sister as a suitable candidate in the interview assessment form. Liu Yi-lam subsequently joined the HKTDC in January 2024.
Two other charges allege that in March and February 2024, Liu Yi-ying and Liu Yi-lam intended to mislead the HKTDC by each submitting a declaration of outside interests containing a false statement that they have no family member or relative working in the HKTDC.
The ICAC enquiries revealed that the two defendants had never declared their sibling relationship to the HKTDC.
The HKTDC rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
The ICAC advises public bodies to formulate clear guidelines and mechanisms for declaration of conflict of interest. Public servants are reminded to make timely and accurate declarations when a conflict of interest arises. Public officials should not conceal any conflict of interest in relation to their official duties to benefit themselves or their associates.