HK veteran graft-fighter takes on new international role

From an aerial view, the Asia Financial Centre near the Olympic Forest Park in Chaoyang District, Beijing, resembles a traditional Chinese knot that connects to the world. Combining traditional Chinese elements and innovative architectural features, the landmark structure houses the headquarters of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). It is also where Tse Man-shing, former Director of Corruption Prevention of the Hong Kong ICAC, has embarked on a new mission to bring his anti-graft expertise to the international arena.

Tse, who served as ICAC’s Director of Corruption Prevention between 2010 and 2016, joined AIIB in September 2019 as a consultant of its Ethics Office. Following a global recruitment exercise, Tse was appointed Chief Ethics Officer of AIIB for a term of three years from August 1, 2020.

AIIB is a multilateral financial institution based in Beijing with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia by investing in sustainable infrastructure and other productive sectors around the world. The organisation commenced operation in January 2016 and its current membership has grown to over 100 jurisdictions worldwide. So far, AIIB has invested US$19.6 billion in 87 approved projects in 24 economies.

I feel deeply honoured to be able to share Hong Kong’s anti-graft experience and help promote integrity in the international arena

Tse, with 40-year experience in public administration and systemic corruption prevention, is tasked to assist AIIB in strengthening its internal governance.

Over the past 12 months, Tse and his team have developed a comprehensive code of conduct for all AIIB board officials and bank personnel. In addition, AIIB earlier endorsed a blueprint on its ethics development – a three-year work plan drawn up by Tse and modelled on the ICAC’s time-tested corruption prevention strategies.

Tse told the ICAC Post that the three-year work plan comprised five pillars: policy formulation, policy implementation, advisory role, partnerships and ethics education.

While the formulation and implementation of AIIB’s staff code and guidelines are on track, the Ethics Office under Tse’s leadership is now working on tailor-made preventive advice to all AIIB’s operational units, covering every aspect of their work, including procurement, recruitment, project supervision, etc.

AIIB also accords high priority to ethics education and building partnership with staff. A series of integrity training programmes for AIIB staff will be launched in September 2020 to raise their ethical awareness.

“Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a culture of probity in AIIB,” Tse told the ICAC Post.

Mr Tse in his office in AIIB headquarters, Beijing.

Mr Tse (2nd from the right) and AIIB colleagues from HK.

AIIB is now employing some 300 staff members from about 60 countries. Tse admitted that cultural differences posed the biggest challenge in his new role.

“Education is crucial. We want to make sure that everyone adheres to the same highest ethical standard.

“Apparently this will take time, but the most important is to let them know that we are partners in cultivating a probity culture in AIIB,” Tse noted.

Notwithstanding the challenge, Tse is embracing his new role with passion as he believed his anti-corruption experience in Hong Kong would be a real shot in the arm for clearing the hurdles.

During Tse’s six-year tenure with the ICAC, he had helped enhance preventive measures in both the public and private sectors. The Corruption Prevention Department which he led promulgated best practices and user-friendly training packages for various trades.

“The ICAC’s work is constantly commended by my AIIB colleagues and business counterparts from around the world. It is my privilege to have served the Commission in the past. I am also deeply honoured to be able to share Hong Kong’s anti-graft experience with AIIB and contribute to the global anti-corruption cause,” Tse said.