ICAC equips future society leaders with integrity and international perspective
“Hong Kong will prosper only when its young people thrive”. Young people are the important driving force for Hong Kong's future development. The society looks for committed and talented young leaders who are passionate towards Hong Kong, and integrity is an indispensable quality. To prepare young people for their future role as leaders, the ICAC has launched a brand new “ELITE Youth Leadership Programme” (the Programme).
Through a series of leadership training activities themed on anti-graft work and an international perspective, the Programme aims to equip tertiary and senior secondary students to become future responsible leaders with integrity who will work together with the ICAC to safeguard the probity and rule of law in Hong Kong. The newly launched Programme is participated by 70 “iELITE Youth Leaders” from 12 tertiary institutions and 18 secondary schools in Hong Kong.
With a view to unleash their potentials, a training camp was organized in mid-July for participants to experience ICAC’s investigative and law enforcement work, and learn about Hong Kong’s anti-corruption laws and regulations. At the launching ceremony, the “iELITE Youth Leaders” took an oath administered by ICAC Commissioner Mr Woo Ying-ming to embrace the rule of law and contribute to the country and Hong Kong’s integrity development with their best efforts.
“Abiding by the law and staying committed to the anti-corruption cause is only the first step. Students should grasp these learning opportunities to deepen their understanding of the country’s determination to fight corruption and its achievements in integrity development. Participants should also develop a global vision and from a macro perspective, think about how Hong Kong’s advantage as a city of probity could be brought into full play,” Mr Woo shared with the participants.
“ELITE Youth Leadership Programme” is founded on five core concepts, namely Exposure, Leadership, International perspective, Teamwork and Engagement.
One of the highlights of the Programme was visiting anti-corruption units in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In mid-August, under the arrangement of the Mainland anti-corruption units, more than 20 participants visited various attractions related to the history and development of our country, and learnt about its achievements in anti-corruption work and youth education. During their trip, they also visited the Sun Yat-sen University to chat with local university students about integrity cultures of young people in both places and exchange ideas to promote positive values. Participants also had the opportunity to visit local innovation and technology development projects as well as conducting cultural visits.
Back in Hong Kong, participants also had the chance to exchange with officers of Senegal’s anti-corruption agency during the latter’s visit to the ICAC in early August. Apart from sharing their internship experience at the ICAC, the students also took the opportunity to play host to the visitors by introducing them to the Hong Kong culture and local snacks, as well as ICAC’s signature coffee.
In the coming year, students would continue to participate in various leadership training activities. For example, they would be recruited to assist in international anti-corruption conferences and other activities, meeting with society leaders of different sectors, visiting different disciplined services units and other government organisations, etc. The ICAC hopes to broaden members’ vision, strengthen their commitment to the anti-corruption cause, as well as deepen their understanding of the importance of Hong Kong’s judicial system and the rule of law.