HKU SPACE eNews - Nov 12 (Postgraduate Certificate in Corruption Studies

Hong Kong enjoys a reputation as a clean society. According to the 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index, Hong Kong was 12th in the world and 2nd in Asia as the least corrupt place. Such was not always the case. In the 60-70s, rampant corruption was very common. The wide spread of corruption at all levels had heavily affected the livelihood of people and impacted the law and order in Hong Kong.

By 1974, corruption had become so serious that the Hong Kong Government established the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Since its inception, the Commission has been committed to fight corruption using a three-pronged approach of law enforcement, prevention and community education. Together with the staunch support of the community, Hong Kong has been successfully transformed into a leading clean city.

Because of Hong Kong’s success in anti-corruption, many countries are eager to learn from Hong Kong. In 2003, HKU SPACE launched its first Postgraduate Certificate in Corruption Studies. The School seeks to share our experience and to develop Hong Kong as a learning centre for anti-corruption studies.

Internationally acclaimed anti-corruption expert Mr. Tony Kwok was invited to assume the Honorary Course Director and also the Adjunct Professor. Mr. Kwok is the first local Deputy Commissioner and Head of Operations of ICAC. With his support and contribution, the course has been designed to meet the needs of all anti-corruption practitioners and professionals working in law enforcement agencies, justice departments, regulatory bodies, accounting, and legal professions from around the world. The curriculum covers both prevention and anti-corruption professional training. Students can put knowledge into immediate practice as best suited to the needs and situations in their own countries and industries. As a result, the world’s leading experts are brought together to share their experiences and leverage best practices in the fight against corruption.

As of 2011, over 289 officials of anti-corruption authorities from 39 countries and regions, which represent a total of 79 agencies and/or organisations, have graduated from this course. Many of them are senior officials of anti-corruption agencies in their own countries. Since its inception 10 years ago, the programme has enabled a network of close cooperation in the fight against transnational and cross-border crimes related to corruption.

HKU SPACE held a ceremony at the Admiralty Centre on 6 November 2012 in celebration of the beginning of its 10-year milestone and the launch of this year’s programme. Mr. So Ping-hung, Executive Director, Centre of Anti-Corruption Studies of ICAC, officiated at the ceremony. A collection of the best anti-corruption group project papers written since the programme inception, “Comparative Studies of Anti-Corruption Systems for 38 Jurisdictions”, was also published to commemorate the 10th anniversary. It will serve as a practical and useful reference for anti-corruption practitioners worldwide.