Hong Kong ICAC Pushes for Unified ASEAN Anti-Graft Alliance

Representing the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, Woo emphasized that regional alliances are no longer optional as illicit activities grow more digital and secretive. The summit focused heavily on the integrity of major infrastructure, which Woo described as the backbone of national development. He warned that graft within these projects does more than bleed budgets; it erodes the fundamental credibility of public institutions.

To address these vulnerabilities, the ICAC delegation, joined by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, led a seminar for over 100 officials from 11 ASEAN states. Assistant Director Wong Wai-kit presented specific investigative techniques for infrastructure risks, while Department of Justice counsel Jeff Chan Ka-hin outlined strategies for asset recovery and mutual legal assistance. Beyond the plenary sessions, the Hong Kong team held bilateral talks with counterparts from Malaysia, Brunei, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste to refine intelligence sharing, closing their visit with a briefing to Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing.