Chief Executive's speech at Ethical Leadership Forum 2000

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The following is the opening speech given by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the "Turning Challenges into Opportunities" Ethical Leadership Forum 2000 today (March 30):

Commissioner, Secretary for the Civil Service, Dr. Chan, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I am very pleased to be here today to address this important gathering of leaders in the public and private sectors on the theme of 'ethical leadership' in the fight against corruption. The fact that you have taken time out from your busy schedules to attend this Forum highlights the importance we all place on the need to ensure ethics remain at the forefront of management, whether in business or in government, in dealing with corrupt practices.

The new millennium has presented us with new opportunities and challenges. It is characterised by economic, technological and social changes that are taking place at a pace faster than most of us could ever imagine. The globalisation of the world's economy and advances in information technology are rapidly reshaping the world we live in and intensifying competition. We now have to compete on knowledge, on quality and above all on our ability to master change. We have to anticipate change and exploit opportunities rather than merely responding to changes.

Since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, we have experienced two momentous changes: First, Hong Kong's reunification with the Mainland and the practice of a high degree of autonomy under the unprecedented "one country, two systems" concept. Second, our economic readjustment triggered by the Asian financial turmoil. That these two changes took place almost simultaneously made them all the more difficult to manage. Today, however, we can take pride in the fact that we have met these challenges head on and in the process emerged with renewed strengths.

Our ability to meet these challenges and to sustain economic success is built upon the rule of law, a clean, transparent and accountable government, the free flow of information, a free and tolerant society, adherence to the prevailing international standards and a level playing field for all. These are the cornerstones of our society; and at the heart of these are ethics. It needs no emphasis that ethics are not only relevant to doing business and economic growth, they are relevant to everyone in society. Ethics are not only the moral beliefs about right and wrong, they are about our social value and our will to do the right thing. It is only through good ethical practices and the creation of a clean and honest society that we are able to give everyone a fair chance and an equal opportunity to compete, to succeed, and to realise our dreams.

We cannot expect to maintain a level playing field nor our competitiveness and achieve our goal of becoming Asia's world city unless we demand the highest ethical standards of ourselves in all that we do.

An important aspect of this commitment is our effort to stamp out corrupt practices, within the civil service, in society and in the business world. Hong Kong has a hard-earned reputation as one of the world's most fair and open cities in which to do business. This is in large part due to the close partnership between a community determined to uphold a clean way of life and the Independent Commission Against Corruption dedicated to fighting corruption. My administration and I have always given our fullest support to the ICAC and its mission.

Nearly three years after the establishment of the HKSAR, corruption remains firmly under control. We have continued to battle against this insidious crime without fear or favour and we will continue to do so. The reunification has enabled us to intensify co-operation and liaison between the ICAC and its counterparts in Guangdong Province. This joint effort has greatly facilitated law enforcers on both sides in uncovering cross-boundary graft cases and bringing the corrupt to justice. In tackling these cross-boundary cases, we have received significant assistance from the Mainland authorities.

The determination to eradicate and prevent corruption continues to be a top priority of this Government. We will continue to do whatever we can to support anti-corruption efforts. And I am pleased that we have the strong backing of the entire Hong Kong community. In the past three years, every survey conducted by the ICAC has consistently reflected a high level of public confidence in the government's anti-graft capability. Ninety-nine per cent of the respondents said the Commission deserved their support and more than 80 per cent of those surveyed said they were intolerant of corruption. Just as importantly, about 70 per cent of the people lodging complaints were willing to identify themselves.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have spoken at some length about Hong Kong's efforts in the battle against corruption. As I see it, ethics are at the core of any anti-corruption strategy. Maintaining high ethical standards in the conduct of private business and the delivery of public services is the first line of defence against corruption. Throughout the world, there are many, many examples of how good ethical management has helped prevent graft.

In the two-day programme that follows, I am sure you will have a most productive and fruitful exchange, with the local and overseas experts, as you explore the ethical issues facing us all in our pursuit of a society with integrity. It is now with much pleasure that I declare open the "Ethical Leadership Forum 2000". Thank you very much for being here.

Photo: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Ethical Leadership Forum 2000 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Picture shows Mr Tung delivering opening address at the Ceremony.

End/Thursday, March 30, 2000

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