The British High Commission, Singapore hosted the first International Anti-Corruption Week in Singapore from 19 to 23 Sept 2016. The event was officially launched by UK Financial Secretary to the Treasury Ms Jane Ellison MP.
During her visit, the Minister also called on Singapore leaders and meet with business leaders from Singapore and the UK. Just over a year ago, the then British Prime Minister, David Cameron MP, gave his landmark speech, focusing on tackling corruption and announcing the London Anti Corruption Summit. This event sought to amplify and echo the messages of the London Summit, building partnerships between Public and Private sectors across the region.
The International Anti-Corruption Week was themed around anti-corruption, tax and money laundering and brought together experts from the UK and across East Asia with a focus on law enforcement, anti money laundering and tax specialists from the government sector, along with professionals from financial industry.This inaugural event involved workshop sessions and presentations by distinguished speakers at various venues across Singapore including the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, UK law firm Clifford Chance, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and others.
Speaking in advance of the International Anti-Corruption Week and the visit of the Financial Secretary, High Commissioner Scott Wightman said,"We are delighted that Financial Secretary Jane Ellison will be in Singapore to open the inaugural International Anti-Corruption Week where 11 sessions will address corruption, money laundering, bribery and other forms of illegal activities.The UK takes a firm position against corruption. Corruption harms societies by undermining economic and democratic development and fostering conflict.
Singapore is a shining example of the benefits of a tough approach to rooting out corruption. The UK is committed to increasing transparency, tackling money laundering and returning stolen assets. The UK takes a whole of government approach in tackling corruption, the broad range of issues being discussed at International Anti-Corruption Week demonstrate this approach.We hope that participants in International Anti-Corruption Week will leave the conference with a better understanding of both Singapore and UK’s regulatory responses to corruption as well as the avenues for raising awareness of the consequences of corruption."
At the Opening of this event, Thomas Thomas, CEO, ASEAN CSR Network (ACN) delivered a speech. Some of the points included that businesses should also have to share some blame for corrupt practices, the need to strengthen business integrity. Recently, ACN did a study with NUS on business integrity disclosures and practices of the top 50 listed companies in the 5 ASEAN countries. He also shared on the ASEAN 2025 : Forging Ahead Together is ASEAN's workplan for the next 10 years. ACN will be working with other stakeholders for an ASEAN that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable.
Speech by Mr Thomas Thomas Discussion which included Ms Jane Ellison
