Opinion | The power of a clean culture: Hong Kong's advantage

By Dr. Kevin Lau

I remember the elderly at home saying that in the past, when the postman delivered telegrams to the door, you had to give him two dollars as a "tea fee" before you could receive the telegram. The situation in hospitals was even worse. If you didn't bribe them, no one would take care of you or provide any necessary support.  When I was studying overseas, in my memorable recollection, a professor shared with me that while businesses naturally prioritize cost considerations, an even more crucial determinant for their success lies in the cleanliness and integrity of the local government and society. Contrasting Hong Kong with the Philippines, where the latter encompasses a more extensive geographic expanse, along with its lower costs and English-speaking residents, a compelling question arises. Why do multinational corporations choose to establish their regional headquarters in Hong Kong, even if it entails higher operating costs? This enigma is one that elicits a shared comprehension among many.

In plain terms, corruption is an act of abuse of power characterized by dishonest conduct, prevalent across all societies, and regarded as a major hindrance to social and economic development. Some forms of corruption are overt, such as government officials engaging in bribery before performing their duties, while others are more discreet, such as favoritism and the trading of positions of authority. While corruption is indeed a political issue, it would be erroneous to perceive it solely through that lens. In fact, corruption has a detrimental impact on the economy. As the aforementioned professor highlighted, locations marred by corruption dissuade foreign multinational corporations from establishing their headquarters, indicating negative consequences for the economy. Corruption not only undermines fair competition and public trust but also leads to improper allocation of social resources, ultimately affecting and reducing overall economic well-being. Therefore, anti-corruption efforts are intricately intertwined with political and economic matters. A well-executed anti-corruption campaign would benefit not only the government but also the broader economy and all citizens who rely on economic activities for their sustenance.

Since its establishment, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has transformed Hong Kong into one of the most corruption-free places worldwide. Given the economic benefits associated with integrity, it is only fitting that we acknowledge the commendable role played by the ICAC when applauding Hong Kong's economic achievements. In essence, the presence of a clean culture confers a distinct advantage upon Hong Kong, and this fact must be acknowledged and firmly remembered. It has been reported that the ICAC will soon establish the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption, an institution poised to provide anti-corruption education to law enforcement agencies within Hong Kong while also promoting Hong Kong's culture of integrity and sharing anti-corruption experiences on a global scale. From my perspective, this initiative has the potential to become a cornerstone of "Tell Good Stories of Hong Kong" and should be vigorously supported and promoted.

Corruption is a complex social phenomenon with multiple causes and wide-ranging implications, encompassing elements such as political systems, levels of economic development, legal traditions, educational attainment of the population, and even local cultural and religious backgrounds. Getting rid of corruption is a challenging and time-consuming task that cannot be accomplished quickly. However, it is important to stay positive and not lose hope. By looking at the example of Hong Kong, we can see that with perseverance and sustained efforts over a decade or more, the chances of successful eradication are significantly heightened.  Isn't that true? In the past, it was taken for granted in Hong Kong that "tea money" would ensure favorable outcomes, but now such a notion has become obsolete.

From whichever perspective one examines it, the negative impact of corruption on the socio-economic fabric is undeniable. Given Hong Kong's advantageous position of having a culture of integrity, it is highly deserving of wholehearted promotion.

The author is a specialist in radiology with a Master of Public Health from the University of Hong Kong, and an adviser of Our Hong Kong Foundation.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.