ENG-2006 — Page 394

326 Public Order

contains practical guidelines for ethical management and for local managers employed by Hong Kong-funded banks operating on the Mainland.

With the support of the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) and six major trade associations, the department drew up a two-year training programme to help estate agents further enhance their professional ethical standards. The programme comprises seminars and workshops for the industry's senior managers and frontline. staff. Moreover, anti-corruption laws are one of the core subjects taught under the EAA's Continuing Professional Development Programme.

To help young people become future ethical leaders, a youth training programme comprising a series of workshops and a case study competition was launched for tertiary students. The programme culminates in a youth summit, to be held in March 2007, at which universities from Hong Kong, the Mainland and several other countries will take part.

The ICAC has established a Property Management Network to encourage property management companies to take positive action against corruption. At year- end, the network had a membership of over 190 management staff from 85 companies. Several corruption prevention workshops and 144 anti-corruption talks were arranged for property management companies, building consultant firms and construction companies.

To ensure public elections are conducted in a clean and fair manner, the department launched mass anti-corruption education campaigns ahead of elections held during the year. Booklets were handed out and briefings were held to acquaint voters and candidates with the major provisions of the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance. An election hotline was set up to answer queries. Posters, leaflets and a website were also used to drive home the 'support clean elections'

message.

A total of 318 community activities were organised with district organisations, which included all 18 District Councils, More than 400 000 people took part in these activities.

International Cooperation

Apart from regular contacts with overseas law enforcement agencies, the ICAC maintains frequent exchanges with other agencies and organisations abroad. During the year, the commission received 319 visitors from different countries. The Serious Organised Crime Agency of the United Kingdom, the Australian Federal Police, the Singapore Police Force, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority of Nepal, the Supreme Prosecutors Office of South Korea, and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption of Sri Lanka were among those overseas delegations which visited the ICAC in Hong Kong.

The UNCAC, which was ratified by the Central People's Government in late 2005 and extended to Hong Kong in February 2006, advocates international cooperation in fighting corruption around the world through the exchange of information, surrender of fugitive offenders and asset recovery. While Hong Kong has a strong anti-corruption