Last month, the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) and World Justice Project (WJP) jointly held a conference, aptly titled “Absence of Corruption — A Key Requirement for the Rule of Law.”

The topic of combating corruption took center stage, featuring insights from distinguished guests who included the secretary for justice, a judge from the Court of Appeal, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) commissioner, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) chairman, and Dr Srirak Plipat, the Asia Pacific regional director of the WJP. This conference marked the inaugural collaboration by the HKBA and the WJP, bringing together over 100 legal professionals and regulators. The message was clear: A corruption-free society is not just an ideal; it is essential for the rule of law and our everyday lives.

The secretary for justice, Paul Lam Ting-kwok, began his speech with a fundamental truth: Corruption is not merely a legal problem; it is a formidable roadblock to economic growth and public trust. Hong Kong currently ranks 10th out of 142 jurisdictions in “Absence of Corruption” on the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index. This high ranking marks a significant turnaround from the 1960s and ’70s when corruption was pervasive in the city.

So, what changed? According to the esteemed speakers, it boils down to a solid legal framework, robust law enforcement agencies, and a culture that will not tolerate corruption. Understanding these elements helps us appreciate the progress that Hong Kong has made while keeping our eyes on the road ahead.

The establishment of the ICAC in 1974 was revolutionary. It is not just a law enforcement body; its establishment was a declaration of commitment to integrity and accountability. With its independence and broad investigative powers, the ICAC has been pivotal in cleaning up Hong Kong’s society and institutions. The Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, enacted in 1971, introduced offenses and investigative powers effective in holding corrupt public officials accountable.

The emphasis on teamwork in enforcement is palpable. The SFC collaborates closely with the ICAC and the Hong Kong Police Force to tackle complex financial crimes. Corruption is a crafty beast, often evolving to stay one step ahead. It is like a game of chess, and we need all players at the table to ensure a checkmate. As fictional US politician Frank Underwood from House of Cards, a TV series, says, “The road to power is paved with hypocrisy,” but in Hong Kong, we are building a different kind of road.

Perhaps the most profound change has been cultural. The deep-rooted anti-corruption ethos in Hong Kong is something we should all take pride in. Many of us remember when “tea money” was a prerequisite for basic services. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the ICAC and community stakeholders, we have transformed into a society that cherishes integrity.

This transformation took decades of education, awareness, and relentless advocacy. It is heartening to see younger generations embracing these values and actively participating in reporting suspicious activities. Social media has become a powerful ally in this fight, helping to raise awareness and mobilize community action against corruption. Today, using our voices to fight corruption is a responsibility we all share.

Looking to the future, technology — especially artificial intelligence — is poised to play a pivotal role in our battle against corruption. AI has the potential to revolutionize how we detect and prevent unethical practices. It can identify patterns and anomalies in financial transactions that might indicate corrupt activities, analyzing vast amounts of data faster than any human could. Think of it as a digital detective on steroids.

Corruption is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of society. By leveraging technology to enhance our integrity, we can create a system where ethical behavior is the norm, not the exception. Imagine a world where AI flags suspicious transactions before they even happen — now that is a future worth striving for.

Let us keep the momentum going and make Hong Kong a place we are all proud to call home. As the writer William Faulkner once said, “The past is never dead. It is not even past.” Let us learn from our history, ensuring that we build a future defined by integrity and transparency

Despite our progress, we cannot afford to let our guard down. Vigilance is crucial, as our speakers repeatedly reminded us. We must continue to advocate for education, prevention, and strong enforcement. The upcoming Integrity Compliance Management System by the ICAC is set to enhance ethical practices in listed companies — a step in the right direction for consolidating public trust.

Public engagement is equally vital. The more informed and involved citizens are, the harder it becomes for corruption to take root. Initiatives that encourage reporting suspicious activities, along with educational programs about the importance of integrity, can make a significant difference. We need to foster a culture in which residents feel empowered to act against corruption without fear of repercussions.

In summary, fighting corruption is a team effort. We all have a role to play — whether you are a legal professional, a regulator, or a concerned resident. Trust is the real currency in our society, and consolidating it takes all of us working together.

While corruption may never be completely eradicated, Hong Kong has come a long way in ensuring that such behavior is rare. By staying committed to the rule of law, embracing technology like AI, and standing together against corruption, we can ensure our city remains a vibrant hub of business and justice for everyone.

Let us keep the momentum going and make Hong Kong a place we are all proud to call home. As the writer William Faulkner once said, “The past is never dead. It is not even past.” Let us learn from our history, ensuring that we build a future defined by integrity and transparency.

The author is a current council member of the Hong Kong Bar Association and the chairman of its Young Barristers Committee. He maintains a mixed practice with a focus on personal injuries, trusts and commercial law.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.