The World Anti-Corruption Conference (WACC) 2024 concluded on October 22 with an impressive turnout of nearly 250 participants from across the globe. Co-hosted by the International Strategy Institute (ISI) and Rangsit University, the conference took place under the theme "Transforming Trust, Eradicating Corruption: A Global Unity for Integrity."
From left to right: Professor Vicha Mahakun， Dr. Arthit Ourairat, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Dato' Sri Shamshun Baharin bin Mohd Jamil, Cheah Chyuan Yong and Dato' Haji Nik Suhaimi Bin Nik Sulaiman.
In his opening remarks, Cheah Chyuan Yong, Chairman of ISI, highlighted the institute's journey from the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Forum (MACF) in 2019 to its transformation into a global platform through WACC. He emphasized fostering collaboration and driving meaningful change in governance practices.
The event featured powerful speeches from leaders across the region. Dr. Arthit Ourairat, Emeritus President and Founder of Rangsit University welcomed participants by emphasizing the urgent need for global cooperation to tackle corruption. He pointed out that corruption continues to undermine public trust, economic growth, and social equity, calling for a united front in the fight against corruption.
In his opening keynote address, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Director and Vice Chairman of Saha Pathanapibul Public Company Limited (SPC) and former Prime Minister of Thailand, captured the sentiment of the conference, stating: "It is refreshing that, in a world where we face so many challenges—headlines dominated by wars and conflicts between nations, political colonization,
deglobalization, disruption of supply chains, a slower-than-expected recovery from the COVID years, climate change, and technological disruption—there remains a group of people who have not lost sight of one perennial plague that continues to damage social, economic, and political progress in so many countries: corruption." His speech underscored the pressing global challenges but placed corruption at the core of the obstacles to progress.
Dato' Sri Shamshun Baharin bin Mohd Jamil, Director General of Malaysia's National Anti Financial Crime Centre (NFCC), delivered a solid call to action, stating: "Fighting corruption is not just about addressing symptoms; it is about tackling the root causes. Whether through improving governance, reforming public procurement processes, enhancing the transparency of financial systems, or promoting ethical leadership, our task is to root out corruption at its source. We must do so in a way that strengthens the foundation of trust, transparency, and accountability across every level of society."
Professor Vicha Mahakun, Dean of the School of Law at Rangsit University, delivered the closing keynote. He reminded participants of the progress made during the conference but stressed the ongoing nature of the fight against corruption. He called on attendees to apply the insights gained in their respective communities and organizations.
Participants engaged in discussions on enhancing regional cooperation, leveraging technology to detect corruption, and strengthening legal frameworks. The conference underscored the importance of global vision and local action in eradicating corruption.
This year's WACC reaffirmed the global commitment to promoting integrity and transparency across borders. Cheah Chyuan Yong stated, "The strength of this conference lies in the diverse perspectives you bring, and it is through this exchange of ideas that we will find lasting solutions."
For more information, please visit https://world-acc.com/
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