14th China ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference
Singapore
The Honourable Attorney General and Public Prosecutor, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Taib led a delegation of prosecutors from the Criminal Justice Division at the 14th China ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference on 29th October 2024 held in Singapore.
The ASEAN-China Prosecutors-General Conference aims to strengthen cooperation among the Prosecution authorities of ASEAN Member States and People's Republic of China to promptly and effectively combat transnational crimes to ensure the peace, stability, security and sustainable development of ASEAN Member States and People's Republic of China. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the annual Conference and focused on the theme “Fostering Cooperation on Combating Financial Crimes".
The Brunei Darussalam delegation attended a biennial Attorney-General's Lecture held in conjunction with the Conference on 28th October 2024. His Excellency Ying Yong, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People's Republic of China, delivered a lecture in which he shared People's Republic of China's initiatives in ensuring the upholding of the rule of law demonstrated through successful cases. Additionally, His Excellency shared on the roles and functions of The Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People's Republic of China.
His Excellency Edwin Tong SC, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law of Singapore delivered a keynote address at the opening session where he called for urgent need for international collaboration to combat the rising threat of financial crimes across borders. His Excellency shared Singapore's recent legal and regulatory amendments aimed at strengthening asset recovery, prosecuting money laundering and fostering cross-border cooperation.
His Excellency Lucien Wong, the Attorney-General of Singapore chaired the Conference in which each head of delegation emphasised the need for sharing strategies, strengthening legal frameworks, and fostering collaboration to address the complexities of cross-border financial crime effectively.
His Excellency Ying Yong reiterated China's commitment in strengthening judicial collaboration to combat financial crimes within the ASEAN region in an effort to uphold the rule of law and foster a more secure region.
The Honourable Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Taib, Attorney General and Public Prosecutor, delivered a statement echoing the critical need to work closely together in combating financial crimes which have become increasingly complex in an interconnected world. Strengthening engagement with international bodies and networks is vital in overcoming challenges of investigations and prosecution of financial crimes as such, this Conference provides a useful opportunity for prosecutors to pool knowledge and sharing successful strategies.
At the end of the Conference, a Joint Declaration was signed by the heads of delegations from the People's Republic of China and ASEAN Member States to reaffirm their commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance collaboration between China and ASEAN prosecution services in combating financial crimes. The declaration outlines commitments to information sharing, adoption of best practices, continuous professional development, public awareness campaigns, and fostering collaboration with law enforcement, businesses, and civil society.
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