ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE TUESDAY, 23RD SEPTEMBER 2025
15th China ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)
The 15th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference, themed “Combating Money Laundering and Corruption, and Recovering Assets in the Technological Age", was held on 23rd September 2025 in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. The Conference reinforces the importance of ongoing mutual exchanges of experiences, expertise and best practices to build a united front against these crimes.
At the opening session, His Excellency Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR highlighted the evolving nature of financial crimes due to rapid technological advances and underscored the need for strong regional cooperation.
His Excellency Mr Ying Yong, Prosecutor-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People's Republic of China, acknowledged the importance of capacity building in combating such crimes and welcomed ASEAN prosecutors to receive training at Chinese prosecutorial institutes. He echoed the crucial need for enhanced collaboration to combat money laundering, corruption, and cross-border crimes in the digital age.
The Conference was chaired by His Excellency Paul Lam Ting-kwok, Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong SAR. The heads of delegates acknowledged the increasing complexity of money laundering and corruption, aggravated by modern technological advancements which complicate investigation and prosecution efforts.
The Honourable Attorney General and Public Prosecutor, Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib led a delegation of prosecutors from the Criminal Justice Division of the Attorney General's Chambers at the Conference.
During the plenary session, the Honourable Attorney General stressed the urgency of addressing money laundering and corruption in the digital age. Brunei Darussalam's legal framework and national efforts were highlighted, emphasising the importance of international cooperation, capacity-building, and leveraging advanced technologies and regional networks for both crime prevention and prosecution.
A key highlight of the Conference was the launch of the revamped website of the China[1]ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference, designed for a more efficient information exchange and cooperation among member states.
The Conference concluded with the signing of a Joint Declaration by all delegation leaders from China and ASEAN Member States. The Declaration reaffirmed their mutual commitment to cooperation in sharing information and best practices, and outlined initiatives including exchanges, training programs, study visits, and other capacity building activities to strengthen prosecutorial efforts across the region.
Following the conclusion of the formal sessions, the Conference ended with an Anti Money Laundering Seminar, presented by Ms. Nadine Schwarz from the International Monetary Fund.
The China ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference is an annual event which serves an important platform to discuss and share experience as well as best practices on matters of mutual interest and concern. It is a testament to the continued commitment of the parties to uphold the rule of law by strengthening regional cooperation and enhance mutual understanding.
