Audit Commission had an exchange with internal audit executives from local public organisations on “performance audits”

On 26 January 2024 (Friday), nearly 30 internal audit management executives from various local statutory public organisations gathered at the headquarters of the Audit Commission (Audit) to take part in the 5th Hong Kong Public Organisations Internal Audit Roundtable.   

The event was themed around “performance audits”, or in other words, “value for money (VFM) audits”, which are regularly conducted by Audit on government departments and audited bodies.  In his opening remarks, Prof. Nelson Lam, Director of Audit, likened the role of Audit to that of a “family doctor”, who does “body checks” for different departments and organisations.  Some of the audit projects conducted were closely related to the organisations in which the participants were working.  Prof. Lam believed that both Audit, which operates independent of the government framework, and the internal audit departments of funded public organisations would work towards the common goals of enhancing public governance and improving the public’s living welfare.  Following closely in the footsteps of our country and aligning with the administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Audit would spare no effort in delivering all-round public sector auditing services.  Prof. Lam also encouraged the participants to get a firmer grasp of the development in auditing in our nation, especially that in institutional reform, involvement in United Nations audit projects, research-based auditing and big data auditing, so as to make the most out of Hong Kong’s unique advantage of enjoying strong support of the Motherland while being closely connected to the world , under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.

During the roundtable, auditors from the Commission gave a detailed account of VFM audit work, including hot topics that had been in public spotlight such as factors of consideration when deciding on the theme of audit projects, scope of examination and criteria in choosing auditees.  Senior experienced auditors of the Department then took the floor to share on moments and experience in conducting VFM audits.  Having shed light on the routine duties in public auditing, the Commission also invited its young auditors to recount their valuable experience in participating in United Nations audit projects abroad as part of the national audit team.

Another highlight of the event was a talk by Mr Cheung Chin Kit, Acting Assistant Director, as well as Ms Reggie Lai and Ms Hayley Kong, both Chief Corruption Prevention Officers of the Corruption Prevention Department of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on anti-corruption in the workplace.  Among others, Mr Cheung underlined ways to act to prevent fraud or breach of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and other related offences when employees found themselves in situations of conflict of interest during work.

In summary, Audit was positive that the roundtable gave the internal audit departments of public organisations a more solid understanding of the work of the Commission.  Not only would the exchange fuel the growth of the audit industry, but it would also strengthen the network within the sector.  Audit looks forward to more exchanges in different forms with its counterparts in the future and tell the good stories of public sector auditing and Hong Kong far and wide.

In his speech, Director of Audit hoped that all participants would bring what they gained from
the roundtable to their professional roles.  He also asked his counterparts to
join hands to raise the efficiency and quality of public services in Hong Kong
and create an even better environment for living and working for the public.

Auditors of the Commission briefed the audience on the criteria, factors of consideration and experience in conducting VFM audits.

Auditors of the Department tapped into opportunities beyond Hong Kong and fully engaged
themselves in trainings provided by audit departments in the Mainland.  They had
the privilege to take part in audit projects abroad alongside their counterparts
from all over the nation.  Having completed their missions, they took home
the professional skills and experience acquired from the journey
and applied them to the audit work in Hong Kong.

Representatives of Corruption Prevention Department of ICAC explained to the audience
the definition of “conflict of interest” in the workplace,
and also shared case studies and ways to handle such situations.

Participants of the 5th Hong Kong Public Organisations Internal Audit Roundtable took a photo with Audit personnel.