Brunei Darussalam’s Attorney General and Public Prosecutor Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Taib, led a delegation from the Criminal Justice Division at the 14th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference on October 29, in Singapore.
This year’s conference, marking its 20th anniversary, centered on the theme of “Fostering Cooperation on Combating Financial Crimes,” underscoring the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between ASEAN Member States and China in addressing transnational criminal threats.
In her address, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah highlighted the importance of closer international cooperation to tackle the complexities of financial crimes in a globalised world. She emphasised that stronger partnerships with international entities and networks are essential for overcoming challenges in investigating and prosecuting financial crimes, viewing the conference as an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and successful strategies among prosecutors.
The Brunei delegation also attended the Attorney-General’s Lecture on October 28, delivered by Ying Yong, Prosecutor General of China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate. He shared China’s legal reforms and success stories in upholding the rule of law, as well as the key roles played by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate in combating financial crimes.
Edwin Tong SC, Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth and Second Minister for Law, opened the conference with a keynote address stressing the pressing need for international collaboration against cross-border financial crimes. Singapore’s recent legal advancements were highlighted, particularly in areas of asset recovery, money laundering prosecutions, and cross-border cooperation.
The conference was chaired by Singapore’s Attorney-General Lucien Wong, who underscored the importance of sharing strategies, enhancing legal frameworks, and fostering collaboration to address the increasing threat of cross-border financial crime. Ying Yong reiterated China’s commitment to supporting ASEAN in strengthening judicial cooperation within the region.
The conference concluded with a Joint Declaration signed by the heads of delegation from China and ASEAN Member States, reinforcing their dedication to combat financial crimes. The declaration outlines commitments to information sharing, professional development, public awareness, and collaborative efforts with law enforcement, businesses, and civil society to ensure a secure and sustainable future. – FADLEY FAISAL
