Declaration on New Professional Core Values
In June 2004, about three hundred intellectuals co-signed and published the "Hong Kong Core Values Declaration". Its impact continues until this day. As set out in the Declaration, "Upholding Professionalism" was identified as one of Hong Kong's core values.
As professionals, we are concerned about Hong Kong's development and we are dismayed at the suppression of professional voices. Our legacy of good governance is being eroded by a combination of factors: cronyism, divisive politics, disrespect to scientific evidence and the trend of non-professionals leading professionals. This is profoundly harmful to Hong Kong. We believe that the power of professionalism is not only critical in safeguarding Hong Kong's core values, but it must also play a greater role in Hong Kong's future development. At this critical juncture, we advocate the following "New Professional Core Values":
1. Integrity - Speak truth unto Power
In circumstances where political and economic pressure are rampant, speaking up for what is right and speaking out against what is wrong, on the basis of one's professional judgement, require great courage. We would change the culture so that speaking the truth becomes the norm in society. When that happens, such pressure will naturally vanish.
2. Commitment - Primary responsibility to the Public
Professionals are often accountable to their clients or their teams. Yet when public interest is at stake, acting in the interest of the public is a manifestation of the professionals' primary commitment to the society at large.
3. Foresight - Embrace Global Vision
Armed with the knowledge of international trends, professionals are in the best position to promote community understanding on global risks and challenges, and to explore new local opportunities. This is where professionals can contribute most by injecting new energy into the community and by preventing close-minded thinking in society.
With this Declaration, we call upon all professionals to join us - let us break down the sectoral and political divides, and together put the "New Professional Core Values" into action. Let us alter the culture from our respective positions, and build a supporting environment for change. Let us act with courage and commitment, for ourselves and for the future of our children.
Initiators: Albert Lai Charles Mok Stanley Ng
4 August 2008