The World Anti-Corruption Conference (WACC) 2025 concluded on October 24 at the historic Rhodes House, Oxford, with delegates from more than a dozen countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa reaffirming their commitment to integrity, innovation, and accountability in governance.

Image above: From left: Dato’ Nik Suhaimi Bin Nik Sulaiman, Professor Vicha Mahakun, Mr. Cheah Chyuan Yong, Dato’ Sri Shamshun Baharin Bin Mohd Jamil, Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohd Nizom Sairi, and Mr. Joseph Low.

Organised by the International Strategy Institute (ISI), this year’s conference carried the theme “United for Integrity: Innovation, Collaboration, and Accountability in the Fight Against Corruption.” The event built upon the success of previous editions held in Jakarta (2023) and Bangkok (2024), underscoring WACC’s growing influence as a global platform for dialogue and action in promoting transparency and good governance.

Guests of Honour launched WACC 2025 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Rhodes House.

The opening ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests of honour, including Dato’ Nik Suhaimi bin Nik Sulaiman, Professor Vicha Mahakun, Mr. Cheah Chyuan Yong, Dato’ Sri Shamshun Baharin bin Mohd Jamil, Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohd Nizom Sairi and Mr. Joseph Low.

Mr. Cheah Chyuan Yong delivered welcoming address.

In his welcoming address, Mr. Cheah Chyuan Yong, Chairman of the International Strategy Institute (ISI), reflected on ISI’s journey from the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Forum (MACF) in 2019 to WACC’s establishment as a truly international initiative.

“Our journey began in 2019 with the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Forum. It was a place for ASEAN countries to discuss corruption and good governance. By 2023, it had grown beyond ASEAN and evolved into the World Anti-Corruption Conference, first in Jakarta, then Bangkok in 2024, and now here in Oxford in 2025,” he said.

Cheah explained that hosting the event in different countries each year symbolises the global nature of the fight against corruption. “We move the conference from one country to another each year because corruption has no borders. The fight against it must also be global,” he stated. “WACC gives us a platform to learn from each other and to work together.”

Opening remarks by Dato’ Sri Shamshun Baharin bin Mohd Jamil, Director General of the Malaysia’s National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC).

Delivering the opening keynote, Dato’ Sri Shamshun Baharin bin Mohd Jamil, Director-General of the Malaysia’s National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC), outlined Malaysia’s comprehensive approach to fighting corruption under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028. “Combating corruption is a national priority, anchored at the highest level of political leadership,” he said. “Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has set a bold target — for Malaysia to rank among the top 25 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index within the next decade.”

Shamshun emphasised that Malaysia has moved from a siloed enforcement model to a systemic, integrated approach, coordinating multiple agencies to disrupt financial crimes at their core.

He also reiterated the importance of international collaboration in tracking and recovering assets linked to cross-border offences. “Corruption today doesn’t stop at national borders — and neither can we. The 1MDB case was a wake-up call. It showed the scale of financial crime and the importance of international partnerships, including bilateral cooperation with countries like the United States, Singapore and Switzerland. We managed to recover substantial assets outside Malaysia through good bilateral cooperation with our international counterparts.”

Delegates and participants stood in unity for the National Anthems of the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

Throughout the day, distinguished speakers from Asia, Europe and Africa shared insights on global compliance, fintech integrity, digital governance, and youth empowerment. Discussions explored how technology, education, and civic engagement can drive long-term change.

Group photo of Guests of Honour, panellists and moderators at WACC 2025.

This year’s WACC successfully achieved its objective of fostering cross-border cooperation, promoting technological innovation in anti-corruption practices and reaffirming the global commitment to integrity and transparency across all sectors. The discussions and partnerships formed in Oxford are set to inspire continued collaboration and action toward a cleaner, more accountable future.

For more information, visit https://world-acc.com.

This content is provided by IAF Strategy Sdn Bhd.

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