Fresh ideas: ICAC Commissioner Dr Timothy Tong and Secretary for Justice Wong Yan Lung attend the Youth Summit of ICAC's "I" Generation Youth Integrity Programme.

Hong Kong's young people have expressed a strong willingness to report corruption, an Independent Commission Against Corruption survey has found.

About 83% of the respondents aged 24 or below expressed their willingness to report corruption, compared with 74% of those in other age groups, ICAC Commissioner Dr Timothy Tong said, adding the survey clearly indicated a very low tolerance among local youths towards corruption.

Speaking after officiating at the Youth Summit of ICAC's "I" Generation Youth Integrity Programme, Dr Tong said integrity is taught to children and young people in practically every known society for good reasons.

"With personal integrity comes the knowledge that you are upright and that gives you confidence. With it also comes the ability to plan positively for a better future.

"Personal integrity is also a stout defence against setbacks. It is the surest foundation for a fair and just society. A society that puts integrity first can truly claim to offer a level playing field for all comers," he said.

Secretary for Justice Wong Yan Lung said integrity and fair play are essential in the business world. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's judiciary is well trusted by the people and business activities thrive on that confidence.

"Integrity in the sense of an unremitting commitment to the law or principles or beliefs with no compromise on account of favour or fear, is the common foundation of the rule of law and judicial independence," Mr Wong added.