The Role of Internal Audit in Strengthening Corporate Governance
Internal Audit Awareness Month is an annual reminder of our
profession’s indispensable contribution to sound corporate governance. By
reinforcing Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC), internal
auditors promote transparency, accountability, and effective oversight across
the enterprise.
A Meaningful Milestone in Hong Kong
May 2024 is doubly significant for me: it celebrates
Internal Audit Month and marks the close of my tenure in Hong Kong. The
occasion prompts reflection on the initiatives that strengthened both
organizational integrity and employee empowerment.
One of the most impactful projects was a region-wide
training program that reached nearly 100 store supervisors and managers through
a hybrid mix of virtual and in-person sessions. We tackled critical topics—crisis
management, whistle-blowing protocols, and conflict-of-interest policies—not as
box-ticking exercises, but as conversations about values, culture, and ethical
decision-making in complex environments.
Embracing AI to Transform Training Delivery
A standout achievement was the strategic use of AI to
streamline content development. Previously, crafting narrated onboarding
presentations took up to two weeks and was ultimately rejected because the
Cantonese voice-over sounded robotic and unprofessional.
Fast-forward to today: modern AI tools have cut the
production cycle to just two to three days. They generate natural-sounding
Cantonese narration and seamlessly embed interactive knowledge checks, boosting
both efficiency and learner engagement.
Looking Ahead: A Lasting Impact
As I transition to my next professional chapter, I'm proud of our significant progress. We've not only strengthened internal controls but also cultivated a culture of awareness and accountability. Internal Audit has evolved beyond retrospective assurance; it now empowers teams, promotes ethical practices, and builds organizational resilience.
Internal Audit continues to be a strategic enabler of integrity, accountability, and resilience, and I eagerly anticipate the profession's ongoing advancements in the coming years.
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