Applied Science University (Bahrain) – Anti-Corruption Commitments (SDG 16)

Governance Policies on Anti-Corruption and Ethics

Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain has formal governance documents that explicitly address corruption, fraud, bribery, and unethical conduct. The university’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Bylaw for staff sets high ethical standards and forbids employees from soliciting or accepting any gift, hospitality or benefit that could compromise their objectivity or influence their decisions [1]. If an employee cannot decline a offered gift, they must report it in writing to their supervisor, who will then direct appropriate action (e.g. refusal, surrender to the department, or donation to charity) [1]. In late 2020, ASU also introduced a dedicated Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy to strengthen administrative processes and safeguard integrity across the institution [1]. This policy mandates that all university members (staff and students) conduct business honestly, without resorting to corrupt practices or bribes to gain unfair advantage [1]. The policy was formally adopted by the University Council and communicated widely, establishing a “zero tolerance” stance on bribery and corruption – any violation by an employee or third-party (including students) is considered a serious offense and will lead to disciplinary action [1]. To operationalize these principles, ASU’s anti-bribery policy outlines practical measures: for example, regular risk assessments to identify areas vulnerable to corruption, maintenance of accurate books and records (since many bribery cases involve false record-keeping), and effective internal controls and monitoring procedures that are adjusted as needed to mitigate emerging risks [1]. These frameworks are reinforced by related policies like the Student Misconduct Bylaw (addressing issues such as academic fraud) [2] and an Academic Misconduct & Plagiarism Policy, underscoring the university’s comprehensive approach to ethical conduct and fraud prevention.

University Initiatives Promoting Integrity and Anti-Corruption

ASU Bahrain actively organizes and participates in events that promote integrity, transparency, and the rule of law as part of its community engagement and educational mission. For example, in July 2024 the university – through its Community Engagement Office – collaborated with Bahrain’s House of Representatives to host a workshop on “The Role of Regulatory Bodies in Detecting Administrative and Financial Corruption and Combating Money Laundering.” This expert lecture, delivered to staff of the parliamentary secretariat, highlighted how oversight agencies identify and fight corruption and money laundering, underscoring the university’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity in public institutions [3]. Likewise, in February 2024 ASU’s College of Law led a student educational visit to the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate for Combating Corruption, Economic Security, and Cybercrime. A group of law students, accompanied by faculty, visited the national Cybercrime Administration to learn first-hand about the nature of modern crimes (such as electronic fraud and cybercrime) and how cases are handled under Bahraini law [4]. During this visit, officials explained the Directorate’s objectives and demonstrated how complaints of cyber and economic crimes are received, monitored, and investigated. The University’s President formally thanked the Directorate’s leadership for their cooperation, reflecting ASU’s partnership with national authorities in educating students about combating corruption and financial/electronic crimes [4]. ASU students also engage in wider forums like the Bahrain Universities Model United Nations – for instance, in 2018 an ASU delegation participated in debates on global issues including the misuse of technology in generating cybercrime and global drug control efforts, aligning student activities with themes of justice and security [1]. These initiatives and events demonstrate ASU’s proactive role in raising awareness on integrity, anti-corruption, and strong institutional practices among its students and the broader community.

Compliance with Bahrain’s Anti-Corruption Legal Framework

ASU Bahrain operates within the Kingdom’s robust legal framework against corruption and organized crime, and the university affirms compliance with all applicable national laws on these matters [1]. Bahrain’s Penal Code (Decree Law No. 15 of 1976) criminalizes bribery in both the public and private sectors. Offering or accepting a bribe (or even the promise of one) to influence a public official’s duties is a serious offense – public officials who solicit or accept illicit gifts can face up to 5 or 10 years’ imprisonment (depending on the act), and the person offering the bribe (and any intermediaries) is likewise punishable with no less than three years in prison and fines, even if the bribe was not ultimately accepted [5]. Furthermore, Bahrain’s public procurement law (Legislative Decree No.36 of 2002) requires that any bid be rejected if the bidder has engaged in bribery of government employees to obtain the contract [5] – reinforcing a legal expectation of fair, corruption-free business practices. At the national level, Bahrain has demonstrated its commitment to international anti-corruption standards by acceding to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) (signed 2005, ratified via Decree No. 7/2010) [5]. The Kingdom has established specialized institutions to enforce anti-corruption and financial crime laws. Chief among these is the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption & Economic and Electronic Security under the Ministry of Interior, which spearheads Bahrain’s efforts to detect and prevent corruption and organized crime. This directorate fosters community partnerships to eradicate crime and plays a pivotal role in investigating offenses ranging from public-sector bribery and embezzlement to fraud, forgery, money laundering, and cybercrimes [6]. Bahrain has also launched public initiatives like the national anti-corruption hotline “Nazaha 992” (introduced on International Anti-Corruption Day 2009) to empower citizens and residents to report corruption directly to authorities [6]. To promote transparency in governance, Bahraini law requires financial disclosures by public officials – a measure aimed at revealing and preventing conflicts of interest that could lead to corrupt practices (such as bribery or illicit enrichment) [6]. In addition, Bahrain is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) via the GCC and a founding member of MENA-FATF, reflecting its commitment to combat money laundering and organized crime financing. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s dedicated Anti-Money Laundering unit and the Central Bank of Bahrain’s compliance directorate work in tandem to enforce stringent anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) regulations, aligning with international best practices [6]. ASU, as an accredited institution in Bahrain, complies with these national laws and regulations – its own policies explicitly require adherence to all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and codes [1], ensuring the university community operates within the legal parameters set by the Kingdom’s anti-corruption framework.

Public Ethical Commitments and Enforcement Mechanisms

ASU Bahrain makes its principles on integrity and anti-corruption public and backs them with mechanisms for compliance and enforcement. The university’s leadership has been vocal in promoting a culture of ethics. Notably, ASU’s President has stressed the importance of “leading by example” to achieve high standards of ethics and professionalism, declaring that “bribery, malpractices, and unprofessional behaviour… should be eliminated” from academia and industry [7]. This tone at the top reinforces the message that corruption has no place in the university’s operations. To facilitate enforcement, ASU’s internal policies provide clear reporting and accountability channels. As mentioned, staff are obligated to report any attempted bribery or improper gifts to their superiors in writing, triggering a documented response process [1]. The Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy itself is disseminated to all employees and students, and the University Council imposes strict consequences for any breach – a reflection of the institution’s commitment to actual enforcement of its zero-tolerance policy [1]. In practice, this means that any member of the university found engaging in corrupt acts faces investigation and disciplinary measures (up to and including termination or expulsion, as applicable).

Oversight bodies and audits further strengthen ASU’s integrity framework. The university’s financial management includes controls to prevent and detect fraud, supported by accredited external auditors who review ASU’s accounts and ensure compliance with financial regulations [8]. Additionally, ASU submits annual reports to the Higher Education Council (HEC) of Bahrain, which include disclosures on governance and quality assurance – providing transparency and external accountability for the university’s adherence to high standards [9]. On the academic side, ASU maintains strict academic integrity standards: a Student Misconduct Bylaw explicitly identifies academic fraud as a violation, and the university is vigilant against cheating or plagiarism [2]. Faculty and administrators implement the Academic Misconduct Policy to investigate and sanction any such unethical behavior, thereby upholding honesty and trust within the institution’s educational mission.

Through these policies, events, and oversight measures, Applied Science University (Bahrain) demonstrates clear operational commitments to combat organized crime, corruption, and bribery in alignment with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. All evidence indicates that ASU has put in place robust ethical guidelines, awareness initiatives, and compliance mechanisms to foster a transparent, accountable academic environment that not only abides by national anti-corruption laws but also actively contributes to the promotion of integrity in the broader community.

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