In today’s governance landscape, a “gift” may appear to be a gesture of courtesy. However, from the perspective of good governance and organizational integrity, gifts can pose significant ethical risks and potentially undermine transparency, fairness, and public trust if not properly managed.

Recognizing this challenge, public sector organizations and leading higher education institutions worldwide have adopted a No Gift Policy as a core mechanism to prevent conflicts of interest and to ensure that all decisions are made solely in the public interest. This approach reflects a growing global consensus that transparency must be proactive, systematic, and demonstrable.

Global Perspectives: Transparency Begins with Refusal

Many countries have institutionalized strict measures to regulate the acceptance of gifts and benefits by public officials.

In the United Kingdom, public authorities are required to maintain and publish a Register of Gifts and Hospitality, enabling public scrutiny at all times.

In Australia, officials must declare gifts and benefits within a prescribed timeframe, and agencies are required to disclose such information regularly.

The Republic of Korea enforces the Kim Young-ran Act, which imposes strict monetary limits, mandatory reporting, and clear legal penalties.

In Japan, public agencies and national universities emphasize Integrity at Work, fostering ethical awareness through leadership, education, and continuous communication.

Notably, in many jurisdictions, even when no gifts are received during a reporting period, senior officials are still required to submit a Nil Declaration. This practice underscores a key principle of modern governance: transparency is not merely about disclosure when issues arise, but about consistently affirming integrity and accountability.

Chulalongkorn University: Institutionalizing the No Gift Policy

As a state-supervised university and Thailand’s leading institution of higher education, Chulalongkorn University is firmly committed to the principles of good governance, integrity, and academic excellence. These principles are integral to the University’s mission and its responsibility to society.

For Fiscal Year 2026, Chulalongkorn University has formally announced its No Gift Policy from the Performance of Duties, affirming that all executives and personnel at every level shall neither give nor accept gifts, gratuities, or any other benefits in connection with the performance of official duties. The policy aims to prevent corruption, mitigate conflicts of interest, and reinforce ethical standards across the University.

The Risk Management Center of Chulalongkorn University serves as the central coordinating body in driving the effective implementation of this policy. Key measures include:

• Communicating the policy and its intent clearly to all faculties and units;
• Establishing a standardized reporting mechanism for gifts and benefits received in the course of duty;
• Requiring heads of faculties and units to certify and submit reports, including Nil Declarations where no gifts are received; and
• Consolidating and publicly disclosing aggregated information at the University level to ensure transparency and accountability.

While certain reporting practices may not be explicitly mandated by law, voluntary disclosure and certification represent a strong expression of institutional responsibility and ethical leadership. These practices reflect international expectations of transparency for public organizations and leading universities.

Transparency as a Shared Responsibility

The No Gift Policy is not merely an administrative requirement; it is a reflection of organizational values and professional integrity. University executives are expected to lead by example, while all personnel play a role in fostering a culture of honesty, responsibility, and openness.

Ultimately, the most valuable gift an institution can offer society is trust—earned through transparent practices, ethical conduct, and consistent adherence to good governance principles.

The Risk Management Center of Chulalongkorn University invites all faculties, units, and stakeholders to join in advancing the No Gift Policy, strengthening transparency, and enhancing public confidence in the University’s governance. Together, we can ensure that every decision is guided by integrity and the genuine public interest, reinforcing Chulalongkorn University’s standing as a trusted and globally respected institution.

#ChulaNoGiftPolicy 

#Chulanogiftpolicy2026 

#GoodGovernance 

#ChulaTalkofIntegrity2026 

#CUITA 

#CUITA2026

#CUITAAgent2026

#ChulaSDG16