Press Release

PUCI persons in custody attain good examination results

     Thirty young persons in custody at Pik Uk Correctional Institution (PUCI) of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (December 14) in recognition of their efforts and academic achievements.

     In the past year, 102 persons in custody sat for various academic and vocational examinations including the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, examinations of the Open University of Hong Kong and examinations organised by City and Guilds International Limited, the Vocational Training Council, the Construction Industry Council and other examination bodies, covering the subjects of computer studies, hairdressing, elementary Cantonese cooking and kitchen operations, basic laundry skills and the Intermediate Trade Test in Joiner. They achieved 234 passes including 52 merits. Of the candidates, six persons in custody sat 29 papers for this year's HKDSE Examination, obtaining level 2 or above in 28 papers – representing 96.6 per cent of all papers taken. One candidate obtained 24 marks overall in six papers taken and successfully fulfilled the entrance requirement of bachelor degree programmes at local universities in Hong Kong. The 30 persons in custody who were presented with certificates today had passed 88 papers, 21 of which were distinctions and credits.

     At the ceremony, the Chairman of Tung Sin Tan, Mr Ha Tak-kin, said that the CSD is committed to providing safe custody and appropriate rehabilitation programmes to help persons in custody integrate into society. In accordance with the principle of “Serving the Community”, Tung Sin Tan has also engaged in community services as well as rehabilitation activities such as the "Dao Te Ching" Calligraphy Competition with the CSD. The competition aims at encouraging persons in custody to cultivate interests in calligraphy and refine their temperament. Tung Sin Tan is also devoted to supporting persons in custody to pursue education and vocational training. In addition to making donations amounting to $750,000 to the Prisoners' Education Trust Fund from 2013 to 2015, a subsidy scheme for two years, namely the Tung Sin Education Fund, has been set up with a total of $500,000 in two donations from Tung Sin Tan in 2016 and 2017 to provide financial assistance to persons in custody in need for educational pursuits. Moreover, Mr Ha encouraged the young persons in custody to uphold the spirit of “Unleash the potential, start a new life” in order to turn over a new leaf with the support of their families and the staff of the CSD.

     During the ceremony, a representative of persons in custody spoke on his determination to start a new life and pursue his studies at the institution with the support of staff of the CSD and his family, and his mother expressed her joy at seeing the positive change in her son. A band show and a drama performance were staged by persons in custody at PUCI to convey gratitude to all those helping them in rehabilitation.

     Also attending the ceremony were the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Yau Chi-chiu; representatives of non-governmental and community organisations; community leaders; and family members of the certificate recipients.

     PUCI has a capacity of 385 penal places for young male remand and sentenced persons in custody. The department provides half-day education programmes and half-day vocational training for the young persons in custody to help them rehabilitate and prepare for their reintegration into society.

Ends/Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:43

Thirty young persons in custody at Pik Uk Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (December 14) in recognition of their efforts and academic achievements. Photo shows the Chairman of Tung Sin Tan, Mr Ha Tak-kin (fourth right), presenting certificates to persons in custody.

Thirty young persons in custody at Pik Uk Correctional Institution (PUCI) of the Correctional Services Department were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (December 14) in recognition of their efforts and academic achievements. During the ceremony, a band show and a drama performance were staged by persons in custody at PUCI to convey gratitude to all those helping them in rehabilitation.