Press Release

CSD hosts 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators

The 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators (APCCA), hosted by the Correctional Services Department (CSD), opened today (November 18). About 140 correctional chiefs and representatives from 29 Asia-Pacific countries and regions, as well as representatives of relevant professional organisations, are attending the Conference to exchange views on correctional services and consolidate and foster regional co-operation.

The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Conference.

In his opening speech, Mr Cheuk said that the theme of this year's APCCA is "Collaboration for Sustainable and High-quality Development", which highlights the determination of correctional officers from various places to advance and deepen regional co-operation, with a view to achieving high-quality development in the field of correction. He noted that the CSD has achieved remarkable results in the application of innovation and technology in the development of Smart Prison and the implementation of diversified rehabilitation programmes. During the Conference, the CSD will share its experiences and exchange views with counterparts from various places to promote and strengthen regional collaboration, thereby jointly enhancing the effectiveness of correctional work.

Mr Wong said in the ceremony that the CSD is honoured to host the Conference. He added that collaboration is a key element in the development of sustainable and high-quality development. The Conference provides an important platform for correctional practitioners from different places to exchange views and share valuable experiences, and to enhance co-operation among members, thereby injecting new impetus into sustainable and high-quality correctional work.

The agenda of the Conference, lasting from today to Thursday (November 21), will cover five specialised areas, namely "Challenges and initiatives in corrections", "Training, fostering and developing staff: Ensuring a professional, accountable and supportive culture", "Technology as an aid to reducing prison violence, and to managing and rehabilitating offenders in prison and the community", "Working with families and communities to improve rehabilitation and reintegration", and "How to design, construct and operate prisons in a more environmentally friendly way". During the Conference, participants will visit correctional institutions in Hong Kong to gain a better understanding of the unique advantages and the latest developments of Hong Kong's correctional system, including the development of Smart Prison projects and diversified rehabilitation programmes.

The APCCA is an annual conference that provides a platform for organisations and representatives engaged in correctional and prison work in the Asia-Pacific region to foster professional exchanges and co-operation on correctional services. Currently, members cover 25 countries with a total of 34 jurisdictions involved.

The CSD is one of the founding members of the APCCA and serves as the Joint Secretariat and Fund Administrator. The CSD has been promoting the development of the platform and exchanges among members, playing the role of an international link. The CSD hosted the first, 13th and 23rd APCCA in 1980, 1993 and 2003 respectively, and this is the fourth time it has served as host of the Conference.

Ends/Monday, November 18, 2024
Issued at HKT 18:02