The 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators (APCCA) was hosted by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) between November 17 and 21. About 140 correctional chiefs and representatives from 30 Asia-Pacific countries and regions (including 16 Belt and Road countries), as well as representatives of relevant professional organisations, attended the Conference to exchange views on correctional services and consolidate and foster regional co-operation.

The opening ceremony of the APCCA was held on November 18, 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 ceremony. 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.

This is the fourth time the CSD has served as the host of the APCCA. The Conference this year covered topics in 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 actively engaged in discussions and exchanges among one another. They also visited correctional institutions in Hong Kong to learn about Smart Prison development in Hong Kong and diversified rehabilitation programmes of the CSD.

The APCCA concluded and the closing ceremony of the conference was held on November 21. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Wong Kwok-hing said that the APCCA this year has achieved fruitful results and fostered exchanges and closer collaboration among correctional organisations in the Asia-Pacific region. He thanked delegates for their active participation in the Conference and sharing of valuable experiences and insights, bringing new inspiration to promoting sustainable and high-quality correctional work. He stressed that collaboration on all fronts is key to achieving sustainable and high-quality development. Looking ahead, he hoped APCCA members will continue to maintain close liaisons, and create opportunities for co-operation, working together to promote sustainable and high-quality developments in corrections.

As the host of the Conference this year, to tell participants from over the world the good stories of Hong Kong, the CSD specially arranged for participants to visit popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong, providing them with unique cultural and culinary experiences to experience the charm of the city.