On 12 to 16 November, a delegation formed by members of the Correctional Services Bureau and the Social Welfare Bureau attended the 41st Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators (APCCA) organized by the Department of Prison Management, Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam. Themed “Building Humanity, Trust and Unity and Corrections”, this year’s Conference saw over 200 correctional administrators and representatives from 25 countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific engage in an in-depth exchange of views and practical experiences on correctional administration-related topics. The Conference effectively strengthened the connection between attendees and facilitated the development of correctional services.

 

Held annually in one of its member Countries or Regions, the Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators is intended as a platform for correctional and prison administrators of different places to gather together and pool collective wisdoms that spur the continuous development of corrections. The five agenda items of this year’s Conference were “Challenges and Initiatives in Corrections”, “Managing offenders with unique needs such as mental health problems, behavioural disorders, physical disabilities or drug problems: providing a safe and secure environment and delivering effective treatment”, “Reducing recidivism through reintegration programs in prison and the community”, “Engaging with the private sector and with not-for-profit organisations to provide vocational training and other rehabilitation programs” and “Developing future-ready correctional systems: improving infrastructure, technologies and training in custody and community corrections”. Members of the Macao delegation delivered keynote presentations on two of the agenda items, including an update on Macao’s correctional and social reintegration services in the year and a sharing of the Correctional Services Bureau’s experiences of launching diverse correctional treatment and counseling services for female inmates with serious emotional issues. During the Conference period, the Macao delegates also toured local prisons, gaining an understanding of its mode of operation and development.

 

The successful five-day Conference was tremendously beneficial to the Macao delegates as it furthered their understanding of the latest development of correctional administration in different places, enabled them to learn about the advanced correctional management experiences and reinforced their connection and communication with their counterparts. Members of the Macao delegation included: Director of the Correctional Services Bureau Cheng Fong Meng; Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Bureau Tang Yuk Wa; Head of the Social Welfare Bureau’s Department of Social Reintegration Ip Sio Mei; Director of Coloane Prison of the Correctional Services Bureau Lam Kam Sau; Head of our Public Relations and Information Division Vong Ka Nun; Head of our Social Assistance, Education and Training Division Ho Sio Mei as well as Senior Specialist Ng Ka Wai of the same Division.