Asia Pacific Conference for Correction Administrator

The 28th Asia Pacific Conference for Correction Administrators (APCCA) was hosted by Malaysia and held in Langkawi on the 23-28 November 2008. A delegation from Cambodia, led by General Heng Hak attended this conference and provided papers and presentations on 2 topics.

There were 4 agenda items for the conference under the theme of 'Togetherness in Unity'.

1. National report on contemporary issues in corrections.
2. Balancing effective prison management with the increasing scrutiny by external bodies.
3. Best practice in rehabilitation for women and other specialist groups.
4. Engaging families and communities in the rehabilitation process including restorative justice approaches.

All participating countries provided a paper and a presentation on the first agenda item and the General Department of Prisons also provided a presentation on agenda item 3 focussing on issues for women prisoners. The theme of Togetherness in Unity focussed delegates to consider the effectiveness of rehabilitation and reintegration activities for prisoners that prevent further offending and contribute to community safety.

The conference was attended by delegations from 25 different countries of the Asia and Pacific region with more than 200 delegates attending. This forum provides an opportunity for the leadership and specialist staff responsible for the administration of prison and correctional systems from the Asia and Pacific Region to gather together to discuss and share experiences. Delegates also visit prisons of the host country to see practical prison management and to share ideas and explore solutions for prison development that meets with international and regional good practice.

This is conference is held each year and the GDoP has been attending this conference since 1998 and has built good relationships and networking with the correctional administrators in the Asian and Pacific region.

Learning experiences from the previous conferences have been introduced into prison reform with particular focus on a new design standards and dynamic security.