CSD Celebrates Graduation of 105 New Officers at Hong Kong Correctional Services Academy Parade

2024-12-06 19:10 Last Updated At：19:18

Retiring Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services encourages passing-out members

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) held a passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Academy today (December 6). The retiring Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation and Management), Dr Leung Kin-ip, reviewed the parade, marking the graduation of 105 Assistant Officers II.

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Retiring Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services encourages passing-out members Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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Retiring Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services encourages passing-out members Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

At the parade, the CSD Guard of Honour and passing-out correctional officers assembled to form different heart-shaped patterns, which symbolise the CSD's devotion to the country and home, and its endeavours to guard the last element of Hong Kong's criminal justice system through "heart-to-heart" collaboration with different stakeholders in the community.

Speaking at the parade, Dr Leung said that he has witnessed numerous changes and significant progress made by the CSD. The Department is committed to maintaining discipline in correctional institutions to ensure the proper execution of custodial duties. It has also devoted considerable efforts to rolling out new initiatives and launching diverse rehabilitation programmes to assist persons in custody (PICs) to turn over a new leaf. Furthermore, the Department has long promoted community education to disseminate national security, national education, crime prevention, anti-drug and supporting offender rehabilitation messages, contributing to nurturing pillars of society.

Dr Leung mentioned that the Ethics College, established last year, is one of the innovative and people-oriented rehabilitation initiatives by the CSD since its establishment a century ago. Adult PICs can take a one-year full-time programme to obtain a Diploma of Applied Education, giving them the opportunity to study without needing to work while serving their sentences. This year, the CSD has expanded the Ethics College to Pik Uk Prison, taking a step further to provide PICs who wish to continue their studies with a two-year full-time Associate Degree programme, as well as enabling PICs to equip themselves and develop law-abiding awareness and good characters, so that they can contribute to Hong Kong after their release.

He added that the Approved Hand-in Articles e-Ordering Service has also been rolled out progressively in correctional institutions since September to facilitate visitation. The Service not only enhances the operational efficiency of the Department, but also provides convenience to the public.

Dr Leung said that the CSD has held diverse and up-to-date community education activities in recent years to instil correct values into young people, so that they can become responsible and law-abiding citizens. The Department launched a new programme Captain Gor Union this month to recruit primary and secondary school students as non-uniformed members with an aim to engage young people and help them develop a positive outlook and strive for self-improvement, as well as to instil in young people the messages of "safeguarding our country and home, leading a law-abiding and drug-free life as well as supporting offender rehabilitation".

He noted that the Department hosted the 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators in November, which provided a platform for correctional institutions in Asia-Pacific countries or regions to share experiences and strengthen collaboration. By hosting the international large-scale conference, the Department not only told good stories of the CSD, but also good stories of Hong Kong.

Dr Leung encouraged the passing-out correctional officers to stand steadfast at their posts and make their best endeavours to safeguard Hong Kong fearlessly with professionalism.

Concluding his speech, Dr Leung expressed his gratitude to the Department, his colleagues and rehabilitation partners for their past support and assistance, stating his immense pride and satisfaction in his nearly 30 years of service in corrections.

During the parade, Dr Leung presented the Golden Whistle to four Assistant Officers II, namely Ms Tsang Hiu-yu, Mr Ho Kin-on, Mr Sin Sing-hoi and Mr Yau Chun-long, for their outstanding performance in recruit training.

4000 Graduates Celebrate Success at Strive and Rise Programme Ceremony in Kai Tak Arena

2025-01-12 20:18 Last Updated At：21:08

Government, business sector and community witness mentees' achievements in second graduation ceremony of Strive and Rise Programme (with photos/video)

The Graduation Ceremony of the Strive and Rise Programme (Second Cohort 2023-24) was held at the Kai Tak Arena today (January 12), where 4000 graduates of the second cohort not only showcased their learning achievements to representatives from the Government, the business sector and the community but also expressed their gratitude to the mentors who have long been providing care and support for them.

The ceremony was officiated by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Director of Social Welfare, Miss Charmaine Lee; and the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung, also attended to witness the graduation of the mentees.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Chan expressed gratitude for the staunch support from different sectors of the community, which has contributed to the successful implementation of the second cohort of the Programme. He said that the second cohort has been a huge success. The number of Mainland study and exchange tours organised has increased to 19, covering not only neighbouring Shenzhen and Zhuhai but also places much farther away, such as Sichuan, Yunnan and Hangzhou, which greatly enhances mentees' understanding of the country's development and achievements in different fields.

Mr Chan also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the mentors for their support and selfless dedication to the Programme, which has helped mentees broaden their horizons, reinforce self-confidence, and develop a positive outlook on life. He said that the Programme enables the mentees to strive for excellence. Some of those who joined the first cohort have already become youth leaders of the Alumni Club. The confidence and ability they displayed in planning and organising activities have fully demonstrated the immense benefits they have gained from the Programme. He encouraged graduates to carry forward the knowledge and skills obtained from the Programme to strive for success and improvement.

The successful implementation of the Programme relies on support from the business sector and the community in response to the Government's appeal for donations and funding, as well as the provision of diverse group activities and the nomination of mentors for mentees. Awards were presented to strategic partners, star mentors, and supporting organisations at the ceremony in recognition of their contributions to the Programme. In addition, more than 150 mentors were awarded at the ceremony for their time and active participation in the Programme and for their selfless care for mentees, enabling them to thrive and grow.

Among the graduates of the second cohort of the Programme, 150 mentees were awarded for their active participation and outstanding improvements. Performances by mentees, including band shows, singing, dancing and sand art, were also featured at the ceremony to showcase their achievements, energy and confidence to the audience.

The Strive and Rise Alumni Club was established last year to provide graduates with diverse social activities and job-tasting opportunities. At the ceremony, two alumni shared what they have gained from the Alumni Club and their job-tasting experiences, and encouraged graduates to actively participate in relevant activities. Videos featuring the feelings and thoughts of mentors and mentees about their participation in the Programme were also shown at the ceremony, during which mentees took the opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to their mentors.

The Strive and Rise Programme is formulated and implemented by an interdepartmental task force led by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Through tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, the Programme provides focused support for Secondary One to Secondary Four students from underprivileged families. The soon-to-start third cohort of the Programme will enhance training for mentors and encourage youth leaders from the Alumni Club to organise more activities to foster self‑development, thereby sustaining the spirit of the Programme and maximising its effectiveness.

CSD Celebrates Graduation of 105 New Officers at Hong Kong Correctional Services Academy Parade

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