On 22 February 2023, the first cohort of students were awarded the ‘Postgraduate Certificate in Correctional Governance and Leadership’ at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Academy (HKCSA).  The Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, and the Director of HKU SPACE, Professor William K.M. Lee, officiated at the ceremony. Not only was this a formal graduation ceremony adopting the standard protocol of The University of Hong Kong, this arrangement signatured the collaboration between the School and the Department as a joint commitment to providing advanced training to senior staff.

Being the first of its kind in South-East Asia, the course was held together by the School and HKCSA aiming to equip senior correctional administrators the professional knowledge and skill sets in addressing challenges in the rapidly changing society.  The course provides students with the qualification equivalent to Hong Kong Qualification Framework Level-6, including management of correctional services, applied criminology, community engagement and leadership skills.

Mr Wong Kwok-hing pointed out in the ceremony that this is a milestone to the Correctional Services Department, and emphasised his plan to introduce this course to counterparts in Mainland and Macau whilst working closely with HKU SPACE to establish a training hub in the region to provide professional training for correctional personnel.

Professor William K.M. Lee was delighted to have pioneered this course with HKCSA and to enhance the professionalism of the disciplined services in Hong Kong.