The International Correctional Leadership Programme (ICLP) and Asian Prisons Lockdown Challenge (APLC) Closing Dinner and Certificate Presentation - Speech by Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs

Commissioner of Singapore Prison Service (SPS), Shie Yong Lee,

Distinguished Guests from overseas,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Appreciating Partnership and Collaboration with Overseas Correctional Agencies

1. A good evening to all of you. I am happy to join you tonight for the International Correctional Leadership Programme (ICLP) & Asian Prisons Lockdown Challenge (APLC) closing dinner.

2. It has been a great honour to host more than 60 of our guests from 15 jurisdictions, each bringing their diverse expertise and experience.

3. The success of both ICLP & APLC would not have been possible without your enthusiastic engagement and valuable contributions. This affirms our strong partnerships and continued collaboration with our correctional counterparts throughout the Asia Pacific region.

4. The programmes serve as vital platforms that facilitate the exchange of best practices that deepen our collective understanding of evidence-informed approaches, and enhance correctional capabilities across all jurisdictions.

5. The past week has been highly productive for our ICLP participants.

6. They toured correctional institutions, witnessed first-hand how technology is being leveraged to improve correctional practices, and participated in knowledge-sharing sessions focused on addressing the evolving challenges within today's complex correctional landscape.

7. APLC participants demonstrated exceptional skills by taking part in various challenges such as Operation Tech-Secure Challenge and Rescue and Restore Challenge. I think we have seen some of them in action in the video just now. These challenges tested participants' operational readiness, tactical decision-making capabilities, and communication skills under pressure.

8. Let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to all ICLP participants for completing the programme and all APLC participating teams for their outstanding performance. Congratulations, all of you.

9. I should also mention that this year, we have women's events. I think this adds to the challenge, and as a woman myself, I'm really very happy to see how the ICLP team has evolved. Well done.

Transformation Efforts in Corrections

10. The correctional landscape has evolved significantly, with officers' roles now extending far beyond traditional custodial duties. We need to continue to transform efforts in corrections to better address these complex challenges and the rehabilitation needs of inmates.

11. Over the week, I hope participants have seen the SPS’s effort in responding to these changing needs and how they have undertaken transformational efforts in 3 aspects:

(a) Security and Technology,

(b) Rehabilitation and Reintegration and;

(c) Staff Development

Security and Technology

12. SPS leverages on technology extensively as a key enabler in daily operations, such as having 100% CCTV coverage, coupled with video analytics to detect abnormal behaviour in cells such as fights in Selarang Park Complex and the use of robotics for a fully automated urine testing capability and real-time GPS tracking of supervisees in the community.

13. Digitalisation efforts and developments in AI have also streamlined routine processes and allowed our officers to engage in meaningful rehabilitation work with inmates. Technology also serves as a critical tool in maintaining security and safety.

14. When tactical interventions become necessary to control challenging situations, SPS deploys various technological solutions such as Robomaster, an Unmanned Ground Vehicle to enable operators to assess situations remotely from a safe distance to better formulate plans to manage incidents effectively while ensuring the safety of both officers and inmates.

15. These tools enhance our capability to respond swiftly and appropriately.

Rehabilitation and Reintegration

16. Our commitment to rehabilitation extends beyond the prison walls with our throughcare approach. We recognise that successful reintegration requires seamless support that begins from incarceration and continues when inmates return to the community.

17. However, this could not be done alone. Community support plays an essential role in the reintegration journey of inmates. By partnering families, employers, and community agencies, we will continue to maintain an effective support system that enhances inmates’ opportunity for successful reintegration and reduces reoffending. We actively engage the community and public through various communication channels such as social media platforms, TikTok and Instagram.

18. This public communication effort is crucial as it builds trust and fosters a more supportive environment for reintegration.

Staff Development

19. Our staff are the cornerstone of our mission and vision, and their dedication drives our success in transforming lives. As such, it is important to continue developing our officers' capabilities through nurturing a coach-like mentoring culture.

20. A strong organisational culture also provides a supportive environment for staff to develop and carry out duties in achieving our organisation’s vision and mission.

21. We believe that investing in our staff's development and strengthening organisational culture will improve their individual performance as we continue to evolve and adapt to new challenges. And in fact, that is a belief throughout the Singapore Home Team.

Building Capabilities Together

22. Coming from different parts of the world, each country’s correctional model is different.

23. Through ICLP & APLC, correctional leaders can share best practices, learn from one another's experiences, and forge collaborative solutions to common challenges.

24. During ICLP, we benefited from invaluable insights shared by correctional experts from Hong Kong, Thailand, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

25. These multilateral contributions have enriched our programme significantly, encouraging diverse perspectives to build our capabilities together.

26. The engaging discussions and meaningful interactions throughout both programmes have transformed them into truly impactful experiences.

27. Your active participation and generous willingness to share your expertise have enriched discussions immensely, creating an environment of mutual learning and professional growth.

28. The connections you have made here with fellow participants can lead to future collaborations and initiatives that transcend geographical boundaries.

29. Together, we can create a network of professionals dedicated to enhancing correctional services.

Conclusion

30. I want to thank our participants for spending your valuable time with us.

31. I hope you have found ICLP & APLC beneficial and that you will return home with fresh insights and perspectives to impact the lives of those under your care while sharpening your tactical expertise.

32. Your presence has enriched our programmes, and we look forward to maintaining our professional relationships.

33. I also trust that you have had the opportunity to experience a bit of Singapore's unique culture and warm hospitality during your stay, especially if this is your first visit to Singapore.

34. On that note, let me also appreciate both ICLP and ACLP organising committee members who had devoted time and effort to organise the two events.

35. To conclude, let me wish each of our overseas guests a safe journey back to your home countries.

36. Thank you everyone, and have a great evening.