A total of 113 persons in custody (PICs) at Shek Pik Prison (SPP) of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (November 26) in recognition of their study efforts and academic achievements.

     In the past year, a total of 258 PICs at SPP passed 563 papers with 294 distinctions and credits in various distance learning courses and public examinations organised by the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority and Caritas Institute of Community Education. The subjects covered Chinese language, English language, mathematics, economics, business finance, business statistics, business administration, Putonghua and accounting. The 113 PICs who were awarded certificates today had passed 315 papers with 205 distinctions and credits. Among them, three PICs were awarded bachelor's degrees in Business Administration, four were awarded bachelor's degrees in General Studies and four were awarded associated degrees in General Studies by the HKMU.

     Officiating at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sik Sik Yuen (SSY), Mr Lai Chak-sum, said that SSY is fully supportive of the rehabilitation work of the CSD, and set up a subsidy scheme, namely the Sik Sik Yuen - Care and Rehabilitation Education Fund in March 2023, which runs for four years, to provide financial assistance to needy PICs for education and vocational training, with a view to facilitating their reintegration into society in the future. Moreover, SSY and the CSD have been actively promoting community education. SSY also collaborated with the CSD to produce an animation series this year to promote national security and moral education among young people, thereby enabling a more harmonious and stable society.

     During the ceremony, ocarina instructor Sunny Yuen partnered with PICs to stage a music performance. A band composed of PICs also performed music onstage to convey gratitude to their family members as well as community members and organisations that have helped them to rehabilitate.

     In the sharing session, a PIC shared his rehabilitation experience and expressed gratitude for his family's unwavering support. He also thanked correctional officers for their support and encouragement, providing him with resources and assistance throughout his learning journey, enabling him to complete the bachelor's degree programme.

     Situated on Lantau Island, SPP is a maximum security institution with a capacity of 426 penal places for male adult PICs.

Ends/Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:15

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