The 13th ACPM was successfully held from 9-14 July 2023 at Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This annual meeting which gathers all designated contact persons from Member Countries, Dialogue Partners, and Observers, discussed issues based on the outstanding and ongoing ASEANAPOL issues, further to be reported at the 41st ASEANAPOL Conference. The meeting began with the Chairman,Executive Director of ASEANAPOL Secretariat, Pol. Brig. Gen. Zaw Lin Tun delivering a welcome address, expressing appreciation, gratitude, and extending a warm welcome to all delegates of the 13th ACPM for their presence and unwavering support to ASEANAPOL. The Chairman emphasized the dynamic nature of global crimes, with criminals exploiting new technologies and taking advantage of geopolitical events, which have been further intensified by the vulnerabilities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also underscored the potential future threat and the INTERPOL’s ongoing efforts to review global policing goals and establish general principles for global data sharing. Additionally, the Chairman shared the initiatives undertaken by ASEANAPOL, including the collection and analysis of crime data, collaborations for capacity building, and upcoming developments such as the e-ADS mobile application and integrated communication with INTERPOL I 24/7. He strongly emphasized the necessity for open communication, respect, and collaboration among participants to explore new possibilities and discover effective solutions.
The meeting brought three speakers from Rashtriya Raksha University India (RRU), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the ASIAN Police Sports Council and the presentations highlighted on strengthening cooperation in the respective areas of capacity building, information sharing and building networking. The meeting also listened to presentations made by ASEANAPOL Dialogue Partners and Observers, with regards to current and future collaborations with ASEANAPOL.
The delegates joined the official dinner in the Royale Chulan Hotel Kuala Lumpur, hosted by the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, and during day 3 of the meeting, all the delegates had the opportunity to visit Malacca.
Meanwhile, the Secretariat successfully conducted the Tabletop exercise (TTX) on day four of the meeting which is participated by the Member Countries, moderated by CCC-INTERPOL and former Royal Malaysia Police. This TTX was initiated by the ASEANAPOL Communication and Co-Ordination Protocol for Crisis Management (ACCPCM) which was unanimously agreed upon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the occasion of the 36th ASEANAPOL Conference on 28 July 2016, by all Chiefs of ASEAN National Police and ICPO-INTERPOL which aimed to enhance co-operation between ASEANAPOL and INTERPOL.
The meeting ended with a closing ceremony by the Executive Director of the ASEANAPOL Secretariat. In his closing note, he expressed his heartfelt thanks to the delegates for their active involvement, resulting in a fruitful outcome from the meeting.
ASEANAPOL Secretariat would also like to take this opportunity to convey its sincere gratitude to all Member Countries, Dialogue Partners, and Observers who showcase their commitment and supports to make the region safer.