KUALA LUMPUR: Some 200 delegates, comprising criminologists, legal experts, scholars and academics from across the region, are set to descend on George Town, Penang, for the 17th Asian Criminological Society (ACS) Conference 2026 from July 14 to 18.
With the theme “Contemporary Insights on Crime Trends and Patterns: The Impact of Criminology”, the conference aims to bring together scholars, academics and practitioners working in the field or related disciplines to share and exchange knowledge and experiences.
The event is organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Policy Research, Asian Criminological Society, the Penang government, and the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (Penang). Twentytwo13 is the official media partner.
Organising chairman Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said the conference would serve as a vibrant platform for the exchange of ideas, research findings and professional experiences related to contemporary crime trends and patterns, as well as the evolving role of criminology in understanding and responding to them.
“We wanted a diverse group from the field, which includes practitioners, scholars and researchers – basically those who have an interest in the subject matter – to contribute towards further understanding of criminological research and practices,” said Sundramoorthy, a renowned criminologist and board member of the Asian Criminological Society.
With criminology being a complex discipline, ongoing research is necessary to keep abreast of the latest developments and prevention strategies, which can also help shape policies.
Among the speakers is Associate Professor Dr Razwana Begum of the Singapore University of Social Sciences. She is a former senior probation officer and assistant director with expertise in offender management, family interventions and crisis response across frontline operations and policy roles.
Asian Criminological Society chairman Professor Gerry J. Caño, who is also National Dean of PHINMA Education and President-Elect of the Philippine Federation of Professional Associations (PFPA), will be a keynote speaker.
Senior forensic pathologist Datuk Seri Dr Bhupinder Singh, one of Malaysia’s leading authorities on investigative medicine and criminal trial evidence, will share his expertise at the event.
Distinguished senior lawyer Datuk Seri V. Sithambaram, who has shaped the landscape of Malaysia’s criminal and civil law, will also feature as a speaker.
Another speaker is Professor Dr Selvakumar Manickam, a global voice in next-generation network architecture, cyber-physical safety and applied artificial intelligence. He is also director of the Cybersecurity Research Centre at Universiti Sains Malaysia.
“They are not just scholars, but also practitioners who will discuss at length criminological theories and practices, giving delegates an insight into the reality on the ground when it comes to crime and policing,” Sundramoorthy said.
He said the conference would also explore how contemporary criminological insights could inform policy, strengthen justice institutions, enhance crime prevention and promote community safety.
“The challenges in criminology are never-ending, and we look at them from a wider and bigger perspective. We hope the conference will also create greater awareness of crime and policing. These issues need to be looked at from different perspectives as they involve human behaviour,” he added.
He quoted a line from William Blake’s poem, “Auguries of Innocence”: “To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower.”
“It means all parts are connected, even the least acknowledged. Thus, we must open up our understanding of crime, criminality and policing,” Sundramoorthy added.
The keynote address at this year’s ACS Conference will be delivered by Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, director-general of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is the guest of honour.
Centre for Policy Research director, Associate Professor Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk, is the event’s advisor.
Besides local participants, delegates and keynote speakers from China, Australia, Japan and the Philippines, will also attend.
