The overseas tour forms an integral part of the annual RCDS development programme, which aims to assist senior officials from around the world in developing their critical thinking and strategic decision-making skills by giving them exposure to a broad range of contemporary international defence, security and public policy issues.

The objective of the four-day stopover in Hong Kong was to enable the delegates to examine at first hand the implementation of the "one country, two systems", security policies of the Hong Kong SAR Government and its impact on maintaining stability and prosperity in the local, regional and global context.

During the visit to Police Headquarters, the delegates had lively discussions over lunch in the Senior Officers' Mess with Acting Commissioner Yam Tat-wing and senior officers who had previously attended the 11-month development programme at RCDS. After lunch, Mr Yam gave a comprehensive briefing on the organisation of the Force, developments in respect of public order and counter-terrorism, the prevailing crime situation and the Force's relationship with Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies. An interactive discussion then followed.

At the end of the visit, Sir John said the delegation was very impressed with Hong Kong's advanced infrastructure developments, vibrant way of life, dynamic people and, most importantly, the welcoming and safe environment they experienced during their stay. The delegation thanked the Force for the warm reception they were given and the open sharing of information, which made the trip a rewarding and successful one.

Acting Commissioner Yam Tat-wing with the East Asia Study Tour delegation from the Royal College of Defence Studies