On 21 October 2024, the 42nd ASEANAPOL Conference commenced at the Myanmar International Convention Center 1 (MICC 1) in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Spanning from 21 to 25 October, this pivotal event embraces the theme “Strengthening Regional and Global Partnerships to Combat Transnational Crimes.”
This theme is not just a slogan; it is a clarion call for urgent, united action among member countries to confront the
increasingly intricate challenges posed by transnational crime. Importantly, this year’s conference marks a significant elevation in engagement, highlighting its crucial role in shaping the future of regional and global security.
A momentous highlight of the opening ceremony was the launch of ASEANAPOL Foundation Day, commemorating 43 years since the organization's establishment on 23 October 1981 in Manila, Philippines. Born out of a historic meeting of police chiefs from five ASEAN nations—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—ASEANAPOL was created to address pressing law enforcement and crime control issues affecting the region. Over the years, its membership has expanded to include Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of regional cooperation.
This celebration is particularly noteworthy, as it is the first time ASEANAPOL Foundation Day has been formally observed, marking a new chapter in the organization’s history. In his powerful welcome address, Police Lieutenant General Win Zaw Moe, Chief of the Myanmar Police Force and host of the conference, underscored the dynamic and evolving nature of threats posed by transnational crime, exacerbated by rapid technological advancements and global conflicts. He called for strengthened interregional collaboration, urging member countries to unite in the fight for a safer ASEAN, grounded in respect for independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity. To commemorate this historic occasion, Lieutenant General Win Zaw Moe led the inaugural ASEANAPOL Founding Day Ceremony, showcasing a compelling video titled “The ASEANAPOL Journey (1981 to the Present),” which celebrated the organization’s remarkable milestones and achievements, setting the stage for a collaborative future in combating transnational crime.
"Together We Keep This Region Safe"