Penang Bridge at night

ACS Conference 2026 Event Information

Event Information

Event Summary

A concise overview of the conference purpose, objectives, and organising team.

Conference Theme

Contemporary Insights on Crime Trends & Patterns

The Impact of Criminology — a forum to bring together scholars, academics, and practitioners to share, debate and build knowledge across Asia and beyond.

When
14–18 July 2026
Where
Penang, Malaysia

Primary objective

The primary objective of this conference is to bring together scholars, academics, and practitioners working in the field, or in related disciplines, to share and exchange their knowledge and experiences. Scholars and practitioners from Asia and all over the world are invited to attend and contribute to the enrichment of Criminology.

Organising Committee

Organized by Centre for Policy Research (USM) and Asian Criminological Society (ACS) together with Penang State Government and Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (Penang)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azeem Farouk
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azeem Farouk
Advisor • CPR-USM
Dato' Seri Ong Poh Eng
Dato' Seri Ong Poh Eng
Advisor • MCPF-PG
Prof. Gerry Janubas Caño
Prof. Gerry Janubas Caño
Advisor • ACS/PHINMA
Prof. Jianhong Liu
Prof. Jianhong Liu
Advisor • ACS/MUST
Prof. Vicknasingam B. Kasinather
Prof. Vicknasingam B. Kasinather
Advisor • USM
Dato' Dr. P. Sundramoorthy
Dato' Dr. P. Sundramoorthy
Chairman • CPR-USM/MCPF-PG
Assoc. Prof. Azrina Husin
Assoc. Prof. Azrina Husin
Conference Paper Presentation • USM
Prof. Chua Soo Yuen
Prof. Chua Soo Yuen
Conference Paper Presentation • USM
Dr. Suziana Mat Yasin
Dr. Suziana Mat Yasin
Coordinator for English Presenters
Dr. Ismail Baba
Dr. Ismail Baba
Coordinator for Bahasa Presenters • ICCHP
Dr. Tang Thean Hock
Dr. Tang Thean Hock
Coordinator for Mandarin Presenters • ASM
Harikumar Katherasen
Harikumar Katherasen
Treasurer • MCPF-PG
Prabu Mogan
Prabu Mogan
Security • USM
Dr. Anbarrasu
Dr. Anbarrasu
Conference Medical Lead • KKM
Sri Jeyanthirar Subramaniam
Sri Jeyanthirar Subramaniam
Technical • USM
Suraya Abdullah
Suraya Abdullah
Secretariat • USM
Diyana Mohamed Salim
Diyana Mohamed Salim
Secretariat • CPR-USM
Norazrina Md Jabarullah
Norazrina Md Jabarullah
Secretariat • USM

Objectives

1. Analyze and discuss current trends and patterns of crime
To analyze and discuss the current trends and patterns of crime in contemporary society, specifically focusing on their impact on individuals, communities, and institutions.
2. Explore the interdisciplinary nature of criminology
To explore the interdisciplinary nature of criminology and its role in understanding, preventing, and responding to crime and criminal behaviors.
3. Examine influence of social, economic and cultural factors
To examine the influence of various social, economic, and cultural factors on crime trends and patterns, and the implications for criminological theories and practices.
4. Provide a platform to share research & insights
To provide a platform for researchers, scholars, and practitioners in criminology and related fields to share and exchange contemporary insights, research findings, and innovative approaches in understanding and addressing crime.
5. Discuss role of technology & globalization
To facilitate discussions on the role of technology and globalization in shaping crime trends and patterns, and the challenges and opportunities they present for criminological research and interventions.
6. Identify successful prevention & intervention strategies
To identify and highlight successful crime prevention and intervention strategies, policies, and programs that have proven effective in reducing crime rates and improving community safety.
7. Foster networking & collaboration
To foster networking and collaboration among academics, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners passionate about criminology and its practical application in addressing crime and promoting social justice.
8. Contribute to dissemination of evidence-based practices
To contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and evidence-based practices in criminology, thereby enhancing the understanding and response to crime in contemporary society.
9. Encourage critical thinking & innovation
To encourage critical thinking and innovation in criminology research and practice, with a focus on developing new theories, methodologies, and interventions to better understand and address emerging crime trends and patterns.
10. Promote public awareness & engagement
To promote public awareness and engagement in discussions about crime and its impact on individuals, communities, and society, ultimately fostering a more informed and supportive approach to crime prevention and criminal justice.

Travel Information

Essential travel details for international visitors to Malaysia

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). ATMs and cards are widely available.

Voltage & plugs

240V, 50Hz — Type G (three rectangular pins). Bring an adapter rated for 240V.

Getting there

Penang International Airport (PEN). Many international flights connect via KUL with domestic hops to PEN.

Local transport

Taxis and Grab are common; Rapid Penang buses cover many routes. Consider using Grab for door-to-door rides.

SIM & connectivity

Prepaid SIMs & eSIMs available at the airport; Wi‑Fi common in many hotels and cafés. Consider buying a local prepaid SIM at arrivals for best rates.

Regional Information

Malaysia Time (UTC+8).

Traffic flows on the left-hand side of the road in Malaysia.

  • Malay — official language
  • English — widely used
  • Hokkien, Cantonese, Mandarin — commonly spoken in Penang
  • Tamil — spoken by local Indian community

Visa & Arrival

Check visa entry rules for your nationality and passport validity.

Most travellers are required to fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival to Malaysia.
(Exception list available on MDAC website)

Emergency & customs

Emergency: 999/112. Declare restricted items; strict drug penalties.

Travellers carrying cash or bearer negotiable instruments more than USD10,000 equivalent must declare to customs.

Health & vaccinations

Keep routine vaccinations up-to-date; carry essential medications & travel insurance.

Quick tips

  • Bottled water is recommended for drinking in many places.
  • Small tips are appreciated but not mandatory.
  • Respect local customs at religious sites (modest attire).
  • Check your government's travel advisories and Malaysia's official entry rules close to travel dates.

Venue Information

ACS Conference 2026 will be held at G Hotel Gurney Drive.

Address

G Hotel Gurney Drive
168A, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Transportation

Dedicated pick up and drop off spot available at the venue.

Parking

Parking is available on-site or nearby the conference.

Hotel Information

Official hotels, booking links & special rates

Check out the official conference hotels below and book your stay using the special ACS rates.

G Hotel Gurney

G Hotel Gurney

Official conference hotel – Gurney

G Hotel Gurney is a prominent 5-star, modern hotel located in the heart of Gurney Drive, Penang, known for its stylish design, central location, and high-end amenities. As of 2026, it is recognized as a top choice for both business and leisure travelers looking to explore Penang, positioned conveniently between major shopping malls.

Other Curated Hotels

G Hotel Kelawei

G Hotel Kelawei

Sister branch of the conference hotel.

Disclaimer: This is a suggestion only. No special rates or partnerships apply.
≈ 550 m from the conference venue

Hotel info
Penang Marriott Hotel

Penang Marriott Hotel

Luxury waterfront hotel in the heart of Penang.

Disclaimer: This is a suggestion only. No special rates or partnerships apply.
≈ 1.5 km from the conference venue

Hotel info
Gurney Bay Hotel

Gurney Bay Hotel

Modern beachfront hotel with views of the Gurney Bay area.

Disclaimer: This is a suggestion only. No special rates or partnerships apply.
≈ 1.5 km from the conference venue

Hotel info
Ascott Gurney Penang

Ascott Gurney Penang

Stylish serviced residences located in the heart of Gurney.

Disclaimer: This is a suggestion only. No special rates or partnerships apply.
≈ 2.1 km from the conference venue

Hotel info
Mercure Penang Beach

Mercure Penang Beach

Beachfront hotel with views of the Penang coastline.

Disclaimer: This is a suggestion only. No special rates or partnerships apply.
≈ 4.4 km from the conference venue

Hotel info
Eastern & Oriental Hotel

Eastern & Oriental Hotel

Historic luxury hotel with grand colonial charm.

Disclaimer: This is a suggestion only. No special rates or partnerships apply.
≈ 4.6 km from the conference venue

Hotel info
Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang

Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang

Comfortable stays in the heart of historic Georgetown.

Disclaimer: This is a suggestion only. No special rates or partnerships apply.
≈ 4.7 km from the conference venue

Hotel info
M Social Resort Penang

M Social Resort Penang

Stylish resort with modern design and fun amenities.

Disclaimer: This is a suggestion only. No special rates or partnerships apply.
≈ 5.6 km from the conference venue

Hotel info

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