kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCS visits Intellectual Property Department (with photos)
13.9.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, visited the Intellectual Property Department today (September 13) and met with its management and staff of various grades to learn more about their work and matters of concern. Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Law met with the Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong, and the directorate staff to receive an update on the department's work in examining trademark, patent and design applications and enhancing the local intellectual property (IP) protection regime, as well as challenges confronting them including the launch of an original grant patent system scheduled at the end of this year. Mr Law then visited colleagues of the legal teams to learn about their different responsibilities, which include exercising quasi-judicial functions over IP registration matters, amending the law to join the international trademark system under the Madrid Protocol and providing civil legal advice to government bureaux and departments. He was also briefed by colleagues of the Marketing Division on promotion and education programmes regarding IP protection and exploitation for different target audiences. Mr Law later proceeded to the Registry and its public service counter, where he learnt about colleagues' work in handling IP registration applications. He was pleased to note that the department was one of the pioneer Government agencies in adopting online services, having implemented end-to-end digital systems in receiving and processing applications for IP registration in 2003. The systems underwent a complete revamp earlier this year to further facilitate the public in using the services. Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concerned them. He praised colleagues for their efforts and encouraged them to continue to make dedicated efforts in providing quality services to the public.
SCS visits Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (with photos)
14.8.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, visited the Tai Tong Forest Nursery of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in Yuen Long today (August 14) to learn more about the work of front-line colleagues and meet with staff of various grades to exchange views on matters of concern. Joining the visit were two participants of the "Be a Government Official for a Day" programme. Mr Law first met with the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Leung Siu-fai, and the directorate staff to get an update on their work in facilitating agricultural and fisheries production and conserving the natural environment as well as the challenges confronting them. Mr Law then toured the Tai Tong Forest Nursery to see how colleagues produce tree seedlings. He learnt that the nursery produced about 400 000 tree seedlings of more than 100 species for planting and increasing the biodiversity in country parks in 2018-19. Mr Law also watched the production of wooden products by a specialised team at the Tai Tong Regional Workshop. He said he was pleased to know that the team produces more than 250 wooden products such as shelters, information boards, tables and benches, pai lau and children's play equipment for various country parks on average every year, and turns ageing trees and dead wood into furnishings, making good use of natural resources and offering an enjoyable outdoor recreational experience for visitors. Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concerned them. He praised colleagues for their efforts and encouraged them to continue to provide quality services to members of the public with dedication.
SCS exchanges views with university interns (with photo)
12.8.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (August 12) met with university students participating in the Administrative Service Summer Internship Programme to learn about their internship experience. Mr Law said, "The Civil Service Bureau has organised the Administrative Service Summer Internship Programme for years. We have increased the number of internship places to more than 60 this year, offering more opportunities for students who are committed to serving the community to get some hands-on experience of working in the Government, thereby facilitating their future life planning. "Administrative Officers (AOs) are regularly posted to different bureaux and departments, assisting in the formulation of government policies, as well as co-ordinating and monitoring the implementation of programmes. Under the changing social environment over the years, civil servants, in particular AOs, have always played a pivotal role in the Government and contributed to different areas of work in the Government. "Every year we see keen competition in the AO recruitment exercise. We received over 15 000 applications last year and finally appointed some 30 AOs. The new round of the AO recruitment exercise will commence in September. I encourage students who are committed to serving the community to actively consider applying for government jobs, including the post of AO, to contribute with their knowledge, wisdom and ability." This year, a total of 64 Hong Kong students studying in local and non-local universities have been posted to 21 government bureaux and departments, taking up duties similar in nature to those of AOs. The participants are generally of the view that the internship programme has enabled them to see for themselves the Government's operation and the variety of work of AOs, and allowed them to gain a more in-depth understanding of public administration.
SCS visits Water Supplies Department (with photos)
16.7.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (July 16) visited the Lung Cheung Road Mechanical and Electrical Workshop of the Water Supplies Department (WSD) to learn more about the work of front-line colleagues and meet with its management and staff of various grades to exchange views on matters of concern. Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Law met with the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Wong Chung-leung, and the directorate staff to receive an update on the Department's work in providing a reliable water supply and enhancing water safety and security, as well as the challenges confronting the WSD. Mr Law then visited the Meter Testing Laboratory, where he was briefed on the accredited water meter accuracy testing service, which allows customers to witness the testing of their water meters. Later at the Telemetry and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Office and Workshop, he was briefed on how the smooth operation of various waterworks installations are maintained through remote control by the SCADA system. Mr Law then visited the Electrical Workshop to understand colleagues' work in repairing and overhauling electrical equipment of pumping stations and water treatment works. He also watched a demonstration of a plumbing products surveillance test at the Material Testing Laboratory. Established in April last year, the laboratory enhances the surveillance of plumbing products quality with general acceptance by the WSD for use in plumbing works. Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concern them. He expressed his appreciation for colleagues' dedicated efforts and encouraged them to continue to provide quality water supply services to the public.
Transcript of remarks by SCS
21.6.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, at a media stand-up after the meeting of the Legislative Council Panel on Public Service today (June 21): Reporter: Mr Law, just tell us how it is affecting civil servants right now. The CGO is being closed multiple times. Did you receive any complaints from civil servants themselves? And how is the contingency plan working so far? Secretary for the Civil Service: The relevant bureaux and departments in CGO (Central Government Offices) have put in place their contingency plans under which civil servants can continue to provide our services and serve the public on a day-to-day basis. We hope by doing this, we can minimise the impact on the community. I believe our civil servants are professional. They will be able to adjust and adapt to all the different situations and continue to do our best to provide the best quality service for the public. Reporter: Did you receive any complaints from civil servants themselves, now the CGO is being closed? Are they being affected? Secretary for the Civil Service: All the civil servants who are affected will work according to our contingency plan. Thank you.
SCS visits Companies Registry (with photos)
15.5.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, visited the Companies Registry today (May 15) to meet with its management and staff of various grades to learn more about their work and matters of concern. Mr Law met with the Registrar of Companies, Ms Ada Chung, and the directorate staff to get an update on the department's work including the registration of companies and statutory returns as well as the provision of company search services for the public. Mr Law later toured the Document Management Section of the Public Search Division, which is responsible for receiving and dispatching documents, creating records for documents received in hard copy form and converting paper documents into digitised images for further processing. He then proceeded to the New Companies Section of the Company Formation and Deregistration Division to learn about how colleagues process applications for incorporation of local companies and the registration of non-Hong Kong companies. At the Data Centre of the Development Division, he was briefed on the centre's 24-hour system support services. Mr Law said he was pleased to learn that with the continuous efforts of the department to enhance its electronic services, members of the public can now incorporate companies, apply for business registration and submit all specified forms and related documents round the clock through the e-Registry portal or the CR eFiling mobile application. Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concern them. He expressed his appreciation for colleagues' efforts and encouraged them to continue to provide efficient and quality services to the community.
SCS visits Tuen Mun District (with photos)
10.4.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (April 10) visited Tuen Mun District, where he exchanged views with Tuen Mun District Council (TMDC) members and young people, and learnt about the escort service for the elderly in the district. Accompanied by the Chairman of the TMDC, Mr Leung Kin-man, and the District Officer (Tuen Mun), Ms Aubrey Fung, Mr Law met with TMDC members and exchanged views on issues that concern them. Mr Law then proceeded to the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service-Hong Kong to learn about its stairs climbing service for people with decreased mobility living in old buildings. This service is to help these elderly people participate in social and leisure activities and improve their quality of life. Mr Law later visited the Tuen Mun District Council Yan Oi Tong Youth Space and met with participants of activities organised by the Youth Space to listen to their learning experience. The Youth Space provides training and workshops for local young people with a view to encouraging them to serve the community in innovative ways.
SCS visits Correctional Services Department (with photos)
3.4.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, visited Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre of the Correctional Services Department today (April 3) to meet with front-line colleagues of different positions to learn more about their daily work and challenges confronting them. Mr Law first met with the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming, and the directorate staff to get an update on the department's work in providing safe custody and promoting rehabilitation work. Mr Law then toured the dayroom and the hospital of Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre where he received briefings by front-line colleagues on their daily duties including supervising persons in custody and providing health care for persons in custody. Mr Law also watched tactical demonstrations by a Regional Response Team. Established in 2016, the Regional Response Teams are to assist in safeguarding the security of institutions and are responsible for escorting high-security-risk persons in custody. Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various grades in the department at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concerned them. He expressed appreciation for colleagues' dedication and encouraged them to continue upholding high ethical and moral standards in serving the community.
SCS visits Sai Kung District (with photos)
28.3.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (March 28) visited Sai Kung District, where he exchanged views with District Council (DC) members and young people, followed by a tour of staff quarters for Customs colleagues. Accompanied by the Chairman of the Sai Kung District Council, Mr George Ng, and the District Officer (Sai Kung), Mr David Chiu, Mr Law met with DC members and exchanged views on issues that concern them. Mr Law then proceeded to Youth College (Yeo Chei Man) of the Vocational Training Council to learn about the teaching facilities there. He also chatted with students to know their efforts in acquiring knowledge and skills in the interactive learning environment for further studies and employment. Mr Law later toured the newly completed Yau Yue Wan Customs Staff Quarters, and paid a visit to a family to learn about their adaptation to the new living environment. Yau Yue Wan Customs Staff Quarters provides over 130 units for married officers of the rank and file grade of the Customs and Excise Department.
LCQ19: Wastage of the Administrative Officer and Executive Officer grades staff
20.3.2019

Following is a question by the Hon Lam Cheuk-ting and a written reply by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, in the Legislative Council today (March 20): Question: Regarding the wastage of the Administrative Officer (AO) and Executive Officer (EO) grades staff, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the wastage of (a) directorate and (b) non-directorate officers in the two grades in the past three financial years, with a breakdown by reason for departure (i.e. retirement and other reasons) (set out in the table below); and AO grade EO grade Financial Year Retirement Other reasons Total Retirement Other reasons Total (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 (2) of the measures in place to reduce the wastage of staff in the two grades? Reply: President, My consolidated reply to the two parts of the question is as follows: The number of (a) directorate and (b) non-directorate officers in the Administrative Officer (AO) grade and Executive Officer (EO) grade who left the service from 2015/16 to 2017/18 financial year is tabulated below: AO grade EO grade Financial Year Retirement Other reasons Total Retirement Other reasons Total (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) 2015-2016 8 1 2 7 10 8 9 24 1 39 10 63 2016-2017 14 1 3 6 17 7 7 36 0 55 7 91 2017-2018 6 0 4 5 10 5 11 26 1 73 12 99 The wastage rate of the AO grade in the three aforementioned financial years was 2.9 per cent, 3.8 per cent and 2.3 per cent respectively, and that of the EO grade was 2.4 per cent, 3.0 per cent and 3.4 per cent respectively. The wastage rate of both grades during the same period was lower than that of the civil service as a whole, which was 4.7 per cent, 4.7 per cent and 5.1 per cent respectively. Besides reaching retirement age, other reasons for leaving the service included resignation, completion of agreement and death. The major reasons for resignation included marriage or family reasons, taking up jobs in outside bodies and pursuing further studies etc. The Civil Service Bureau will continue to pay attention to the vacancy situation of the AO and EO grades across all ranks, and will carry out recruitment and promotion exercises timely. We will also continue to maintain close communication with officers of the two grades, and will understand their work through different channels and provide suitable assistance.
SCS visits Rating and Valuation Department (with photos)
20.3.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, visited the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) today (March 20) to learn more about the work of the department and meet with its management and staff of various grades to exchange views on matters of concern. Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Law met with the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation, Mr Choi Lap-yiu, and the directorate staff to get an update on the department's work including the assessment of properties for rates and Government rent, the management of related accounting and billing functions and the compilation of property market statistics. Mr Law later visited the Accounting and Billing Division, which is responsible for billing and management of rates and Government rent accounts, as well as handling departmental accounting work. He said he was pleased to learn that the RVD has been proactively implementing electronic services including online billing, account enquiry and payment, thus providing convenient and environmentally friendly services to the public. Mr Law then proceeded to the Enquiries, Receipt and Despatch Section to better understand colleagues' work in handling public enquiries and providing logistics support services. He also visited the Rural Properties and Tenancy Services Division, where he was briefed by colleagues on how they handle rating, Government rent and related matters concerning village-type houses and rural properties. Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concern them. He expressed his appreciation for colleagues' efforts and encouraged them to continue to make dedicated efforts in providing quality and professional services to the public.
SCS visits Sham Shui Po District (with photos)
6.3.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (March 6) visited Sham Shui Po District, where he exchanged views with District Council (DC) members and visited an art and design college and a social services centre. Accompanied by the Chairman of the Sham Shui Po District Council, Mr Ambrose Cheung, and the District Officer (Sham Shui Po), Mr Damian Lee, Mr Law met with DC members and exchanged views on issues that concern them. Mr Law then toured the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Hong Kong and met with students from different grades to understand their learning experience and visions for the future. The SCAD Hong Kong was established in the revitalised former North Kowloon Magistracy and is the only college in Hong Kong that focuses on teaching arts and design. Mr Law later proceeded to the Windshield Charitable Foundation Sham Shui Po Social Services Centre, where he met with new arrival students and women to better understand their adaptation to the local community. He said he was pleased to learn that the centre is committed to providing a wide range of services to new arrivals including induction programmes and employment support services, so as to facilitate their integration into society.
SCS and SFH visit Kwun Tong District (with photos)
14.2.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, and the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, visited Kwun Tong District today (February 14), where they met with members of the Kwun Tong District Council (KTDC) and visited a family service centre and a community health service centre. Accompanied by the Chairman of KTDC, Dr Bunny Chan, and the District Officer (Kwun Tong), Mr Steve Tse, Mr Law and Professor Chan first met with KTDC members and exchanged views on issues of concern. The two Directors of Bureaux later visited the Christian Family Service Centre Jockey Club Building to learn more about the integrated family services provided by the Centre to district residents. They also visited the Chinese and western medical clinics in the building to find out about the one-stop primary medical health care services offered. Finally, Mr Law and Professor Chan visited the United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service Medical Centre to learn more about the services provided by the community health service centre, which include emotional health education, Chinese medicine specialist services and community rehabilitation services.
SCS visits Judiciary (with photos)
13.2.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, visited the Judiciary today (February 13) to learn more about the work of civil servants in the Judiciary Administration and meet civil service colleagues of various grades. Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Law visited the West Kowloon Law Courts Building (WKLCB), where he met with the Judiciary Administrator, Miss Emma Lau, and the directorate staff to get an update on their work in supporting the Judiciary Administration and the challenges confronting them. Later, Mr Law received a briefing from colleagues on their daily duties and learnt about the support services provided to judges and court users by Judicial Clerks, Court Interpreters, Bailiffs, Bailiff's Assistants and other staff. He also toured the courtroom facilities of the WKLCB and observed the work of court clerks and Court Interpreters in court proceedings. Mr Law then visited colleagues of the Accounts Office to better understand how they process the payments and refunds of courts and tribunals in an efficient manner. He also toured the facilities at the Small Claims Tribunal, including its new Information Centre, which serves to provide enquiry services to court users including litigants. Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various civil service grades in the Judiciary Administration at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concerned them. He expressed appreciation for colleagues' dedication in supporting the operation of the Judiciary, and encouraged them to continue to provide professional court support services to the public.
SCS visits Leisure and Cultural Services Department (with photos)
24.1.2019

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (January 24) visited the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to learn more about the work of front-line colleagues and meet with its management and staff of various grades to exchange views on matters of concern. Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Law met with the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li, and the directorate staff in the Yuen Long Leisure and Cultural Building to get an update on the department's work in the provision of leisure and cultural facilities and the promotion of arts and culture. Mr Law then toured the Yuen Long Public Library in the Building. He chatted with front-line colleagues there to learn more about the diverse library services they offer to residents in the district. Mr Law later proceeded to the Yuen Long Sports Centre and learnt about the efforts by the department in the promotion of "Sport for All" in the community through organising recreational and sports activities. Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concerned them. He encouraged colleagues to continue providing members of the public with quality leisure and cultural services and facilities.