kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCS visits LCSD's facilities on anti-epidemic measures (with photos)
9.7.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, visited the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) and the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) today (July 9) to learn about the implementation of various anti-epidemic measures by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) at its cultural facilities and to meet frontline colleagues to better understand their work. Accompanied by the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu, Mr Nip first toured the Grand Theatre and the Concert Hall of the HKCC and was briefed on the anti-epidemic measures being implemented to safeguard the health of staff members and the public. Such measures include restricting the numbers of audience members and users in all performance venues, requiring all visitors to wear masks and have body temperature checks before admission, and stepping-up disinfection and cleaning work after each performance or event. Mr Nip said he was pleased to know that a large-scale cleaning exercise and refurbishment work were carried out in the HKCC during its closure earlier. For instance, the ceiling and acoustic panels of the Concert Hall have been cleaned up and sensor-activated hand-washing and flushing facilities have been installed in toilets to further reduce the risk of the spread of the virus. Mr Nip then proceeded to the exhibition galleries at the Lab and the Wing of the HKMoA to learn about the prevention measures implemented at the HKMoA upon the resumption of normal opening hours. Apart from limiting the flow of visitors and conducting regular disinfection of all public areas of the museum, the HKMoA also applied anti-microbial coating on interactive exhibits to provide long-lasting protection and surface disinfection against microbial contamination to further protect the health of staff members and the public. Given the volatility of COVID-19, Mr Nip reminded colleagues to stay vigilant and be prepared for the changing circumstances in combating the epidemic to protect the public and enable them to enjoy the leisure and cultural facilities in a safe manner.
SCS visits Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (with photos)
30.6.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, visited the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 30) to learn more about its important surveillance role in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic and to give encouragement to colleagues. Accompanied by the Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan, Mr Nip toured the Specimen Reception area, the Molecular Laboratory and the Special Investigation Laboratory and was briefed on the latest work situations of staff in different positions, especially their work in coping with COVID-19, such as specimen handling and processing, nucleic acid extraction and the use of the self-developed nucleic acid testing method. Mr Nip said that he was pleased to learn that colleagues of the PHLSB have all along been playing an instrumental role behind the scenes in the fight against COVID-19, from receiving specimens to conducting laboratory diagnoses. PHLSB colleagues provided timely and quality laboratory diagnostic services and assisted the Government in identifying expeditiously infected persons which helped achieve the target of early identification, early isolation and early treatment to prevent the spread of the virus in the community. From January to June 22 this year, the PHLSB has performed over 188,000 COVID-19 tests in total. The PHLSB has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) this year as the WHO COVID-19 Reference Lab and WHO COVID-19 external quality assessment programme provider. The PHLSB also provides a quality assessment programme for local laboratories. Mr Nip expressed his heartfelt thanks to the DH colleagues for sparing no effort in fighting the epidemic in their various positions during the past few months, noting that they have displayed the professionalism and dedication of civil servants. As the fight against the virus is prolonged, he encouraged colleagues to continue to be dedicated to their duties and stay vigilant so as to safeguard the health of the public.
SCS visits Police Force (with photos)
5.6.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, visited the Police Force today (June 5) to learn more about the use of technology in police investigations and to meet with staff of various grades to exchange views on matters of concern. Accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management), Mr Kwok Yam-shu, Mr Nip first visited the Crime Support Group and was briefed on the functions and operation of the Major Incident Investigation and Disaster Support System. The system is used mainly in work such as large-scale incident case investigations, the identification of victims in disasters and epidemic case analyses. Mr Nip was particularly interested in knowing how the Police make use of the system to assist the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health in the tracing of the sources of infection and relevant contact tracing for confirmed cases during the COVID-19 epidemic. Mr Nip then proceeded to the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau to receive an update on the bureau's work in combating technology crime and safeguarding cyber security in Hong Kong, as well as on the challenges ahead. He also toured the Cyber Range, which is equipped with advanced training management systems to facilitate team-based simulation exercises on cyber defence in a virtual environment. The range helps enhance the Force's capabilities in detecting cyber threats and handling cyber security incidents. Mr Nip expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Police colleagues for displaying dedication and professionalism in coping with the challenges arising from social incidents during the past year and the COVID-19 epidemic. Before concluding his visit, Mr Nip met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to listen and exhange views with them on issues of concern. He also conveyed his warmest regards to those police officers who were attacked and had sustained injuries in the social incidents last year. He encouraged them to continue to stand fast in their posts and protect the safety of the public.
SCS on civil service pay freeze
3.6.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, at a media session in the Legislative Council Complex today (June 3): Reporter: The disciplined services staff representatives said that civil servants haven't been invited or consulted before the decision ... (inaudible)? And what do you think of their opinion that if an appropriate amount of pay rise is given to them, the economy will improve because they would have a stronger will to spend money? Secretary for the Civil Service: In accordance with our established mechanism, the pay claims made by the staff unions is one of the six key factors (on civil service pay adjustment). Last week, I met with the staff side representatives of the four central staff consultative councils and four major service-wide staff unions and received their pay claims, listened to their views and concerns and communicated with them. So when the Chief Executive-in-Council considered the matter and took the decision, they have taken into account the pay claims and also the views and concerns expressed by the staff side. Reporter: They said in this difficult time, if an appropriate amount of pay rise is given ... Secretary for the Civil Service: I think we are facing an unprecedented difficult situation now in Hong Kong. It's important that we deal with the epidemic, put it under control, and then we can be back to normal, or you can say "new normal". It is important that our economic activities can resume and we can relaunch our economy. And only by so doing, we can deal with the crisis we are facing and improve our livelihood, reduce the unemployment rate, and it is important that every one of us in the community have jobs to earn the living. So I think that is the way that we have to deal with the situation right now. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SCS on civil service pay adjustment
20.5.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, at a media session in the Legislative Council Complex today (May 20): Reporter: Do you think it's appropriate to ... (inaudible) pay rise ... (inaudible), given that the Hong Kong economy ... (inaudible)? Secretary for the Civil Service: As the Secretary for the Civil Service, I would follow closely the well-established mechanism in considering the annual pay adjustment for the civil service. This mechanism is for the Chief Executive-in-Council to decide on the annual pay adjustment. And in reaching a decision, we will look at not just the Pay Trend Survey result, but also the other relevant factors including the state of Hong Kong economy, the Government's fiscal position, changes in the cost of living, and of course the claims by the staff side, and also the possible impact on the morale of the civil service. So you would note that these factors are very comprehensive. And in reaching a decision, we need to consider all these factors and then take a view on it. So I would not suggest taking a view or announcing any possible outcome at this stage because this would pre-empt the decision to be made by the Chief Executive-in-Council. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SCS visits Civil Service Training and Development Institute (with photos)
11.5.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, visited the Civil Service Training and Development Institute (CSTDI) today (May 11) to learn more about the planning and organising of various training and development programmes. He also met with the management and front-line training officers and encouraged them to keep up the efforts to provide suitable training programmes for civil servants. During his meeting with the managerial staff, Mr Nip was briefed on the planning work on training on leadership and management, national studies and the Basic Law, innovation and technology application and language and communication. Amid the changing environment in Hong Kong and the rising public expectations of government services, the CSTDI is committed to enhancing the leadership and management skills of civil servants to enable them to cope with various challenges ahead. On the other hand, under the principle of "one country, two systems", civil servants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region should have an accurate understanding of the constitutional order established under the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law. There are also practical operational needs for civil servants to enhance their understanding about the systems and developments, as well as the social and economic situation in the Mainland, and to keep abreast of the national strategies and plans that may affect Hong Kong, so as to complement the country's development. The CSTDI has therefore enhanced substantially national studies and Basic Law training for civil servants in recent years. Mr Nip also toured the facilities of the CSTDI such as the resource centre, the auditorium and classrooms for holding different types of courses, lectures and workshops. He said he was pleased to learn that the CSTDI has continued to provide civil servants with multimedia learning resources at the Cyber Learning Centre Plus during the epidemic, and is actively making preparations for the resumption of classroom training. Before concluding his visit, Mr Nip met with some training officers and listened to them discuss their work and challenges facing them. He stressed that the Government attaches great importance to civil service training and hopes that civil servants have a sense of national identity, commitment to serving Hong Kong and a wide perspective as well as strive for excellence so as to cope with various challenges and provide better services to the public. He added that the civil service college, expected to be completed in 2026, will be equipped with new facilities for civil service training. Mr Nip encouraged colleagues of the CSTDI to continue their persistence in striving for excellence so as to make contributions to the training and development of the civil service.
SCS inspects departments' resumption of public services (with photos)
4.5.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, visited the Inland Revenue Department and the Labour Department today (May 4) to inspect their resumption of public services. The Government has announced earlier that public services will be resumed under a phased approach starting from today. Counter services of most government departments, including the Inland Revenue Department and the Labour Department, have returned to normal. Mr Nip first visited the Inland Revenue Department in Revenue Tower, where he was briefed by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Mr Wong Kuen-fai, on counter services at the Central Enquiry Counter, the Business Registration Office and the Stamp Office which have resumed normal business hours today. Mr Nip learnt that the department has implemented various infection control and crowd management measures, such as a ticketing system, to safeguard the health of colleagues and the public. To reduce social contact, the department has also encouraged the public to send documents to it by post and use its electronic services to handle their tax matters as much as possible. Later, Mr Nip, accompanied by the Assistant Commissioner for Labour (Employment Services), Mr Charles Hui, visited the Hong Kong East Job Centre and a recruitment centre for the catering industry and the retail industry, and he was briefed on the resumption of normal services at job centres and recruitment centres of the Labour Department. Mr Nip also learnt about the social distancing measures and measures to regulate the flow of people, such as arranging interviews by appointments. "While maintaining a high degree of vigilance and adopting all necessary precautionary measures, the Government gradually resumed public services today in a smooth and orderly manner," Mr Nip said. "Various infection control measures have been put in place at government buildings and offices. These include checking the body temperature of persons at entrances, providing alcohol-based hand sanitiser and enhancing the cleaning of public facilities. "The Government will closely monitor the situation to determine when to embark on full resumption of normal business."
Transcript of remarks by SCS
4.5.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, at a media session after the meeting of the Legislative Council's Panel on Public Service today (May 4): Reporter: Mr Nip, can you answer one question? Would your bureau investigate some police officers who are accused of ... (inaudible)? Secretary for the Civil Service: There are established mechanisms to investigate every complaint in accordance with the procedures and rules. Depending on the circumstances and the case details, some are being handled by departments and bureaux. Some may be handled by the Civil Service Bureau. So there are established mechanisms in dealing with that. Of course we would handle each and every complaint in a very serious and impartial manner. Thank you very much. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SCS inspects departments' preparations for resumption of public services (with photos)
28.4.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, visited the Transport Department (TD) and the Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (April 28) to learn more about the preparations made by the departments for a resumption of public services. The Government has announced that the resumption of public services will start from May 4 under a phased approach. Among them, the TD will resume road tests on that day while planning to resume written tests on May 26. The SWD will also gradually resume the services of its Integrated Family Service Centres (IFSC). Mr Nip first visited the driving test centre of the TD in Ho Man Tin, where he was briefed by the Commissioner for Transport, Ms Mable Chan, on the arrangements for the resumption of road tests next Monday and the implementation of infection control measures at driving test centres, such as requiring candidates to wear surgical masks and undergo body temperature screenings at entrances. As for the written tests to be resumed later, Mr Nip was pleased to know that the TD will keep the seats apart at appropriate distances and step up cleansing of computers at test centres. Accompanied by the Assistant Director of Social Welfare, Ms Pang Kit Ling, Mr Nip also visited the Causeway Bay Integrated Family Service Centre where he was briefed on the plan to gradually resume services at IFSCs and on measures to reduce social contacts. Mr Nip also learned that various infection control measures to safeguard the health of colleagues as well as service users will be put in place. For example, group activities will be conducted for no more than four participants, and physical partitioning is erected in meeting rooms for counseling services. "Many people hope that the Government can provide more public services when the epidemic situation becomes stable. I am pleased to learn that the departments have made all the necessary preparations for providing the services needed by the public while striving to safeguard public health," he said. "Government departments will continue to maintain a high degree of vigilance and adopt all the necessary precautionary measures. The Government will also closely monitor the situation and determine when to embark on a full resumption of normal business. I hope that members of the public will continue to fight the virus together with the Government so that we can win the war. I would also like to express gratitude to our colleagues for their commitment and dedicated efforts to serve the public during the epidemic."
Transcript of remarks by SCS
23.4.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, at a media session in the Legislative Council Building this morning (April 23): Reporter : (inaudible) the second question is how could the Government have misunderstood (Basic Law) Article 22 for almost three decades (inaudible) or change the stance on the matter? Secretary for the Civil Service: Firstly, I think the Chief Executive in yesterday's press conference had made it very clear. The movement in my position has nothing to do with the incident relating to the Basic Law (Article) 22. That's the first point. The second point is that, as a political appointee, a cabinet reshuffle is not an uncommon phenomenon and actually every political appointee is always prepared for that. The most important thing is that we support the Chief Executive in implementing her policy blueprint. For whatever the movement that's appropriate, we would be happy to do so. So I am actually very honoured to take up the new position as the Secretary for the Civil Service. The job is also very challenging and is very meaningful, and I would dedicate myself to do the job especially in this challenging time to lead the civil service to continue performing their duties in a professional, in a very impartial and politically neutral manner to serve the public. Reporter: My follow-up question is about the government's understanding about Article 22. How could it have been wrong for almost three decades or are you just saying that to please Beijing? Secretary for the Civil Service: On that point, I think the Chief Executive had already explained. If you look at the Government papers during different periods, the interpretation or the Government's position on the matter, the presentation may not be very clear, and apparently inconsistent. But now I think the issue on the status and position of the CPG Liaison Office in Hong Kong is very clear, as laid down in the press statements and also as explained by the Chief Executive and the relevant officials. Reporter: Could you just clarify whether or not the Liaison Office is bound by Article 22 and is it a department of the Central People's Government (CPG)? Secretary for the Civil Service: I would not further comment on this issue. Reporter: But this is not clear by now. People are concerned about whether the Liaison Office is bound by Article 22 or not, so you should make it clear for the record. Secretary for the Civil Service: We have already made it very clear about the Government position on the Basic Law Article 22 and also the position of the CPG Liaison Office. So I have nothing further to add. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Departure of SCS
22.4.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (April 22) made the following statement on his departure: I am honoured to have served as the Secretary for the Civil Service for nearly three years, during which I have had the chance to work with outstanding government colleagues to safeguard the core values of the civil service, and to overcome different challenges to draw up various initiatives under the civil service pay and welfare portfolios. Setting up Chinese medicine clinics for civil servants and putting a cap on the payroll cost of increments are noteworthy examples of these measures which benefited our civil servants. Meanwhile, the planning of the civil service college and the Disciplined Services Grade Structure Review are also in full swing. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of the dedicated civil servants, stakeholders and those who all along have supported the civil service. With the rising public expectations of the Government, the civil service will continue to face different challenges. As such, the new Secretary for the Civil Service has a huge and important responsibility and I hope that civil servants will fully support him in this regard.
SCS visits colleagues at OGCIO's monitoring centre (with photos)
23.3.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (March 23) visited the monitoring centre of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) in Hong Kong City Hall to show concern for the work of civil servants in coping with the increasing number of people put under compulsory quarantine at their dwelling places. The colleagues in all three of the OGCIO's monitoring centres work busily using the location-sharing functions of communication software, video calls, electronic wristbands and the new "StayHomeSafe" mobile app to ensure that persons undergoing quarantine are staying at their dwelling places. Knowing that many retired civil servants are helping out at the OGCIO's monitoring centres, Mr Law expressed gratitude to them for their dedication. He said that when the epidemic started and most people were afraid of going out, many retirees were willing to commute to and work at the monitoring centres. Mr Law also thanked the serving civil servants who are working as volunteers at the centres, noting that some of them have even joined the work of the monitoring centres after finishing their own work at their offices. Mr Law said, "The relentless efforts of so many colleagues are encouraging and they show that civil servants are fighting the COVID-19 virus together, whether they are directly involved in anti-epidemic work or not."