kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCS inspects gradually resumed public services (with photos)
10.3.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, visited Hong Kong Central Library and Hong Kong Park Sports Centre today (March 10) to learn more about the preparations made by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) to re-open some indoor leisure venues and cultural facilities tomorrow (March 11). He also inspected the counter services of the Transport Department (TD) Licensing Office and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to better understand the work of front-line colleagues amid the COVID-19 epidemic. Mr Law first visited Hong Kong Central Library, where he was briefed by the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu, about the department's measures to avoid people gathering at public libraries, which will be partially reopened tomorrow. These measures include arranging admission by sessions and distributing admission slips on a first-come, first-served basis for entry. Accompanied by Mr Liu, Mr Law also visited Hong Kong Park Sports Centre to learn more about the special measures adopted by the LCSD at the sport facilities, which will be reopened tomorrow, to avoid people gathering and to foster social distancing, such as limiting the number of users. Later at Revenue Tower, Mr Law was briefed by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Mr Wong Kuen-fai, on the IRD's resumption of normal public services after implementing infection controls and social distancing measures. Mr Law also inspected the counter service of the TD's Licensing Office in Admiralty. He learned from the Commissioner for Transport, Ms Mable Chan, that the Licensing Offices have further increased the quota for online appointments, and have opened more counters to process licensing applications with scheduled appointments, while providing follow-up services for applications submitted by drop-in box, by post or online. Mr Law praised government departments for striving to provide more needed services to the public in a safe and orderly manner by putting in place various infection control and social distancing measures. He also expressed gratitude to colleagues for their commitment and dedicated efforts during the epidemic.
Transcript of remarks by SCS
28.2.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, at a media stand-up after the Legislative Council Finance Committee meeting today (February 28): Reporter: Secretary, when civil servants return to work, will they or will they not be provided with surgical masks or do they have to bring their own? And second question, regarding the increased head count for police officers in the coming Budget, why is it necessary to increase by that much? &hellip;(inaudible) is not a small number even for such a big force. Secretary for the Civil Service: Let me take the last question first. All requests for additional manpower have to be based on actual operational needs. And I believe the Police have a strong case to argue and to support their request. And I am sure there will be opportunities for the head of the department and the relevant bureau colleagues to explain the justification to the public. Thank you. Reporter: And the second question? Secretary for the Civil Service: Regarding masks, I have to stress that the Government has always been providing masks to those colleagues who are in need. It is of course our priority in doing so to first provide for those who are involved in medical services, and also those who are involved in frontline anti-epidemic efforts. And we will also provide masks for those who are involved in necessary essential services and emergency services. Reporter: What about other civil servants &hellip;(inaudible)? Secretary for the Civil Service: I haven't finished. Apart from those categories I have mentioned, we will also provide masks for colleagues who in the course of the duty have to be in frequent close contact with the public, like counter services. And also those who are working in very congested or closed environment with a lot of people around. In fact, concerning the needs of the individuals, the Government understands the concerns of colleagues about the epidemic, about the infection risks. Therefore, under the direction of the steering committee chaired by the Chief Executive, we have promulgated guidelines to relax the procedures for acquiring masks so that individual departments can go and direct purchase masks from the market, so that they can better address the needs of colleagues in their departments. We will continue and I am sure individual departments will continue to adopt this attitude in managing the use of masks for the needy colleagues in their departments. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SCS grieves over passing of Customs officers
22.1.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (January 22) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of three Customs officers who were carrying out duties near Sha Chau last night (January 21). Mr Law said, "On behalf of the civil service, I offer my deepest condolences to their families. The Civil Service Bureau will offer them all the assistance they may require." Mr Law also sent his regards to the other two officers who were injured in the incident and wished them a speedy recovery.
SCS visits Audit Commission (with photos)
20.1.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, visited the Audit Commission today (January 20) to meet 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 first met with the Director of Audit, Mr John Chu, and the directorate staff to receive an update on the department's work in conducting regularity audits on government departments and other public sector organisations as well as value for money audits and the challenges confronting them. Mr Law then proceeded to the Value for Money Audit Divisions to better understand their work in conducting value for money audits on the performance of audited organisations to ensure that the functions of these organisations are discharged economically, efficiently and effectively, with reports submitted to the Legislative Council twice a year. At the Regularity Audit Division, Mr Law was briefed on the division's work in conducting regularity audits which provide the Legislative Council with an overall assurance that the Government's financial and accounting transactions and those of funds of a public or quasi-public nature are proper and that they conform to accepted accounting standards. 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 of concern. He praised colleagues for their efforts and encouraged them to carry on the fine tradition of the department in providing independent, professional and quality audit services.
Student interns with disabilities equipping themselves to meet challenges ahead (with photos)
13.1.2020

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (January 13) presented certificates to students of the Shine Skills Centre of the Vocational Training Council who participated in a government internship scheme. Mr Law commended their performance and efforts during the internship, and encouraged them to continue to equip themselves for meeting challenges ahead. At a tea gathering today with students of the Shine Skills Centre who have completed the internship, Mr Law said the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has doubled the number of internship places for students with disabilities from an average of 50 a year to 100 since 2018 to provide opportunities for more young persons with disabilities to gain work experience in the Government, thereby strengthening their competitiveness before entering the workforce. Mr Law said that the student interns were given opportunities to take up diversified jobs having regard to their aptitude and interests, including graphic design, editing and processing databases, providing support for a sports ground and event co-ordination and support. A total of 35 students, who were assigned to 20 government bureaux and departments for internship in late 2019, received certificates today. Two interns, Mr Hugo Choi and Mr Elvis Wong, were tasked to undertake clerical duties in the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) respectively. Mr Choi said the internship scheme not only provided him with valuable learning opportunities, but also allowed him to learn to communicate and get along with others, which helped boost his confidence. Expressing his gratitude to his colleagues for their guidance and support, he said the internship was truly enjoyable and practical. Mr Wong said the scheme, apart from providing him with an opportunity to acquire work skills, also brought him an unexpected experience. He pointed out that he was impressed by the recycling facilities in the EPD offices and the colleagues' commitment to separating waste, adding that his awareness of environmental protection was also raised. The performance of the student interns has been highly praised by colleagues of participating departments. Mentors also expressed appreciation for their efforts in gaining new knowledge and skills in their daily work. The CSB launched the internship scheme for students with disabilities in 2016 to enable them to gain work experience, and to give civil service colleagues more opportunities to better appreciate the talents and potential of persons with disabilities.
SCS on civil service pay adjustment and civil servants arrested for suspected involvement in unlawful public activities
10.1.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, at a media stand-up after the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee meeting this morning (January 10): Reporter: ... and secondly on the Finance Committee dealing with the civil service pay rise, will you seek other ways trying to deal with the matter in LegCo? Secretary for the Civil Service: First of all on the Finance Committee item, it is important for us to adhere to the established mechanism. I would hope that members of the LegCo will respect this and as soon as possible if they could go into detailed discussion of the item. Then we can have an early decision from the LegCo. Reporter: ...any disciplinary actions for those arrested civil servants? Would you sack them or penalise them? Secretary for the Civil Service: As I've said, at this stage, the civil servants who had been arrested, out of the 41 arrested, 31 of them have been interdicted, so they have been suspended from service. In the event that they are convicted by the court, then we will initiate disciplinary action. And the result could be a sacking or could be a warning, depending on the severity of the punishment. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SCS visits Transport Department (with photos)
22.12.2021

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, visited the Transport Department (TD) today (December 22) and met with the Commissioner for Transport, Miss Rosanna Law, and staff of various grades to get an update on the department's work and learn more about the concerns of colleagues. Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, Mr Nip first visited the Hong Kong Licensing Office in Admiralty to learn more about the work of the department's frontline colleagues in the provision of services relating to driving licences and vehicle licences, and the provision of services during the epidemic in the past two years. Among the four licensing offices of the TD, the Hong Kong Licensing Office is the largest one which provides all the licensing services of the department relating to vehicle and driving licences. Mr Nip was briefed about the department's electronic initiatives, including the online licensing application services and the development of an electronic driving licence to be displayed in a mobile app, with a view to providing more convenience for driving licence holders. Mr Nip then proceeded to the TD's Headquarters at West Kowloon Government Offices where he received a briefing on the department's latest initiatives including the free-flow tolling service, the new parking meters and the automated parking system which was launched last month. He was also briefed on how colleagues effectively made use of technology to manage transport facilities that not only offers the public greater convenience, but also enhances the service quality and work efficiency. He also visited the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre to gain a greater understanding of how colleagues monitor public transport services and traffic conditions with technology, as well as co-ordinating and responding to emergencies in a timely manner when incidents happen. "The TD provides frontline services to the public every day. As Hong Kong is a densely populated city with many people and vehicles, members of the public rely heavily on convenient transportation networks and the public transport system. In the face of rapid development, I hope that our colleagues will have an innovative mind and make use of technology to drive innovative services so as to tackle issues related to people's daily lives, promote smart mobility, improve road safety and enhance transport efficiency," Mr Nip said. Before concluding his visit, Mr Nip met with staff representatives of various grades of the department to know more about matters that concern them. He also met with colleagues who have participated in the 2021 Legislative Council General Election and anti-epidemic work to listen to their experiences and views about their work, and thanked them for their efforts and contributions.
SCS thanks civil service colleagues for sparing no effort in completing electoral tasks
20.12.2021

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, today (December 20) expressed gratitude to all government colleagues including retired civil servants for their hard work and dedication that contributed to the smooth running of the 2021 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election. "The 2021 LegCo General Election was held successfully and the overall results have been released. The election was conducted in a smooth and efficient manner. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to government colleagues who have carried out the electoral work for their concerted efforts and dedication to the smooth conduct of the election," Mr Nip said. "This election was of great significance as it was the first LegCo General Election after the electoral system was improved and the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong' was implemented. In accordance with the Civil Service Regulations, the Civil Service Bureau earlier gave instructions to civil service colleagues assigned by Heads of Departments to take up the important electoral duties. Their performance has lived up to expectations." Looking ahead, Mr Nip said he and the civil service will enhance communication and co-operation with the legislators so as to work together to promote Hong Kong's development and improve people's livelihood.
SCS gives support to electoral staff of LegCo General Election at polling station (with photos)
18.12.2021

The 2021 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election will be held tomorrow (December 19), and around 38 000 civil servants have been assigned by various departments to carry out the important electoral duties. The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, visited the polling station and the counting station at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (December 18) to give his support to civil service colleagues who are busy making preparations for the election. He said that colleagues should do their best, remain highly vigilant, take extra steps and work together to make the election a success. Mr Nip also appealed to all voters, in particular civil service colleagues, to cast their votes tomorrow to elect members of the new term of LegCo for Hong Kong's future. "The election is of great significance as it is the first LegCo General Election after the electoral system has been improved and the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong' has been implemented. To secure adequate manpower, the Government has for the first time assigned suitable serving civil service colleagues to work as electoral staff in different ranks and categories. It is also an obligatory duty and important mission for our colleagues to undertake electoral tasks," he said. In accordance with the Civil Service Regulation, the Secretary for the Civil Service had earlier given instructions to civil service colleagues assigned by Heads of Departments to take up electoral duties in the LegCo General Election with a view to ensuring the smooth conduct of the election. To facilitate polling staff to cast their votes, the Government has adopted various measures including a priority queue for polling staff and transport arrangements so that they can return to work after casting their votes as soon as possible.
Civil Service College launches "Expert Round Table for Economic Development" seminar series (with photos)
16.12.2021

The Civil Service College has launched the "Expert Round Table for Economic Development" seminar series in collaboration with the Hong Kong Academy of Finance (AoF). The inaugural seminar, which covered the topic of "Leveraging Hong Kong's Competitive Edge as an International Financial Centre", took place today (December 16) in the Civil Service College at the North Point Government Offices. Addressing the seminar, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, said that this is the first important seminar series launched after the establishment of the Civil Service College. As the first collaboration with the AoF, the seminar series brings together experts from the financial and related sectors to share insights with civil service colleagues about the economy's future, and the opportunities and challenges facing Hong Kong as an international financial centre. Mr Nip said that Hong Kong's economic prosperity depends very much on its continued success in maintaining the status as an international financial centre. It is incumbent for Hong Kong to leverage the Central Government's policies in support of Hong Kong, so that Hong Kong can give full play to its unique strengths and bring continuous impetus to the economy. As the backbone of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, civil servants shall keep learning and move ahead with the times. The Civil Service College will further enhance training for civil servants in terms of both quality and quantity, and strengthen partnership with renowned institutions in Hong Kong, the Mainland and other parts of the world, including the AoF, to develop training programmes to nurture more leaders for the civil service. Mr Nip also took the opportunity to appeal to civil servant colleagues to cast their vote on Sunday (December 19), the polling day of the Legislative Council General Election, and join hands to build a better future for Hong Kong. The seminar today was attended by around 120 civil servants in the directorate as well as middle and senior ranks. The seminar started off with a talk by the Executive Director (External) of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Darryl Chan, on the recent developments in Hong Kong's financial services industry, followed by an expert panel discussion. Apart from the Chief Executive Officer of the AoF, Mr Kwok Kwok-chuen, who served as the moderator, the other expert speakers included the Head of Listing of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Ms Bonnie Chan; Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Value Partners Group Mr Cheah Cheng-hye; Deputy Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Mrs Ann Kung; and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Life (International), Mr Edward Moncreiffe.
First school has students vaccinated with Sinovac at Community Vaccination Centre via group booking (with photos)
3.12.2021

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, viewed the administering of the Sinovac vaccine to some 30 students at the Community Vaccination Centre (CVC) at Kwun Chung Sports Centre this afternoon (December 3). Persons aged between 12 and 17 have been able to receive the Sinovac vaccine since December 2. Scientia Secondary School is the first school to have students vaccinated with the Sinovac vaccine at a CVC through group booking. "The Sinovac vaccine offers an option for teenagers and parents. A higher vaccination rate of students will help students to resume full-day schooling and normal extra-curricular activities as soon as possible. Under the threat posed by mutant strains with high transmissibility, persons who are eligible for vaccination, including teenagers, should get vaccinated as early as possible to protect themselves," Mr Nip said. Apart from making reservations for vaccination at the CVCs or the two designated clinics under the Hospital Authority through the designated website of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme ( www.covidvaccine.gov.hk ), they can make a reservation for a Sinovac vaccination through private doctors or clinics enrolled in the Vaccination Programme. In addition, five Student Health Service Centres of the Department of Health provide the Sinovac vaccine to students aged 12 to 17 as well as health information to parents and students. Parents can call the Student Health Service at 2856 9133 for appointment booking. Persons aged 12 to 17 are required to bring along a consent form signed by their parents to get their vaccinations. The consent form can be downloaded from the designated website of the Vaccination Programme ( www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/Consent_Form_for_COVID19_Vaccination_ENG.pdf ). Moreover, Mr Nip attended the launching ceremony of the COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Station and inspected the first-day operation of the mobile vaccination vehicle at Sun Chui Estate in Sha Tin this morning. A total of 486 persons got vaccinated with the BioNTech vaccine at the mobile vaccination vehicle today. The Mobile Vaccination Station will continue to serve members of the public, in particular the elderly, who want to receive the BioNTech vaccine at Sun Chui Estate tomorrow (December 4). The service schedule of the Mobile Vaccination Station has been uploaded to the designated website of the Vaccination Programme ( www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/programme ). For enquiries and bookings, members of the public can call 5193 0375. Before making an appointment, members of the public should take note of a minimum interval of 14 days between a COVID-19 vaccination and any other vaccinations (including the seasonal flu vaccine).