exemplary performance acknowledged

Featureshonesty and integrityhonesty and integrityhonesty and integrity

honesty and integrity

In November 2011, the Secretary for the CivilService (SCS), Denise Yue Chung-yee, presentedawards under the SCS’ Commendation AwardScheme to 77 civil servants from 32 bureaus/departments (B/Ds) for their meritoriousachievement. The Chief Executive, Donald TsangYam-kuen, together with other guests, attendeda reception following theceremony toexpresshiscongratulationsandappreciationtothewinners.

This year marked the Scheme’s eighthpresentation ceremony since it was introducedin 2004. At the ceremony, Miss Yue thanked thewinnersfortheircontributionstotheGovernment,theirB/Dsandthecommunity.

“Aprofessionalandhighlyefficientcivilserviceispivotaltoeffectivegovernanceandadministration,”she said. “In response to the community’s risingexpectationsoftheGovernmentandtheincreasingdemand for public services, civil service colleaguesmust continue to uphold their professionalismand deliver quality services. The Chief Executive isconfident that thecivil servicewillhold fast to theprinciple of caring for the people and continue toservethepublicandcontributetothecommunity.”

Eachrecipientreceivedacertificateofrecognitionandagoldpin.Travelawardswerealsopresentedtorecipientswith20ormoreyearsofservicewhohadnotpreviouslyreceivedthisaward.

The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) administersthe Scheme. In making nominations to CSB,Heads of Bureaus/Departments/Grades makereference,whereapplicable,topaststaffappraisals.Nominations are then considered by an awardscommitteeandforwardedtoSCSforapproval.

Promoting a healthy, drug-free Hong Kong Award recipient Tang Chun-tung joined theCustomsandExciseDepartment(C&ED)in1979andisnowworking in theCustomsDrug InvestigationBureau(CDIB).

“IamdeeplyhonouredtohavebeenarecipientoftheSCS’CommendationAward,”saystheChiefCustomsOfficer.“My30yearswiththeDepartmenthave been very rewarding and I am dedicated toalways achieving the best results possible in allaspectsofmydailywork.”

Dedication and

Civil Service Newsletter Editorial Board

exemplary performance acknowledged

FOR some lucky individuals, each day at work is not only joy, but also a source of inspiration, learning and satisfaction that is reflected in the outstanding achievements attained in their particular profession.

MrTsangcongratulatingtheawardrecipients.

MrTangsharinghisexperienceinanti-narcoticswork.

3

Features honesty and integrity

honesty and integrity honesty and integrityhonesty and integrity

4

During his three decades of service, Mr Tanghas received 12 commendations from seniormanagement acknowledging his exceptional andoutstandingperformanceasdisplayedduringdruginvestigationsandoperationalduties.

Mr Tang was especially acknowledged for hiscontinuingeffortsinthesuccessfuldetectionofcasesthathaveprovidedvaluableintelligenceinrelationtodrugtrafficking,andhasalsohelpedconsolidatethepositionofC&EDasaprominentdrugenforcementagencyacrosstheregion.

“Myjobisverydependentonreliableintelligenceand the quick, but cautious, performance of mydutieswhenactioniscalledfor,”saysMrTang.“AtC&ED,therelationshipbetweencolleaguesisaverycloseone,aswealldependoneachothertoachievea successful outcome, so I also share the kudosassociated with this Award with my colleagueswho have worked with me and assisted me overtheyears.”

Herecalls thetimeheandsixothercolleaguestriedtocatchadrugtraffickinggang.Whenhewasrunning after one of the gang members, he wasaccidentallyhit by a car, buthegot rightbackupagainandkeptchasingtheman.Intheend,allthegangmemberswerearrestedand30kilogramsofheroinwasseized. During his posting in the Airport InvestigationDivision of CDIB, Mr Tang demonstrated hiscompetence and leadership when discharginghis responsibilities in different scenarios. He wasextremely experienced and skillful in investigatingtransnationaldrugtraffickingactivitiesattheairport,wherehishighlevelofinitiativeandcommitmenttoinvestigation work was constantly reflected in hisoutstandingworkperformance.

“Itwas agreat compliment tobeasked tobeanInstructorintheDrugInvestigationWorkshop,anin-houseCDIBtrainingprogramme,”saysMrTang.“Ihaveextensiveexperience inanti-narcoticsworkandIwasverypleasedtobeabletopassonsomeoftheexperienceandknowledgeIhavegainedovertheyearstonurtureanddevelopyounginvestigators.”

Going the extra mile For fellow colleagues of the HousingDepartment’s Senior Planning Officer, Eunice MakHoi-cheung, her acknowledgement in the SCS’CommendationAwardSchemecameasnosurprisewith her reputation for going the extra mile andtaking up additional tasks with energy, dedicationandenthusiasmfor thebenefitof theSection, theDivisionandtheDepartment.

MsMakHoi-cheungreceivingtheAwardfromMissYue.

“Iamveryhonouredtohavebeenacknowledgedin the Scheme,” says Ms Mak. “I work with anamazing group of colleagues, from the veryexperienced to new, young recruits and I amcontinually amazed at the dedication, inspirationandmotivationofeveryoneIworkwithtoachieveexcellenceintheapplicationoftheirduties.”

MsMakhasalsobeenrecognisedbytheplanningcommunityacrossHongKongforhercontributionsin promoting the interests of the profession andmentoringyoungerplanners,aswellassupportingtheworkoftheHongKongInstituteofPlannersandthePlannersRegistrationBoard.

MsMakwasheavilyinvolvedinformulatingthepolicyonpreservationofolderpublichousingestatesthroughmajorrehabilitationandtheComprehensiveStructural Investigation Programme. The newhousing policy on preservation of older estatesthrough a systematic structural investigation andimprovement programme has been in place since2007,andhasbeenwellreceivedbythecommunityandtenantsalike.



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“Iamdelightedtobearecipientofthisaward,”saysMrLai.“I loveanimalsandmy joballowsmetointeractwithanimalsthatmostpeoplerarelygettosee,letalonehaveadailyrelationshipwith.Eachanimal I dealwith has its ownuniquepersonality,just likewedo,andtheywelcomeexchangeswithusandthecareweprovideforthem.Forinstance,ahornbillthatIbroughtupnowtreatsmelikeafriendandevensharesitsfoodwithme.”

Mr Lai has made valuable contributions tobreeding programmes for endangered species,includingtheGoldenLionTamarin,PygmyMarmoset,Buff-cheeked Gibbon and Ring-tailed Lemur. InJanuary2010,he also assisted in the transfer of a15-year-oldBorneoOrangutan,Vandu, fromSostoZoo inHungarytoHongKong,whichwasagreatsuccess and resulted in a pair of orangutan twinsbeingborninJuly.

MrLai initiateda seriesof improvementworksatHKZBG,includingtheprovisionofbufferareasforthe aviaries and reptile house to prevent thebirdsandanimalsfromescaping,aswellastherelocationof animal enrichment devices like climbing ropesand feeding troughs to enhance visitors’ visualimpressions.Eachoftheseimprovementworkshasbeenhighlyappreciatedbyvisitors.

“IworkedintheZooandHorticultureEducationUnitfrom2000to2006,whereIwasresponsibleforconductingguidedvisitstovariousparksforyoungstudents at pre-primary and primary levels,” saysMrLai.“Togettheirattention,Ipreparedteaching

aids,suchasanimalmodels,photosandcolourplates.Theseinformativeandlivelypresentationshavehelpedpromote conservation awareness.It is indeed my commitment toprovide quality zoological servicestothepublic.”

(Fromlefttoright)LaiYuk-ming,EuniceMakHoi-cheungandTangChun-tungwerethreeofthe77recipientsoftheSCS’CommendationAward.

Ms Mak’s leadership capabilities, professionalcompetency, strong interpersonal skills andcommitmenttojobsuccesswerealldemonstratedinhermanagementofthe“StudyonParkingFacilitiesin Public Housing Developments”. Her work wasinstrumental in the more effective use of HousingAuthority’s (HA) resources, including estimatedsavings of $106 million to $285 million annuallyfrom HA’s construction budget, as well ascontributingtoagreener,healthierandmoreliveableenvironment.

Ms Mak was also a major contributor to thesuccessful launch of the Geographic InformationSystem(GIS)fortheDevelopmentandConstructionDivision(DCD)oftheDepartment.Sheadvocatedtheimplementationofthisnewsystem,soughtsupportfromseniordirectoratestaffforitsimplementation,managedthedevelopmentandresearchwork,liaisedwithandconsultedrelevantparties,both internallyandexternally,toobtainusefuldata,andsucceededinlaunchingthenewsysteminlessthanoneyear.The DCD-GIS won a Special Achievement Awardin the 2010 GIS Awards, an international awardpresentedby the Environmental Systems ResearchInstitute(ESRI)foroutstandingaccomplishmentsinthefieldofGIS.

Natural animal lover Another award recipient is Senior AmenitiesAssistant of the Leisure and Cultural ServicesDepartment,LaiYuk-ming,whohascaredformanyanimalsattheHongKongZoologicalandBotanicalGardens(HKZBG)overthepastdecade.



List of award recipients for SCS’ Commendation 2011

6

Bureau/Department Name Substantive rank

Agriculture,FisheriesandConservationDepartment

KwongYan-nin SeniorFieldOfficer

AuditCommission WanTak-kai ChiefExaminer

BuildingsDepartment HoChun-hung SeniorBuildingSurveyor

YanMan-hoi SeniorStructuralEngineer

CivilAidService NgHon-ming OperationsandTrainingAssistant

CivilEngineeringandDevelopmentDepartment

NgYu-ping Artisan

LingSiu-tsang SeniorGeotechnicalEngineer

YungKin-man SeniorEngineer

TangHin-tat SeniorTechnicalOfficer(Civil)

HoMau-ying ClericalAssistant

CorrectionalServicesDepartment

CintyCheungNgai-ming

Officer

WanYum-kwong AssistantOfficerI

LauSau-ming AssistantOfficerI

CustomsandExciseDepartment

TangChun-tung ChiefCustomsOfficer

ChanKwong-kwong

ChiefCustomsOfficer

MokLai-yin TradeControlsOfficer

LauYee-man WorkmanII

CensusandStatisticsDepartment

ChanKit-fei StatisticalOfficerI

DepartmentofHealth ChanCharn-ho Artisan(HospitalAuthority)

SzetoWai-lun WardManager(HospitalAuthority)

SiuSuk-yin NursingOfficer(HospitalAuthority)

TangTo-fong ClericalOfficer

EducationBureau LeungWai-shun SeniorEducationOfficer

CheungLung-ho WorkmanII

ElectricalandMechanicalServicesDepartment

LauTak-wa SeniorElectricalandMechanicalEngineer

HoMing-sang SeniorElectricalInspector

EnvironmentalProtectionDepartment

ShirleyChanWai-sheung

EnvironmentalProtectionInspector

FireServicesDepartment LaiWai-man PrincipalFireman

YuenFong-him PrincipalFireman

ChanWing-hang PrincipalFireman

CheungWai-ming PrincipalAmbulanceman

LeungNgai-chiu PrincipalAmbulanceman


GovernmentFlyingService

SiuChanLai-see SeniorClericalOfficer

FoodandEnvironmentalHygieneDepartment

LauKwok-keung WorkmanII

ChanWai-ming HawkerControlOfficer

CheungYat-cheung

WorkmanI

LiKa-kei SuperintendentofEnvironmentalHealth

LamSau-ming ClericalOfficer

HighwaysDepartment ChowKam-yeung Chainman

KwokSiu-chun SeniorClericalOfficer

HongKongObservatory KwokChuen-sai PropertyAttendant

MokLai-ping PersonalSecretaryI

HongKongPoliceForce RickyKwanTat-kam

SeniorForceWelfareOfficer

PatrickHengTin-kin

ChiefInspectorofPolice

WuShu-yan StationSergeant

EdmondLauKam-lun

SeniorClinicalPsychologist

LeeDun-wai SeniorClericalOfficer

HongkongPost ManFuk-wo SuperintendentofPosts

ChanKwai-tim Postman

HousingDepartment EuniceMakHoi-cheung

SeniorPlanningOfficer

ChanShu-on SeniorTechnicalOfficer(BuildingServices)

LingMing-tak PrincipalTechnicalOfficer(Architectural)

FokChuck-leung QuantitySurveyor

ShumFung-ho PersonalSecretaryI



7


ImmigrationDepartment FungChi-po ChiefImmigrationAssistant

ShumHo-hang SeniorImmigrationAssistant

ClaraChengChak-yu

SeniorImmigrationOfficer

PeterLeungChi-wah

ImmigrationOfficer

LeungSiu-wah ClericalOfficer

InformationServicesDepartment

ChowPui-ying SeniorInformationOfficer

InlandRevenueDepartment

WanLeung SeniorAssessor

Judiciary ChiuLai-to HeadPropertyAttendant

LandRegistry NgLai-ling ClericalOfficer

LegalAidDepartment ChanChi-tak SeniorClericalOfficer

LeisureandCulturalServicesDepartment

LeungChi-kwong CulturalServicesAssistantII

LaiYuk-ming SeniorAmenitiesAssistant

ToChi-wing ClericalOfficer

LabourDepartment FongChing-wai ChiefLabourInspector

MarineDepartment WuKwong-shing SeniorAssistantShippingMaster

SocialWelfareDepartment

YolandaLoPui-king

SeniorSocialSecurityAssistant

BelindaChengPangKam-chi

ChiefSocialWorkAssistant

YungWai-sun Artisan

KamLingPui-yi AssistantClericalOfficer

TransportDepartment WongYiu-man DrivingExaminerI

AuKing-yuen TrafficAssistant

AwSee-chung OfficeAssistant

WaterSuppliesDepartment

ClementLeungMan-hon

SeniorElectricalEngineer



In the past, geographic and related information was kept in bits and pieces under different formats in the computer systems of various government departments, forming numerous information islands. Maintained separately by each department, such information was not well correlated and difficult to search and retrieve. To address this issue, a team in the Land Information Centre of the Lands Department took the initiative to collect and integrate geographic information from various departments and developed a government-wide one-stop information platform known as the Geospatial Information Hub (GIH) to support the internal operation of the Government. Through the Intranet, departments now enjoy ready access to integrated geospatial information, which facilitates their daily work and decision-making processes, thus enhancing their services to the public. To move towards the goal of providing seamless government services, the team has also developed the GeoInfo Map, a geographic information and map service on the Internet, for use by the public.

Digital maps are proving increasingly important to

supportdailylife.TheGeoInfoMap,adigitalmapdesigned

anddevelopedbytheLandsDepartment(LandsD), isnow

publiclyavailableontheInternet.Throughthissophisticated

electronicmapservice,boththelocalsandtouristsfromabroad

can have convenient access to

information on Hong Kong’s

geography, buildings, roads,

natural environment and

publicfacilities.

Lands Department

Public service enhanced through sharinggeospatialdata

Well received since its launch, GIH is now accessible through more than 50 government departments, with hits averaging over 150,000 per day. As the flow of geospatial information and data sharing among government departments have been made much easier by GIH, many departments realising the benefits have expressed interest in forming a partnership with the Land Information Centre.

Take monuments conservation for example. Making use of this platform, colleagues in various works departments can quickly locate and obtain information about historical buildings, monuments and heritage in Hong Kong to assess the impact of works project proposals on them. The Hub also supports the Government’s efforts in the areas of public health, electoral affairs, engineering and planning, as well as search and rescue actions.

“Thanks to the dedication of the GIH team and joint efforts by different departments, GIH has proved to be a useful service,” says Senior Land Surveyor, Tsoi Cheong-wai, who led the team. “The public looks to us for professional input, therefore we should give our best to them.”

Mr Tsoi delivering a talk to the colleagues of the Hong Kong Observatory, introducing the development and implementation of geographic information service.

The Honourable Li Fung-ying presenting the Gold Prize of the Internal Service Award to Mr Tsoi of the GIH team of LandsD.

8

A one-stop geospatial information hub.

The Geospatial Information Service Unit of the Lands Department won the Gold Prize in the Internal Service Award of the Civil Service Outstanding Service Award Scheme 2011.



While working on the public housing development project at Kai Tak, HD estimated that developing the area would excavate approximately 12,000 cubic metres of marine mud from the Kai Tak Site 1A alone. This large amount of marine mud was equivalent to the volume of the total solid waste dumped into all the landfills in Hong Kong in a three-day period.

Faced with this large amount of marine mud, HD engineers pondered ways to treat the marine mud in a more environmental-friendly and economical manner. The engineers came up with an innovative solution to this problem. Mixing marine mud with in-situ sand and cement increases the mud’s strength and stabilises the contaminants and heavy metals. After going through this process, the stabilised marine mud resembles ordinary soil and thus can be used for backfilling at the Kai Tak site. This treatment process is more eco-friendly than dumping and can reduce the cost of transportation and purchasing normal backfilling materials.

The project team introduced new quality requirements and specifications for this new treatment process. They also met tenderers for the Site 1A foundation contract to explain the new technology and created design and work provisions that required the contractor to take part in related tests and use

MaRine mud, excavated from reclaimed land during

construction,isgenerallyregardedasunsuitablematerial

for use in reclamation or other construction projects

due to its high water content, soft, bouncy texture and

contamination.Asaresult,marinemudisusuallydumped

into landfills or marine dumping sites, adding costs to

construction projects and the environment. However, a

group of engineers from the Housing Department (HD),

known as “Marine Mud Green Process Pioneer”, recently

foundawaytoturnthisotherwiseuselessmaterial intoa

valuableresource.

Housing Department

Marinemudtreatment innovation

treated marine mud for backfilling on Site 1A.

At the construction stage, after completing comprehensive studies, trials and refinements, the engineers found the most cost-effective mixture that complies with all quality requirements. By using a 16:3:1 ratio of mud, in-situ sand and cement, the contractor recycled all the marine mud and used it for backfilling at Site 1A without the need to dispose of it off-site.

This marine mud treatment technology is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and is the result of unrelenting innovation and a passion for protecting the environment. The “Green Pioneer” won the 2011 Environmental Paper Award from the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. The Environmental Protection Department also considers this successful technology as a good reference case for the engineering sector to recycle and reuse marine mud, instead of disposing the waste off-site.

Marine mud stratum exposed from an excavation.

Elizabeth Shing Siu-ching presenting the Gold Prize of the General Public Service Award to Duncan Warren Pescod, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Housing) cum Director of Housing.

9

The Marine Mud Green Process Pioneer won the Gold Prize in the General Public Service Award of the Civil Service Outstanding Service Award Scheme 2011.

Close up commitment to the rule of lawcommitment to the rule of law

commitment to the rule of lawcommitment to the rule of law

“Iwearmore thanonehat.Today, Iama lawenforcementofficer.Tomorrow,Iwillbeabusinessfacilitator,” saysMs Lai. “I have learnthow to seethingsthroughtheeyesofthepublicandbusinessoperatorswhileconductingpolicework.”

Ms Lai shares her thoughts at an experiencesharingsessionorganisedbytheEconomicAnalysisandBusinessFacilitationUnit inMay2011.Around20 colleagues from 10 different governmentdepartmentsmettosharetheir insightsonhowtocarryoutlicensingworkwithoutimposingobsoleteorunnecessarylicensingrules.

Ms Lai says that as a law enforcement officer,observing the law and the established mechanisminalicenceapplicationis,ofcourse,important.Butshebelievesthatitisalsoessentialtoclearlyidentifythedifferentinterestsofthepartiesinvolvedinorderto find a solution that is acceptable to all. In thisprocess, she often has to first sort out competinginterestsbetweenbusinessoperatorsandresidentsbeforeshecancommunicateeffectivelywiththem.

MsLaicitesanexampleofapawnbrokerlicenceapplicationwheretheIncorporatedOwnersopposedtheapplication.Toresolvethedisagreement,shehadtoseethingsthroughtheeyesofboththeresidentsandtheoperator.

“ApartfromconductingsitevisitsandcheckingtheMutualCovenant,whatIhavetodoistobringthe residents and the operator together,” says MsLai.“Weaskedtheoperatortofindwaystoliveinpeace with the residents, such as adding securitymeasurestoputtheresidentsatease.”

“Business operators, residents, differentlicensing departments and law enforcementofficers have different perspectives. In processinga licence application, I always put all the factorson a scale and weigh this against that to reach asatisfactoryconclusion.”

Anotherkeytipforasmartregulatoriseffectivecommunication. “In the communication process,thePolicealwaysremainsneutral,”saysMsLai.Shealways maintains this “mindset” when consideringwhether she will issue a licence in relation toanapplication.

Being a smarter regulatorEconomic Analysis and Business Facilitation Unit,

Financial Secretary’s Office

Asking a police officer to talk about facilitating business may seem out of line with his normal duties, but in the eyes of Chief Inspector (Licensing 1) of the Hong Kong Police Force, Jenny Lai Pik-ngor, “enforcing the law” and “being conducive to business” are not opposing concepts. In fact, putting yourself into the operator’s shoes is the key to becoming a smart regulator.

MsLaisharingtheForce’skeystosuccessasasmartregulator.

MsWongsharingherexperienceofbusinessfacilitationattheBuildingsDepartment.

10

Close upcommitment to the rule of law


commitment to the rule of law

1311

ForMrsFok,theBusinessLiaisonGroupenablesLCSDtounderstandthetrades’needs.

Topromote effective communication, preparationisessential.“Onlyifyouthoroughlyunderstandthespiritofthelawandpreparewellinadvancecanyouconvincepeopleoftheneedforregulation,”shesays.

Ms Lai points out that since she took up thelicensing job two and a half years ago, she haslearnt to consider the views of the operators bycommunicating with trade representatives throughthe Business Liaison Group meetings establishedunderthe“BetheSmartRegulator”Programme.

Finally, a positive attitude is an importantattributeinsmartregulation.Therearetimeswhenone may receive complaints no matter how hardyouwork.Ms Lai says she tendsnot togetupsetabout such complaints. As civil servants, sheconsidersitourresponsibilitytoservethepublic.Sherecallsanapplicantwholodgedacomplaintagainsther, even though she had helped him apply for atemporary liquor licence. The complaint was notsubstantiated.

“As the community has a higher expectationof the Government, the number of complaintswill inevitably increase.Butas longasyoudoyourjob well, I believe that the complaint will not besubstantiated,”saysMsLai.

Regarding complaints, another speaker, SeniorBuilding Surveyor of the Buildings Department(BD), Wong Pui-yee, says most of the complaintsstem from misunderstandings of licensing rules,regulations and procedures. She believes thatproactive communication with the public canforestallthesecomplaints.

When new measures, such as minor worksrelated to licence applications under the MinorWorksControlSystem,wereintroduced,BDwouldinformthepublicthroughseminars,pamphletsandleaflets for greater transparency. The Departmenthas appointed Business Facilitation Officers toassist licenceapplicants.Applicants canalso checkthe status of their applications via an ApplicationTracking Facility developed by the Efficiency Unit.

MsWong sumsup the tips to smart regulationasobserving the principle of “listening attentively;assistingproactively”.

The third speaker at the experience sharingsession, Chief Leisure Manager (Aquatic Venues)of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department(LCSD), Doris Fok Lee Sheung-ling, agrees thatputting yourself into the operator’s shoes is a keytosmartregulationandcommunicationisimportantin licensing work. She finds the Business LiaisonGroups under the “Be the Smart Regulator”Programmeparticularlyusefulinunderstandingtheneedsofrelevanttrades.

For example, at a Business Liaison Group’smeeting, representatives from the billiard tradehoped that LCSDwould relax the rulesprohibitingteenagersfromenteringbilliardestablishments.

Under the existing Places of AmusementRegulation, any person in school uniform isprohibitedtoenteralicensedbilliardestablishmentwhilstteenagersundertheageof16areprohibitedbetween 8pm and 10am unless the Director ofLeisure and Cultural Services gives permission inwriting.

Mrs Fok says after exchanging views withtrade representatives, LCSD recognised the tradesituationandexerciseddiscretionwithinthelawstorelaxtherestrictionsonacase-by-casebasis,aslongastheinterestsofthepublicwerenotcompromised.

“TheBusinessLiaisonGroupunderthe‘BetheSmartRegulator’Programmeisaverygoodplatformtounderstandthetrades’needs,”MrsFokconcludes.



Recently, this co-operation has been extended

to include exploratory data collection flights by the

same GFS aircraft into tropical cyclones that have

tracked close to Hong Kong across the northern part

of the South China Sea.

Tropical cyclones are a most severe form of

weather that can bring about loss of life and

significant damage to properties in coastal areas.

In the Americas, the strongest tropical cyclones are

called hurricanes. The devastating loss of life brought

about by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005

is still remembered by many people. In Asia, the

most intense tropical cyclones are called typhoons,

and we are reminded every year of their ferocity as

they batter their way across the Philippines to strike

the coasts of southern China and Vietnam, claiming

lives and causing devastation.

Even with today’s technology, forecasting

the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones

accurately remains a great challenge to weather

services around the world. Another major challenge

is the scarcity of weather observations over the vast

oceans where tropical cyclones develop and intensify.

Observations of tropical cyclones nowadays are

mainly made using remote-sensing technology, such

as weather radars and meteorological satellites.

However, such observations cannot provide the

ground truth of the wind structure inside the cyclone.

In particular, wind measurements near sea level

are crucial in monitoring the strength of a tropical

cyclone and thus assessing the societal impact that

it may render. Sending a reconnaissance flight to

capture data inside a tropical cyclone over the sea

is one solution, but nowadays only a few major

weather services in the world have the capability to

do so.

On June 22, 2011, Tropical Storm Haima was

centred south of Hong Kong, affecting the northern

part of the South China Sea. In supporting this new

HKO data collection initiative, the GFS Jetstream 41

aircraft, equipped with sophisticated meteorological

measuring equipment, flew near the centre of Haima

to collect first-hand meteorological data at different

altitudes. This data included wind strength and

direction, air temperature, humidity and pressure.

Such data is very helpful in determining the strength

of the storm and supporting decision-making in the

since July 2009, the Government

Flying Service (GFS) and the Hong Kong

Observatory(HKO)havebeenco-operating

to gather valuable meteorological data

from the airspace around Hong Kong

InternationalAirport.Dataiscollectedduring

designated flights by a GFS Jetstream 41

aircraft, equipped with a specially designed

meteorologicalprobe,toimprovetheaccuracy

ofwindshearandturbulencealerts,andthus

aviationsafety.

Flightsintostormy weatherGovernment Flying Service and Hong Kong Observatory

GFS Jetstream 41 aircraft equipped with a specially designed air data probe.

12

Close upcommitment to the rule of law


commitment to the rule of law

Observations of GFS fixed-wing aircraft and satellite from noon to 1pm on September 28, 2011.

provision of public weather services. This was the

first time in Hong Kong that a fixed-wing aircraft

had flown near the centre of a tropical cyclone to

collect special meteorological data.

“No matter how experienced or bold a pilot

may be, his primary thoughts about thunderstorms

are staying out of them!” says one of the pilots on

the GFS data collection flight into Typhoon Haima,

Captain Eric Leung Man-chiu. “I remember this from

the time I started learning to fly and the importance

of avoiding significant weather in flight has been

continuously emphasised throughout my flying

career. It was therefore somewhat ‘interesting’ that

our recent meteorological data collection flight for

HKO during the approach of Tropical Storm Haima

in the South China Sea literally required the aircraft

to head towards the centre of the storm!”

To collect the required meteorological data –

wind, temperature, humidity and pressure – the

Jetstream 41 followed the predetermined routing

provided by HKO and completed two 100-nautical

mile (185km) long survey paths at 1,000 feet and

10,000 feet respectively. The aircraft started off on

the 10,000 feet path, which was so close to the

centre of Haima that the pilots experienced gradual

changes in wind direction over a brief period of time.

Despite the fact that there were thundery clouds and

heavy rain in the beginning, flight conditions in the

centre of Haima were very smooth. Cruising at 200

knots, the pilots flew out of cloud and dramatically

found themselves in brilliant sunshine.

“It was surprising how calm this part of the flight

was and it offered a pretty awesome sight. We had

traversed this storm from front to back, and both of

us in the cockpit agreed it was a really precious flying

experience to remember,” says Captain Leung.

The 1,000 feet flight line was a different

experience as it was closer to sea level and

there was much less of an altitude buffer in

which to recover control of the aircraft if it was

affected by the very turbulent conditions. At this

low altitude, big waves and whitecaps over the

endless sea were clearly seen. The team’s main

concerns at that time were the turbulence and

downdrafts associated with the thunderstorms

along their flight path and the need to initiate

immediate recovery action if required. They

therefore took particular caution in avoiding flying

into heavy weather areas by referring to the weather

radar display in the cockpit that showed where the

storm cells with the heaviest rain were located in

red colour. However, there are always limitations on

weather radar because it does not show all areas

of potential turbulence, but only those associated

with rain. While the aircraft was tossing around,

the pilots could momentarily hear the noise of the

heavy raindrops hitting the windscreen and their

vision was temporarily obstructed. They knew that

they needed to alter course and stay out of the heavy

rain areas as they always produce an unstable ride.

“We both agreed that it was much more

demanding to fly this leg as compared to the one

at higher altitude. Overall, we found this a very

rewarding experience and we hope that our work

will contribute to the success of HKO’s forecasting

work,” says Captain Leung.

On September 28, 2011, GFS conducted another

data collection flight into Typhoon Nesat in which

Captain Michael Ng Chi-wah was involved.

13



14

It was a storm tracking task which required

the team to fly a survey line between 200 and 250

nautical miles from Hong Kong, along the Hong

Kong Flight Information Region (FIR) boundary

on a northeast to southwest track. The team was

requested to fly at 15,000 feet and then fly the

reciprocal direction of the same line at 5,000 feet.

“We started off on a good sunny day with blue

sky and white cloud patches in Hong Kong,” says

Captain Ng. “However, we could only maintain

a smooth ride for the first 20 minutes. After that,

the wind started to pick up and was shown to be

60 knots according to the Flight Management

Computer for most of the flight. Flight conditions

were so turbulent that it felt like the crew was

riding on the back of a bucking wild bull. The

widespread heavy showers acted like high powered

water jets washing the aircraft.”

These turbulent conditions had to be handled

with extra caution, relying on information from

the sophisticated weather radar and GFS aviation

knowledge bank, as well as the pilots’ years of

experience.

“We were glad to be involved in such a

meaningful mission to collect such useful data. The

data collected will be valuable for improving storm

forecasting, upon which the public rely to make

sensible safety decisions,” says Captain Ng.

GFS will continue to collaborate with HKO to

collect meteorological data over the northern part

of the South China Sea in order to fill in the data

void in this region.

Two new Bombardier Challenger 605 jet

aircraft will be introduced into service in 2013

and they will both be equipped with the latest

meteorological data collection equipment. With

the expected new technology, it will be possible for

the meteorological data collected by GFS aircraft to

be downloaded immediately to the ground station,

from which the measurements can be transmitted

to weather services around the world. Such data will

also be very useful in monitoring and forecasting

various kinds of significant weather phenomena, for

instance, windshear in the vicinity of the airport and

the formation and evolution of tropical cyclones.

In addition, the weather information gathered

by the aircraft has been put into a HKO numerical

weather prediction model and it was found that the

recorded data was able to provide a more accurate

picture of the heaviest rainfall areas. This enables HKO

to provide better predictions to the local community

on the intensity and location of the expected rainfall.

With the improved availability, accuracy and

timeliness of meteorological data, HKO will be

able to provide more accurate forecasts and where

necessary, give warnings to affected parties and

communities so that they can be better prepared

to cope with the impacts and possible damage

caused by these destructive weather phenomena,

and to mitigate the devastating effects on lives

and properties.

Two new Bombardier Challenger 605 jet aircraft will be introduced into service in 2013 and both will be equipped with the latest data collection equipment.

benefits both Force and charitiesHong Kong Police Force

15

Since 2004, the Club has been raising funds for various charitable groups through hotly contested dragon boat races, including for example the China Star Light Charity Fund Association for the building of schools in remote regions on the Mainland, the Digital Solitary Fund for purchasing computers for the underprivileged and the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association for the installation of the Personal Emergency Link for the elderly. In 2011, the Club raised funds for the Little Life Warrior Society that supports the welfare of child cancer fighters.

The programme featured 27 races and attracted 66 teams to participate. Among the participating teams, there was one newly formed team – “E-dragon” – comprising the Force civilian staff. The paddlers were from the Finance Division, Internal Audit Division, Stores Management Division, Personnel and General Division, Establishment and

On October 15, 2011, the Police Dragon Boat Club held its

annual Police Dragon Boat Charity Race on the Shing Mun

RiverinShaTin.

Dragon Boat Charity Race

Director of Finance, Administration and Planning, Gary Yeung Yiu-shing (third right),Financial Controller, Eliza Cheng Chan Ching-ling (second right), Police Civil Secretary, Elaine Chan Wong Yan-lan (fourth right) and the cheering team members from the Finance, Administration and Planning Department (E Department) of the Force cheering for the paddlers.

Civilian Staff Relations Division, and the Planning and Development Branch.

Amid all the cheers and led by the Director of Finance, Administration and Planning and team members, the E-dragon team achieved fifth position in the Gold Cup final among 13 strong dragon boat teams. The E-dragon team raised $17,010 for the Little Life Warrior Society.

The Police Dragon Boat Charity Race not only allows civilian officers in the Force to participate in a sporting event and raise funds for people in need, but also further fosters the working relationship and understanding between civilian and disciplined officers. Civilian officers will continue to participate in this meaningful event in the future and hope to paddle their way to greater success this year.

Personalitiesdedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community

dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the communitydedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community

16

FOR Simon Peh Yun-lu, the desire to serve Hong Kong proved the catalyst for a long and illustrious career that culminated in his appointment as the Director of Immigration. Mr Peh, who proceeded on pre-retirement leave in March 2011, recalls the many departmental changes that occurred during his years at the Immigration Department (ImmD).

Civil Service Newsletter Editorial Board

Focused careerleads to retirement variety

Mr Peh recalls the time before he joined theGovernment.

“IstudiedbiochemistryattheChineseUniversityof Hong Kong and I enjoyed my years there verymuch,” says Mr Peh. “I believe that universityeducationisgoodtrainingforthemindandteacheslogicalthinkingandreasoning.Studyingbiochemistryalsoenhancedmyabilitytodealwithfigureswhichlaterprovedtobeveryusefultomycareer.”

Embarking on a desired career Followinghisgraduationin1977,MrPehworkedasanexecutivetraineeintheprivatesectortogainexperience,buteventhenhehadadesiretojointheGovernmentforthejobsecurityitwouldofferandmoreimportantlyfortheopportunitytocontributetoHongKong’sdevelopment.

“It was interesting to know how the privatesectoroperates,butIquicklyrealisedthatthetypeofworkIreallywantedtodowasaservice-orientedjobandtoservepeople,”saysMrPeh.“This isexactlywhatmanygovernmentdepartmentsaredoingforthe public and joining the Government thereforehadagreatappealtome.”

In 1978, Mr Peh joined ImmD and during his33-year career he witnessed major changes both

inHongKongandaroundtheworld inrelationtoimmigrationissues.

Society changes “In the past three decades, Hong Kong haschanged a great deal,” says Mr Peh. “This meantthattheImmigrationDepartmentalsohadtoadaptand change in order to guarantee the continuedprovisionofqualityservicestoHongKongcitizens,foreignvisitorsandothers.TheDepartmentalsohastodealwithvariousnewchallengesand introduceinformationtechnologytocopewiththeincreasingworkloadandprovidemoresophisticatedservices.”

MrPehseesthe introductionofthee-Channelat immigration control points as one of themajor changes at ImmD. Automated self-serviceimmigration clearance through e-Channels hasraised the level of convenience for the public andefficiencyforcolleagues.

“Anothermajorchangewaslobbyingcountriesaroundtheworldforvisa-freeaccesstotheircountryfor Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR)passportholders.Shortlybeforeandafterthehandoversome14yearsago,veryfewcountrieshadconfidenceinHKSARpassports,”saysMrPeh.“However,ourlobbyingeffortswereverysuccessfulandHongKongcitizenshavevisa-freeaccesstosome

Pensioners’ Corner accountability for decisions and actionsaccountability for decisions and actions

accountability for decisions and actions

accountability for decisions and actionsaccountability for decisions and actions

17

MrPehinspectingapassing-outparadeattheImmigrationServiceInstitutionofTrainingandDevelopmentforthelasttimeinMarch2011.

140 countries todate. There are still some countriesthat need to come on board in relation to this.”

AstheDirectorofImmigration,MrPehinitiatedthe review of the Department’s InformationSystems Strategy and the Department is currentlyimplementingthethirdsuchstrategy.

ThroughthesereviewsImmDhas implementedplansandchangesfornewsystems.Forexample,theDepartment was the first government departmentto install and use computer technology back inthe 1970s. ImmD then studied new technology indepthandintroducednewstate-of-the-artsystems.HongKonghandles somany travellers that itwasnecessarytointroducethesenewsystemstomanageimmigration-relatedmatters.

Assistance beyond borders “Overall, Iwouldsay thatourcolleagues thesedayshaveaheavierworkloadthanwehad30yearsago,asmoreHongKongcitizensnowtravel.Sincethehandover,wehavealsobeenprovidingassistanceto Hong Kong citizens travelling overseas, suchas those trapped somewhere because of naturaldisasters. The Department now has a dedicatedteamofstaffwhoarereadytosetoffatveryshortnoticeandaretrainedtodealwithvarioussituationsandassistHongKongcitizensstrandedabroad.”

Thisteamhasrespondedtodisastersandcrisessuch as the Sichuan earthquake and the Manilahijackingincident,andmorerecentlythedevastatingearthquakeandtsunamiinJapan.Advancementsintechnologyoverrecentdecadeshaveenhancedtheoverall efficiency of the Department in providingoverseasassistance.Forinstance,theteammembersare equipped with satellite phones to maintaincommunications with Headquarters during theirmissionswhenothermeansofcommunicationsarenotavailable.

Mr Peh says the Department has alwaysmaintained an excellent working relationship withits Mainland and international counterparts. Therelationship with the Ministry of Public Security oftheMainlandandtheMinistryofForeignAffairs,inparticular,hasgrownevenclosersince1997.

“We live in a much closer world these days,and theexchangeof information isa fundamentalrequirement for any organisation that wishes tooperate at peak efficiency,” says Mr Peh. “In ournew globalised world we also have other issuesto contend with such as human smuggling, andwe need to maintain close relationships with ourcounterparts around the world to tackle problemssuchasthis.”

The good old days Reflectingonthepastthreedecades,MrPehrecallshisfirstpostingatLoWuControlPointaftertheinitialsix-monthtrainingas themostmemorable tohim.

“Theworldwasaverydifferentplacebackthenandcross-borderimmigrationfacilitieswerecertainlynot the architect-designed structures that peopleexperiencetoday,”MrPehsays.

“Inthosedays,LoWuwasoneoftheveryfewbordercrossingpointsbetweenHongKongandtheMainland.TheMainlandhadjustopenedupandthenumberofpassengerscrossingthebordereverydayjumpedmanyfolds.ButIremembervividlywearingabig,thickcoattowardoffthecoldinwinter,aswehadnoheatingwhereweworked.Theninsummerit was very hot and humid, but again we hadnothingas luxuriousasair-conditionedpremises. Itwashard to copeand really testedour enduranceand resilience,butwewereyoungand Iobviouslymadeitthroughthattestingperiod.”

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MrPehvisitingOsakaafterretirement.

18

A road well travelled Intoday’sfast-movingsociety,itisbecomingrarerand rarer for people towork for oneorganisationfortheirentirecareer.TheHongKongGovernmentstandsasarareexception,offeringrewardingcareersforthosededicatedtoservingHongKong.

In1998,MrPehwasawardedtheHongKongImmigration Service Long Service Medal, followedbytheFirstClaspin2003andtheSecondClaspin

2008.

“ThesemedalsandclaspsareawardedforlengthoftenurewithImmD.Theinitialmedalwasformy18-yearservicewiththeDepartment,thefirstclaspmarked 25 years with the Department, and thenthe second marked 30 years of service,” explainsMrPeh.“ItwasagreathonourtoreceivetheseandtheyeachmademerealisejusthowmuchIenjoyedmymanyyearswithImmD.”

Easing into retirement Enthusiastically embracing his retirement, MrPehsaysthathewilldedicatemoretimetoavarietyofinterestsrangingfromfootballtotravelling.

OnenewinteresttoenterMrPeh’sretirementlifeishisappointmentasamemberoftheHongKongFootballAssociation(HKFA)BoardofDirectors.

“No, I am not a football talent waiting tobe ‘discovered’ or Hong Kong’s answer to DavidBeckham,”saysMrPehwitha laugh.“IsitontheBoardbecause theGovernmentwants topromotelocalfootballandourfootballleaguebothwithinthecityandfurtherafield.One-thirdofthenineBoardmembers have no football background but haveother experience, such as management and law.Ihavebeeninvolvedinthelong-termdevelopmentof theorganisation, like recruiting theHKFA’snewChiefExecutiveOfficer, andwearealso seekingaNationalTeamCoachtotakethestandardoffootballinHongKongtothenextlevel.”

MrPehalsohasvarious interestshe iskeentopursue,includinganewone–TaiChi.

“I have taken up Tai Chi recently because it isgoodforbloodcirculationandhealthonthewhole,”saysMrPeh.“IusedtowatchpeoplepractisingTaiChi and they always looked so relaxed and calm.Then I realised there are numerous benefits inpractisingTaiChidaily.”

He also enjoys listening to classical music,althoughinhisyoungerdayshelovedChinesepopmusic.Nowadays,MrPehfindsclassicalmusicverysoothingandrelaxing,andhehasafreshappreciationforthegeniusofmanyclassicalcomposers.

Mr Peh loves travelling. Since retiring he hastravelled to theUnitedStates, Japan,VietnamandMalaysia, and he has many more destinations inmindforthefuture.

“TherearenumerousplacesIwouldlovetovisitin the coming years. Travelling is the best way toeducateyourselfabouttheworldandIamcuriousaboutmanycountriesaroundtheworld.”

And Mr Peh’s advice to prospective retirees inthecivilservice?

“Be ready and prepared for the change oflifestyle and mindset,” says Mr Peh. “It took mesometimetoadapttoretiredlifebutit isnotthatdifficultafterall!”

Pensioners’ Corner accountability for decisions and actionsaccountability for decisions and actions



19

Through the CODR’s highly secure computer system, authorised Hospital Authority medical staff can access information relating to organ donors who have just passed away and thus facilitate arrangements for organ transplants. This in turn benefits patients waiting for organ transplants. CODR recorded over 90,000 registrations as at December 31, 2011.

GardenofLife DH has been promoting organ donation and encouraging the public to register at CODR through different channels and in collaboration with relevant organisations. To cultivate an atmosphere in support of voluntary organ donation, the Garden of Life was constructed in Kowloon Park near the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre to commemorate the charitable acts of organ donors and their families. The Garden serves the purpose as an amenities area, an organ donation educational site and a place for saluting organ donors, as well as a venue for publicity activities aimed at promoting organ donation.

SpecialfeaturesoftheGarden• The landscape design, structural installations

and architecture of the Garden echo the theme “Light Up Lives”.

• The Garden is laid out in a circle representing life’s continuation.

• The Garden is centred around a pond with a butterfly logo symbolising organ donation. Beside the pond are pillars mimicking candles that signify hope and the continuation of good deeds.

• The pillars display the sentiments of donor families, organ recipients and medical staff.

• The design, materials and colour tone adopted are in harmony with the surrounding environment of Kowloon Park.

• Old and valuable trees within the site have been preserved.

The Garden was unveiled in November 2011. We highly recommend that you pay a visit. The atmosphere in the Garden at night with its special lighting effects will definitely impress you!

For more information, please visit the organ donation thematic website of DH at http://www.organdonation.gov.hk, or register a “LIKE” on the “Organ Donation@HK” Facebook Page at http://www.organdonation.gov.hk/fanpage_eng.

DOnating organs after death can light uplives of severely sick people, as well as theirfamilymembers.Toprovideanonlinechannelforprospectiveorgandonorstoregistertheirwishtobecomeanorgandonor,theDepartmentofHealth(DH) in 2008 established the Centralised OrganDonationRegister(CODR).

Department of Health

organ donation!Let’s “like”

Garden of Life in Kowloon Park.

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impartiality in the execution of public functionsimpartiality in the execution of public functions

impartiality in the execution of public functions

http://www.organdonation.gov.hk

http://www.organdonation.gov.hk

http://www.organdonation.gov.hk/fanpage_eng

http://www.organdonation.gov.hk/fanpage_eng

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Basic Law Couplet Competition —

Civil Service Training and Development Institute,Civil Service Bureau

Unleash your creativity

cHinese New Year 2012 comes

earlierthanusual,arrivingjustone

monthafterChristmas.ItisChinese

tradition to put up red couplets

duringtheChineseNewYeartobring

luckandprosperity.TheCivilService

Training and Development Institute

(CSTDI) of the Civil Service Bureau

(CSB) took this opportunity to hold a

“Basic Law Couplet Competition for

Civil Servants”betweenmid-December

2011andJanuary31,2012.

Colleagues were welcome to give play to their

creativity by expressing how they see the relationship

between the Basic Law and the development of Hong

Kong. With 2012 marking the 15th anniversary of the

reunification of Hong Kong with the motherland,

this has been also a good occasion for colleagues

to review the implementation of the Basic Law in

Hong Kong.

In addition to individual awards, there was also

a prize for the “Department with the Most Active

Participation”. Winning entries would be used in Basic

Law promotional activities for civil servants.

Results of the competition would be announced

around March 2012. For further details, please log in

at http://www.csb.gov.hk/clc → “The Basic Law

Corner”.

Basic Law political neutralitypolitical neutralitypolitical neutrality

political neutralitypolitical neutrality

http://www.csb.gov.hk/clc

21

The development of

Civil Service Training and Development Institute,Civil Service Bureau

cultural soft power of the Mainland

tHe concept of “soft power” was first advanced in the 1990s byformer Dean of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School ofGovernment,JosephNye.Hebelievesthatacountry’scomprehensivenationalstrengthcomprisesbothhardandsoftpowers.Whilehardpowersarerepresentedbyfactorssuchastheeconomy,technologyand military, soft powers are manifested by culture, political valuesandforeignpolicies.

Culture is the most significant component of a country’s soft powers. When a country has a culture so appealing and popular that it is being absorbed or integrated into cultures abroad, this country is in a good position to reduce hostility and enhance understanding between itself and other countries.

With its strides in economic development and technological advances in recent years, the Mainland is strengthening its international influence. While continuing to consolidate such hard powers, can it also develop its soft powers in tandem? This is a question calling for attention.

In February 2011, the Research Centre for the Soft Powers of Chinese Culture jointly with other organisations published the first “Blue Book of Cultural Soft Power: Annual Report on China’s Cultural Soft Power Research (2010)”. It points out that the Mainland’s cultural industries have a share of less than 4% in the world’s cultural market, compared with the more than 10% enjoyed by Western developed countries. It shows that there is still much room for it to develop its cultural soft power. That said, the Blue Book states that the Mainland has made remarkable progress in developing its cultural soft power in recent years by improving its legal system, promoting literature and arts, elevating the national spirit and seeking a greater say in international affairs.

The Mainland’s achievements in cultural soft power building are mainly reflected in the following five areas:

1 Cultural soft power was first included in the agenda of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (the Congress) in 2007, and was incorporated in the national development strategy at the 6th Plenary Session of the Congress in October 2011. The slogan for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games “One World, One Dream” and the theme of the Shanghai Expo 2010 “Better City, Better Life” were both aimed at introducing the core value of “harmonious coexistence” in Chinese culture to the world.

2 Despite starting late, the Mainland’s cultural industries have been developing rapidly in recent years. Between 2004 and 2011, the Ministry of Culture named a total of six national cultural industry demonstration zones in three batches. Among these were the Cultural Industries Park of the Ancient Capital of the Song Dynasty in

Kaifeng, Henan Province, and the Zhangjiang Cultural Industries Park in Shanghai, which was named in 2011.

3 The development of cultural soft power is progressing at a rapid pace at a local level. In recent years, large and medium-sized cities like Wuxi, Nanchang, Jiujiang, Qingdao, Chongqing, Shenzhen and Wuhan have, one after another, put forward plans or policies for strengthening their soft powers.

4 Traditional culture, an integral part of the Mainland’s cultural soft power, has been accorded further importance in recent years. The promotion of Chinese culture abroad is achieving results, as can be seen, for example, in the growing trend of teaching the Chinese language to foreigners.

5 Former president of the China Foreign Affairs University, Wu Jianmin said that in order to achieve long-term stability and prosperity, there was a need to develop China’s mainstream culture as it would help set the code of conduct for the public and maintain social stability. It can be seen that the promotion of traditional culture, facilitation of social development, enhancement of people’s education levels, improvement of people’s livelihood, and mutual assistance among neighbours will all help enhance a country’s soft powers.

The Civil Service Training and Development Institute invited former head of the College of Arts of Jinan University, Chen Weiming, to host a seminar on “Developing China’s Cultural Soft Power” in January 2012. The seminar covered the basic concepts and issues of cultural soft power, the present state of the Mainland’s cultural soft power and the ways of enhancing cultural soft power. Notes about the seminar have been uploaded to the Cyber Learning Centre (CLC) Plus. Please follow the path below to access the information:CLC Plus → National Studies Portal →

Learning Resources → Resources on National Studies

Source of information:Remin Wang (http://politics.people.com.cn/BIG5/30178/ 6486623.html)Xinhuanet (http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2011-02/18/ c_121098327.htm)

Informationdedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community


22

DedicatedOccupationalHealthCentres

commenceoperation

Subsequent to the opening of the Occupational Health Centre (OHC)

for Government employees at the Hospital Authority’s (HA) Queen Elizabeth

Hospital on June 20, 2011, another OHC at the

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH)

commenced operation on November 21, 2011. Newly

renovated, the OHC at PYNEH provides one-stop

medical services for Government employees suffering

from injury on duty (IOD) /occupational diseases (OD)

in a comfortable and dedicated clinic setting.

The two OHCs, situated in accessible locations

in Ho Man Tin and Chai Wan respectively,

provide services ranging from immediate

to follow-up medical treatments, including

physiotherapy, occupational therapy and

simple wound management, exclusively for

government employees. The OHC services are

an ideal choice for colleagues suffering from

IOD/OD, as the services would assist a speedy

recovery.

Colleagues suffering from IOD/OD who have started follow-up treatment

at the regular HA/Department of Health facilities and are within three months

from the date of confirmed IOD/OD may also opt to use the OHC services.

Booking of appointments with OHCs can be made by fax, telephone or in

person. Please refer to the Civil Service Bureau Circular No. 8/2011 for details of

OHC services and arrangements.

News from Civil Service Bureau

Information dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the communitydedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community

dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community

23

Senior staff on the move

2012StartingSalariesSurveyand2012PayLevelSurvey Under the Improved Civil Service Pay Adjustment Mechanism, civil service pay is compared with private sector pay on a regular basis through three different types of surveys, namely (i) an annual pay trend survey; (ii) a three-yearly Starting Salaries Survey (SSS) and (iii) a six-yearly Pay Level Survey (PLS). Under this Mechanism, pay trend surveys are conducted annually. The last SSS and PLS were conducted in 2009 and 2006 respectively. Accordingly, the next SSS and PLS are due to be conducted in 2012.

The Consultative Group on Civil Service Pay Adjustment Mechanism, comprising staff representatives from the four Central Consultative Councils and the four major service-wide staff unions/associations was convened on December 9, 2011 in preparation for the 2012 SSS and the 2012 PLS. Staff representatives were supportive of the conduct of the 2012 SSS and the 2012 PLS in accordance with the Mechanism. Staff representatives also agreed that the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service (the Standing Commission) should be invited to conduct the two surveys and to advise how the survey findings should be applied to the civil service, and make a request for thorough consultation during the process. With the support of staff representatives, the Administration has invited the Standing Commission to launch the 2012 PLS and the 2012 SSS exercise and conveyed the above views for the Commission’s consideration.

News from Civil Service Bureau

Name Post Effectivefrom

Frank Chan Fan Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services December 17, 2011Daniel Lai Government Chief Information Officer January 3, 2012

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