honesty and integrity honesty and integrity honesty and integrity honesty and integrity Features Dedication and exemplary performance acknowledged Civil Service Newsletter Editorial Board

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.

Mr Tsang congratulating the award recipients.

In November 2011, the Secretary for the Civil The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) administers Service (SCS), Denise Yue Chung-yee, presented the Scheme. In making nominations to CSB, awards under the SCS’ Commendation Award Heads of Bureaus/Departments/Grades make Scheme to 77 civil servants from 32 bureaus/ reference, where applicable, to past staff appraisals. departments (B/Ds) for their meritorious Nominations are then considered by an awards achievement. The Chief Executive, Donald Tsang committee and forwarded to SCS for approval. Yam-kuen, together with other guests, attended a reception following the ceremony to express his Promoting a healthy, drug-free congratulations and appreciation to the winners. Award recipient Tang Chun-tung joined the This year marked the Scheme’s eighth Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) in 1979 and presentation ceremony since it was introduced is now working in the Customs Drug Investigation in 2004. At the ceremony, Miss Yue thanked the Bureau (CDIB). winners for their contributions to the Government, their B/Ds and the community. “I am deeply honoured to have been a recipient of the SCS’ Commendation Award,” says the Chief “A professional and highly efficient civil service is Customs Officer. “My 30 years with the Department pivotal to effective governance and administration,” have been very rewarding and I am dedicated to she said. “In response to the community’s rising always achieving the best results possible in all expectations of the Government and the increasing aspects of my daily work.” demand for public services, civil service colleagues

must continue to uphold their professionalism Mr Tang sharing and deliver quality services. The Chief Executive is his experience in anti-narcotics work. confident that the civil service will hold fast to the principle of caring for the people and continue to serve the public and contribute to the community.”

Each recipient received a certificate of recognition and a gold pin. Travel awards were also presented to recipients with 20 or more years of service who had not previously received this award. 3 honesty and integrity honesty and integrity Features honesty and integrity honesty and integrity

During his three decades of service, Mr Tang Going the extra mile has received 12 commendations from senior For fellow colleagues of the Housing management acknowledging his exceptional and Department’s Senior Planning Officer, Eunice Mak outstanding performance as displayed during drug Hoi-cheung, her acknowledgement in the SCS’ investigations and operational duties. Commendation Award Scheme came as no surprise with her reputation for going the extra mile and Mr Tang was especially acknowledged for his taking up additional tasks with energy, dedication continuing efforts in the successful detection of cases and enthusiasm for the benefit of the Section, the that have provided valuable intelligence in relation to Division and the Department. drug trafficking, and has also helped consolidate the position of C&ED as a prominent drug enforcement agency across the region.

“My job is very dependent on reliable intelligence and the quick, but cautious, performance of my duties when action is called for,” says Mr Tang. “At C&ED, the relationship between colleagues is a very close one, as we all depend on each other to achieve a successful outcome, so I also share the kudos associated with this Award with my colleagues who have worked with me and assisted me over the years.” Ms Mak Hoi-cheung receiving the Award from Miss Yue.

He recalls the time he and six other colleagues tried to catch a drug trafficking gang. When he was “I am very honoured to have been acknowledged running after one of the gang members, he was in the Scheme,” says Ms Mak. “I work with an accidentally hit by a car, but he got right back up amazing group of colleagues, from the very again and kept chasing the man. In the end, all the experienced to new, young recruits and I am gang members were arrested and 30 kilograms of continually amazed at the dedication, inspiration heroin was seized. and motivation of everyone I work with to achieve excellence in the application of their duties.” During his posting in the Airport Investigation Division of CDIB, Mr Tang demonstrated his Ms Mak has also been recognised by the planning competence and leadership when discharging community across Hong Kong for her contributions his responsibilities in different scenarios. He was in promoting the interests of the profession and extremely experienced and skillful in investigating mentoring younger planners, as well as supporting transnational drug trafficking activities at the airport, the work of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners and where his high level of initiative and commitment to the Planners Registration Board. investigation work was constantly reflected in his outstanding work performance. Ms Mak was heavily involved in formulating the policy on preservation of older public housing estates “It was a great compliment to be asked to be through major rehabilitation and the Comprehensive an Instructor in the Drug Investigation Workshop, an Structural Investigation Programme. The new in-house CDIB training programme,” says Mr Tang. housing policy on preservation of older estates “I have extensive experience in anti-narcotics work through a systematic structural investigation and and I was very pleased to be able to pass on some of improvement programme has been in place since the experience and knowledge I have gained over the 2007, and has been well received by the community years to nurture and develop young investigators.” and tenants alike. 4 honesty and integrity honesty and integrity honesty and integrity honesty and integrity Features

Ms Mak’s leadership capabilities, professional “I am delighted to be a recipient of this award,” competency, strong interpersonal skills and says Mr Lai. “I love animals and my job allows me commitment to job success were all demonstrated in to interact with animals that most people rarely get her management of the “Study on Parking Facilities to see, let alone have a daily relationship with. Each in Public Housing Developments”. Her work was animal I deal with has its own unique personality, instrumental in the more effective use of Housing just like we do, and they welcome exchanges with Authority’s (HA) resources, including estimated us and the care we provide for them. For instance, a savings of $106 million to $285 million annually hornbill that I brought up now treats me like a friend from HA’s construction budget, as well as and even shares its food with me.” contributing to a greener, healthier and more liveable environment. Mr Lai has made valuable contributions to breeding programmes for endangered species, Ms Mak was also a major contributor to the including the Golden Lion Tamarin, Pygmy Marmoset, successful launch of the Geographic Information Buff-cheeked Gibbon and Ring-tailed Lemur. In System (GIS) for the Development and Construction January 2010, he also assisted in the transfer of a Division (DCD) of the Department. She advocated the 15-year-old Borneo Orangutan, Vandu, from Sosto implementation of this new system, sought support Zoo in Hungary to Hong Kong, which was a great from senior directorate staff for its implementation, success and resulted in a pair of orangutan twins managed the development and research work, liaised being born in July. with and consulted relevant parties, both internally and externally, to obtain useful data, and succeeded Mr Lai initiated a series of improvement works in launching the new system in less than one year. at HKZBG, including the provision of buffer areas for The DCD-GIS won a Special Achievement Award the aviaries and reptile house to prevent the birds in the 2010 GIS Awards, an international award and animals from escaping, as well as the relocation presented by the Environmental Systems Research of animal enrichment devices like climbing ropes Institute (ESRI) for outstanding accomplishments in and feeding troughs to enhance visitors’ visual the field of GIS. impressions. Each of these improvement works has been highly appreciated by visitors. Natural animal lover Another award recipient is Senior Amenities “I worked in the Zoo and Horticulture Education Assistant of the Leisure and Cultural Services Unit from 2000 to 2006, where I was responsible for Department, Lai Yuk-ming, who has cared for many conducting guided visits to various parks for young animals at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical students at pre-primary and primary levels,” says Gardens (HKZBG) over the past decade. Mr Lai. “To get their attention, I prepared teaching aids, such as animal models, photos and colour plates. These informative and lively presentations have helped promote conservation awareness. It is indeed my commitment to provide quality zoological services to the public.”

(From left to right) Lai Yuk-ming, Eunice Mak Hoi-cheung and Tang Chun-tung were three of the 77 recipients of the SCS’ Commendation Award. 5 honesty and integrity honesty and integrity Features honesty and integrity honesty and integrity

List of award recipients for SCS’ Commendation 2011

Bureau/Department Name Substantive rank Agriculture, Fisheries and Kwong Yan-nin Senior Field Officer Conservation Department Audit Commission Wan Tak-kai Chief Examiner Buildings Department Ho Chun-hung Senior Building Surveyor Yan Man-hoi Senior Structural Engineer Civil Aid Service Ng Hon-ming Operations and Training Assistant Civil Engineering and Ng Yu-ping Artisan Development Department Ling Siu-tsang Senior Geotechnical Engineer Yung Kin-man Senior Engineer Tang Hin-tat Senior Technical Officer (Civil) Ho Mau-ying Clerical Assistant Bureau/Department Name Substantive rank Correctional Services Cinty Cheung Officer Government Flying Siu Chan Lai-see Senior Clerical Officer Department Ngai-ming Service Wan Yum-kwong Assistant Officer I Food and Environmental Lau Kwok-keung Workman II Lau Sau-ming Assistant Officer I Hygiene Department Chan Wai-ming Hawker Control Customs and Excise Tang Chun-tung Chief Customs Officer Officer Department Chan Kwong- Chief Customs Officer Cheung Yat- Workman I kwong cheung Mok Lai-yin Trade Controls Officer Li Ka-kei Superintendent of Environmental Health Lau Yee-man Workman II Lam Sau-ming Clerical Officer Census and Statistics Chan Kit-fei Statistical Officer I Department Highways Department Chow Kam-yeung Chainman Department of Health Chan Charn-ho Artisan (Hospital Kwok Siu-chun Senior Clerical Officer Authority) Hong Kong Observatory Kwok Chuen-sai Property Attendant Szeto Wai-lun Ward Manager Mok Lai-ping Personal Secretary I (Hospital Authority) Hong Kong Police Force Ricky Kwan Tat- Senior Force Welfare Siu Suk-yin Nursing Officer kam Officer (Hospital Authority) Patrick Heng Chief Inspector of Tang To-fong Clerical Officer Tin-kin Police Education Bureau Leung Wai-shun Senior Education Wu Shu-yan Station Sergeant Officer Edmond Lau Kam- Senior Clinical Cheung Lung-ho Workman II lun Psychologist Electrical and Mechanical Lau Tak-wa Senior Electrical and Lee Dun-wai Senior Clerical Officer Services Department Mechanical Engineer Hongkong Post Man Fuk-wo Superintendent of Ho Ming-sang Senior Electrical Posts Inspector Chan Kwai-tim Postman Environmental Protection Shirley Chan Wai- Environmental Housing Department Eunice Mak Hoi- Senior Planning Officer Department sheung Protection Inspector cheung Fire Services Department Lai Wai-man Principal Fireman Chan Shu-on Senior Technical Yuen Fong-him Principal Fireman Officer (Building Chan Wing-hang Principal Fireman Services) Cheung Wai-ming Principal Ling Ming-tak Principal Technical Ambulanceman Officer (Architectural) Leung Ngai-chiu Principal Fok Chuck-leung Quantity Surveyor Ambulanceman Shum Fung-ho Personal Secretary I

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Bureau/Department Name Substantive rank Immigration Department Fung Chi-po Chief Immigration Assistant Shum Ho-hang Senior Immigration Assistant Clara Cheng Senior Immigration Chak-yu Officer Peter Leung Chi- Immigration Officer wah Leung Siu-wah Clerical Officer Information Services Chow Pui-ying Senior Information Department Officer Inland Revenue Wan Leung Senior Assessor Department Judiciary Chiu Lai-to Head Property Attendant Land Registry Ng Lai-ling Clerical Officer Legal Aid Department Chan Chi-tak Senior Clerical Officer Leisure and Cultural Leung Chi-kwong Cultural Services Services Department Assistant II Lai Yuk-ming Senior Amenities Assistant To Chi-wing Clerical Officer Labour Department Fong Ching-wai Chief Labour Inspector Marine Department Wu Kwong-shing Senior Assistant Shipping Master Social Welfare Yolanda Lo Pui- Senior Social Security Department king Assistant Belinda Cheng Chief Social Work Pang Kam-chi Assistant Yung Wai-sun Artisan Kam Ling Pui-yi Assistant Clerical Officer Transport Department Wong Yiu-man Driving Examiner I Au King-yuen Traffic Assistant Aw See-chung Office Assistant Water Supplies Clement Leung Senior Electrical Department Man-hon Engineer

7 honesty and integrity honesty and integrity Features honesty and integrity honesty and integrity Public service enhanced through sharing geospatial data Lands Department Digital maps are proving increasingly important to support daily life. The GeoInfo Map, a digital map designed and developed by the Lands Department (LandsD), is now publicly available on the Internet. Through this sophisticated electronic map service, both the locals and tourists from abroad can have convenient access to information on Hong Kong’s

The Honourable Li Fung-ying presenting the geography, buildings, roads, Gold Prize of the Internal Service Award to Mr Tsoi of the GIH team of LandsD. natural environment and public facilities. In the past, geographic and related information was kept in bits and pieces under different formats A one-stop geospatial information hub. in the computer systems of various government Well received since its launch, GIH is now accessible departments, forming numerous information islands. through more than 50 government departments, Maintained separately by each department, such with hits averaging over 150,000 per day. As the information was not well correlated and difficult to flow of geospatial information and data sharing search and retrieve. To address this issue, a team in the among government departments have been made Land Information Centre of the Lands Department much easier by GIH, many departments realising took the initiative to collect and integrate geographic the benefits have expressed interest in forming a information from various departments and developed partnership with the Land Information Centre. a government-wide one-stop information platform known as the Geospatial Information Hub (GIH) to Take monuments conservation for example. support the internal operation of the Government. Making use of this platform, colleagues in various Through the Intranet, departments now enjoy ready works departments can quickly locate and obtain access to integrated geospatial information, which information about historical buildings, monuments facilitates their daily work and decision-making and heritage in Hong Kong to assess the impact processes, thus enhancing their services to the of works project proposals on them. The Hub also public. To move towards the goal of providing supports the Government’s efforts in the areas of seamless government services, the team has public health, electoral affairs, engineering and also developed the GeoInfo Map, a geographic planning, as well as search and rescue actions. information and map service on the Internet, for use by the public. “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.”

The Geospatial Information Service Unit of the Lands Department won the Gold Prize in Mr Tsoi delivering a talk to the colleagues of the Hong Kong Observatory, introducing the development and implementation of geographic the Internal Service Award of the Civil Service information service. Outstanding Service Award Scheme 2011. 8 honesty and integrity honesty and integrity honesty and integrity honesty and integrity Features Marine mud treatment innovation Housing Department

Marine mud, excavated from reclaimed land during construction, is generally regarded as unsuitable material for use in reclamation or other construction projects due to its high water content, soft, bouncy texture and contamination. As a result, marine mud is usually dumped into landfills or marine dumping sites, adding costs to construction projects and the environment. However, a group of engineers from the Housing Department (HD), Elizabeth Shing Siu-ching presenting the Gold known as “Marine Mud Green Process Pioneer”, recently Prize of the General Public Service Award to Duncan Warren Pescod, Permanent Secretary found a way to turn this otherwise useless material into a for Transport and Housing (Housing) cum Director of Housing. valuable resource.

While working on the public housing treated marine mud for development project at Kai Tak, HD estimated that backfilling on Site 1A. developing the area would excavate approximately 12,000 cubic metres of marine mud from the Kai At the construction Tak Site 1A alone. This large amount of marine stage, after completing mud was equivalent to the volume of the total solid comprehensive studies, waste dumped into all the landfills in Hong Kong in a trials and refinements, Marine mud stratum exposed from an excavation. three-day period. the engineers found the most cost-effective mixture that complies with all Faced with this large amount of marine mud, HD quality requirements. By using a 16:3:1 ratio of mud, engineers pondered ways to treat the marine mud in-situ sand and cement, the contractor recycled all in a more environmental-friendly and economical the marine mud and used it for backfilling at Site 1A manner. The engineers came up with an innovative without the need to dispose of it off-site. solution to this problem. Mixing marine mud with in-situ sand and cement increases the mud’s This marine mud treatment technology is the strength and stabilises the contaminants and heavy first of its kind in Hong Kong and is the result of metals. After going through this process, the unrelenting innovation and a passion for protecting stabilised marine mud resembles ordinary soil and the environment. The “Green Pioneer” won the thus can be used for backfilling at the Kai Tak site. 2011 Environmental Paper Award from the Hong This treatment process is more eco-friendly than Kong Institution of Engineers. The Environmental dumping and can reduce the cost of transportation Protection Department also considers this successful and purchasing normal backfilling materials. technology as a good reference case for the engineering sector to recycle and reuse marine mud, The project team introduced new quality instead of disposing the waste off-site. requirements and specifications for this new treatment process. They also met tenderers for the Site 1A The Marine Mud Green Process Pioneer won the foundation contract to explain the new technology Gold Prize in the General Public Service Award and created design and work provisions that required of the Civil Service Outstanding Service Award the contractor to take part in related tests and use Scheme 2011. 9 commitment to the rule of law commitment to the rule of law commitment to the rule of law Close up commitment to the rule of law

Being a smarter regulator

Economic 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.

“Apart from conducting site visits and checking the Mutual Covenant, what I have to do is to bring Ms Lai sharing the Force’s keys to success as a smart regulator. the residents and the operator together,” says Ms Lai. “We asked the operator to find ways to live in “I wear more than one hat. Today, I am a law peace with the residents, such as adding security enforcement officer. Tomorrow, I will be a business measures to put the residents at ease.” facilitator,” says Ms Lai. “I have learnt how to see things through the eyes of the public and business “Business operators, residents, different operators while conducting police work.” licensing departments and law enforcement officers have different perspectives. In processing Ms Lai shares her thoughts at an experience a licence application, I always put all the factors sharing session organised by the Economic Analysis on a scale and weigh this against that to reach a and Business Facilitation Unit in May 2011. Around satisfactory conclusion.” 20 colleagues from 10 different government departments met to share their insights on how to Another key tip for a smart regulator is effective carry out licensing work without imposing obsolete communication. “In the communication process, or unnecessary licensing rules. the Police always remains neutral,” says Ms Lai. She always maintains this “mindset” when considering Ms Lai says that as a law enforcement officer, whether she will issue a licence in relation to observing the law and the established mechanism an application. in a licence application is, of course, important. But she believes that it is also essential to clearly identify the different interests of the parties involved in order to find a solution that is acceptable to all. In this process, she often has to first sort out competing interests between business operators and residents before she can communicate effectively with them.

Ms Lai cites an example of a pawnbroker licence application where the Incorporated Owners opposed the application. To resolve the disagreement, she had to see things through the eyes of both the residents and the operator. Ms Wong sharing her experience of business facilitation at the Buildings Department.

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To promote effective communication, preparation is essential. “Only if you thoroughly understand the spirit of the law and prepare well in advance can you convince people of the need for regulation,” she says.

Ms Lai points out that since she took up the licensing job two and a half years ago, she has For Mrs Fok, the Business Liaison Group enables LCSD to understand the learnt to consider the views of the operators by trades’ needs. communicating with trade representatives through the Business Liaison Group meetings established Ms Wong sums up the tips to smart regulation as under the “Be the Smart Regulator” Programme. observing the principle of “listening attentively; assisting proactively”. Finally, a positive attitude is an important attribute in smart regulation. There are times when The third speaker at the experience sharing one may receive complaints no matter how hard session, Chief Leisure Manager (Aquatic Venues) you work. Ms Lai says she tends not to get upset of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department about such complaints. As civil servants, she (LCSD), Doris Fok Lee Sheung-ling, agrees that considers it our responsibility to serve the public. She putting yourself into the operator’s shoes is a key recalls an applicant who lodged a complaint against to smart regulation and communication is important her, even though she had helped him apply for a in licensing work. She finds the Business Liaison temporary liquor licence. The complaint was not Groups under the “Be the Smart Regulator” substantiated. Programme particularly useful in understanding the needs of relevant trades. “As the community has a higher expectation of the Government, the number of complaints For example, at a Business Liaison Group’s will inevitably increase. But as long as you do your meeting, representatives from the billiard trade job well, I believe that the complaint will not be hoped that LCSD would relax the rules prohibiting substantiated,” says Ms Lai. teenagers from entering billiard establishments.

Regarding complaints, another speaker, Senior Under the existing Places of Amusement Building Surveyor of the Buildings Department Regulation, any person in school uniform is (BD), Wong Pui-yee, says most of the complaints prohibited to enter a licensed billiard establishment stem from misunderstandings of licensing rules, whilst teenagers under the age of 16 are prohibited regulations and procedures. She believes that between 8pm and 10am unless the Director of proactive communication with the public can Leisure and Cultural Services gives permission in forestall these complaints. writing.

When new measures, such as minor works Mrs Fok says after exchanging views with related to licence applications under the Minor trade representatives, LCSD recognised the trade Works Control System, were introduced, BD would situation and exercised discretion within the laws to inform the public through seminars, pamphlets and relax the restrictions on a case-by-case basis, as long leaflets for greater transparency. The Department as the interests of the public were not compromised. has appointed Business Facilitation Officers to assist licence applicants. Applicants can also check “The Business Liaison Group under the ‘Be the the status of their applications via an Application Smart Regulator’ Programme is a very good platform Tracking Facility developed by the Efficiency Unit. to understand the trades’ needs,” Mrs Fok concludes.

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Flights into stormy weather Government Flying Service and Hong Kong Observatory

Since July 2009, the Government Flying Service (GFS) and the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) have been co-operating to gather valuable meteorological data from the airspace around Hong Kong International Airport. Data is collected during designated flights by a GFS Jetstream 41 aircraft, equipped with a specially designed meteorological probe, to improve the accuracy of windshear and turbulence alerts, and thus

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

Recently, this co-operation has been extended Observations of tropical cyclones nowadays are to include exploratory data collection flights by the mainly made using remote-sensing technology, such same GFS aircraft into tropical cyclones that have as weather radars and meteorological satellites. tracked close to Hong Kong across the northern part However, such observations cannot provide the of the South Sea. ground truth of the wind structure inside the cyclone. In particular, wind measurements near sea level Tropical cyclones are a most severe form of are crucial in monitoring the strength of a tropical weather that can bring about loss of life and cyclone and thus assessing the societal impact that significant damage to properties in coastal areas. it may render. Sending a reconnaissance flight to In the Americas, the strongest tropical cyclones are capture data inside a over the sea called hurricanes. The devastating loss of life brought is one solution, but nowadays only a few major about by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 weather services in the world have the capability to is still remembered by many people. In Asia, the do so. most intense tropical cyclones are called , and we are reminded every year of their ferocity as On June 22, 2011, Tropical Storm Haima was they batter their way across the to strike centred south of Hong Kong, affecting the northern the coasts of southern China and Vietnam, claiming part of the Sea. In supporting this new lives and causing devastation. HKO data collection initiative, the GFS Jetstream 41 aircraft, equipped with sophisticated meteorological Even with today’s technology, forecasting measuring equipment, flew near the centre of Haima the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones to collect first-hand meteorological data at different accurately remains a great challenge to weather altitudes. This data included wind strength and services around the world. Another major challenge direction, air temperature, humidity and pressure. is the scarcity of weather observations over the vast Such data is very helpful in determining the strength oceans where tropical cyclones develop and intensify. of the storm and supporting decision-making in the

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provision of public weather services. This was the affected by the very turbulent conditions. At this first time in Hong Kong that a fixed-wing aircraft low altitude, big waves and whitecaps over the had flown near the centre of a tropical cyclone to endless sea were clearly seen. The team’s main collect special meteorological data. concerns at that time were the turbulence and downdrafts associated with the thunderstorms “No matter how experienced or bold a pilot along their flight path and the need to initiate may be, his primary thoughts about thunderstorms immediate recovery action if required. They are staying out of them!” says one of the pilots on therefore took particular caution in avoiding flying the GFS data collection flight into Haima, into heavy weather areas by referring to the weather Captain Eric Leung Man-chiu. “I remember this from radar display in the cockpit that showed where the the time I started learning to fly and the importance storm cells with the heaviest rain were located in of avoiding significant weather in flight has been red colour. However, there are always limitations on continuously emphasised throughout my flying weather radar because it does not show all areas career. It was therefore somewhat ‘interesting’ that of potential turbulence, but only those associated our recent meteorological data collection flight for with rain. While the aircraft was tossing around, HKO during the approach of Tropical Storm Haima the pilots could momentarily hear the noise of the in the literally required the aircraft heavy raindrops hitting the windscreen and their to head towards the centre of the storm!” vision was temporarily obstructed. They knew that they needed to alter course and stay out of the heavy To collect the required meteorological data – rain areas as they always produce an unstable ride. wind, temperature, humidity and pressure – the Jetstream 41 followed the predetermined routing “We both agreed that it was much more provided by HKO and completed two 100-nautical demanding to fly this leg as compared to the one mile (185km) long survey paths at 1,000 feet and at higher altitude. Overall, we found this a very 10,000 feet respectively. The aircraft started off on rewarding experience and we hope that our work the 10,000 feet path, which was so close to the will contribute to the success of HKO’s forecasting centre of Haima that the pilots experienced gradual work,” says Captain Leung. changes in wind direction over a brief period of time. Despite the fact that there were thundery clouds and On September 28, 2011, GFS conducted another heavy rain in the beginning, flight conditions in the data collection flight into in which centre of Haima were very smooth. Cruising at 200 Captain Michael Ng Chi-wah was involved. 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 Observations of GFS fixed-wing aircraft and satellite from noon to 1pm on which to recover control of the aircraft if it was September 28, 2011.

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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.

It was a storm tracking task which required of the South China Sea in order to fill in the data the team to fly a survey line between 200 and 250 void in this region. nautical miles from Hong Kong, along the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (FIR) boundary Two new Bombardier Challenger 605 jet on a northeast to southwest track. The team was aircraft will be introduced into service in 2013 requested to fly at 15,000 feet and then fly the and they will both be equipped with the latest reciprocal direction of the same line at 5,000 feet. meteorological data collection equipment. With the expected new technology, it will be possible for “We started off on a good sunny day with blue the meteorological data collected by GFS aircraft to sky and white cloud patches in Hong Kong,” says be downloaded immediately to the ground station, Captain Ng. “However, we could only maintain from which the measurements can be transmitted a smooth ride for the first 20 minutes. After that, to weather services around the world. Such data will the wind started to pick up and was shown to be also be very useful in monitoring and forecasting 60 knots according to the Flight Management various kinds of significant weather phenomena, for Computer for most of the flight. Flight conditions instance, windshear in the vicinity of the airport and were so turbulent that it felt like the crew was the formation and evolution of tropical cyclones. riding on the back of a bucking wild bull. The widespread heavy showers acted like high powered In addition, the weather information gathered water jets washing the aircraft.” by the aircraft has been put into a HKO numerical weather prediction model and it was found that the These turbulent conditions had to be handled recorded data was able to provide a more accurate with extra caution, relying on information from picture of the heaviest rainfall areas. This enables HKO the sophisticated weather radar and GFS aviation to provide better predictions to the local community knowledge bank, as well as the pilots’ years of on the intensity and location of the expected rainfall. experience. With the improved availability, accuracy and “We were glad to be involved in such a timeliness of meteorological data, HKO will be meaningful mission to collect such useful data. The able to provide more accurate forecasts and where data collected will be valuable for improving storm necessary, give warnings to affected parties and forecasting, upon which the public rely to make communities so that they can be better prepared sensible safety decisions,” says Captain Ng. to cope with the impacts and possible damage caused by these destructive weather phenomena, GFS will continue to collaborate with HKO to and to mitigate the devastating effects on lives collect meteorological data over the northern part and properties. 14 dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community Personalities

Dragon Boat Charity Race benefits both Force and charities Hong Kong Police Force

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.

ON October 15, 2011, the Police Dragon Boat Club held its annual Police Dragon Boat Charity Race on the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin.

Since 2004, the Club has been raising funds for Civilian Staff Relations Division, and the Planning various charitable groups through hotly contested and Development Branch. dragon boat races, including for example the China Star Light Charity Fund Association for the building Amid all the cheers and led by the Director of of schools in remote regions on the Mainland, the Finance, Administration and Planning and team Digital Solitary Fund for purchasing computers for members, the E-dragon team achieved fifth position the underprivileged and the Senior Citizen Home in the Gold Cup final among 13 strong dragon boat Safety Association for the installation of the Personal teams. The E-dragon team raised $17,010 for the Emergency Link for the elderly. In 2011, the Club Little Life Warrior Society. raised funds for the Little Life Warrior Society that supports the welfare of child cancer fighters. The Police Dragon Boat Charity Race not only allows civilian officers in the Force to participate in The programme featured 27 races and a sporting event and raise funds for people in need, attracted 66 teams to participate. Among the but also further fosters the working relationship participating teams, there was one newly formed and understanding between civilian and disciplined team – “E-dragon” – comprising the Force civilian officers. Civilian officers will continue to participate staff. The paddlers were from the Finance Division, in this meaningful event in the future and hope to Internal Audit Division, Stores Management Division, paddle their way to greater success this year. Personnel and General Division, Establishment and 15 accountability for decisions and actions accountability for decisions and actions accountability for decisions and actions Pensioners’ Corner accountability for decisions and actions Focused career leads to retirement variety Civil Service Newsletter Editorial Board

FOR 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).

Mr Peh recalls the time before he joined the in Hong Kong and around the world in relation to Government. immigration issues.

“I studied biochemistry at the Chinese University Society changes of Hong Kong and I enjoyed my years there very “In the past three decades, Hong Kong has much,” says Mr Peh. “I believe that university changed a great deal,” says Mr Peh. “This meant education is good training for the mind and teaches that the Immigration Department also had to adapt logical thinking and reasoning. Studying biochemistry and change in order to guarantee the continued also enhanced my ability to deal with figures which provision of quality services to Hong Kong citizens, later proved to be very useful to my career.” foreign visitors and others. The Department also has to deal with various new challenges and introduce Embarking on a desired career information technology to cope with the increasing Following his graduation in 1977, Mr Peh worked workload and provide more sophisticated services.” as an executive trainee in the private sector to gain experience, but even then he had a desire to join the Mr Peh sees the introduction of the e-Channel Government for the job security it would offer and at immigration control points as one of the more importantly for the opportunity to contribute major changes at ImmD. Automated self-service to Hong Kong’s development. immigration clearance through e-Channels has raised the level of convenience for the public and “It was interesting to know how the private efficiency for colleagues. sector operates, but I quickly realised that the type of work I really wanted to do was a service-oriented job “Another major change was lobbying countries and to serve people,” says Mr Peh. “This is exactly around the world for visa-free access to their country what many government departments are doing for for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region the public and joining the Government therefore (HKSAR) passport holders. Shortly before and after had a great appeal to me.” the handover some 14 years ago, very few countries had confidence in HKSAR passports,” says Mr Peh. In 1978, Mr Peh joined ImmD and during his “However, our lobbying efforts were very successful 33-year career he witnessed major changes both and Hong Kong citizens have visa-free access to some

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

140 countries to date. There are still some countries “We live in a much closer world these days, that need to come on board in relation to this.” and the exchange of information is a fundamental requirement for any organisation that wishes to As the Director of Immigration, Mr Peh initiated operate at peak efficiency,” says Mr Peh. “In our the review of the Department’s Information new globalised world we also have other issues Systems Strategy and the Department is currently to contend with such as human smuggling, and implementing the third such strategy. we need to maintain close relationships with our counterparts around the world to tackle problems Through these reviews ImmD has implemented such as this.” plans and changes for new systems. For example, the Department was the first government department The good old days to install and use computer technology back in Reflecting on the past three decades, Mr Peh recalls the 1970s. ImmD then studied new technology in his first posting at Lo Wu Control Point after the initial depth and introduced new state-of-the-art systems. six-month training as the most memorable to him. Hong Kong handles so many travellers that it was necessary to introduce these new systems to manage immigration-related matters. “The world was a very different place back then and cross-border immigration facilities were certainly Assistance beyond borders not the architect-designed structures that people experience today,” Mr Peh says. “Overall, I would say that our colleagues these days have a heavier workload than we had 30 years ago, as more Hong Kong citizens now travel. Since “In those days, Lo Wu was one of the very few the handover, we have also been providing assistance border crossing points between Hong Kong and the to Hong Kong citizens travelling overseas, such Mainland. The Mainland had just opened up and the as those trapped somewhere because of natural number of passengers crossing the border every day disasters. The Department now has a dedicated jumped many folds. But I remember vividly wearing team of staff who are ready to set off at very short a big, thick coat to ward off the cold in winter, as we notice and are trained to deal with various situations had no heating where we worked. Then in summer and assist Hong Kong citizens stranded abroad.” it was very hot and humid, but again we had nothing as luxurious as air-conditioned premises. It This team has responded to disasters and crises was hard to cope and really tested our endurance such as the Sichuan earthquake and the Manila and resilience, but we were young and I obviously hijacking incident, and more recently the devastating made it through that testing period.” earthquake and tsunami in . Advancements in technology over recent decades have enhanced the overall efficiency of the Department in providing overseas assistance. For instance, the team members are equipped with satellite phones to maintain communications with Headquarters during their missions when other means of communications are not available.

Mr Peh says the Department has always maintained an excellent working relationship with its Mainland and international counterparts. The relationship with the Ministry of Public Security of the Mainland and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in

particular, has grown even closer since 1997. Mr Peh inspecting a passing-out parade at the Immigration Service Institution of Training and Development for the last time in March 2011.

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

“No, I am not a football talent waiting to be ‘discovered’ or Hong Kong’s answer to David Beckham,” says Mr Peh with a laugh. “I sit on the Board because the Government wants to promote local football and our football league both within the city and further afield. One-third of the nine Board members have no football background but have other experience, such as management and law. I have been involved in the long-term development of the organisation, like recruiting the HKFA’s new Chief Executive Officer, and we are also seeking a National Team Coach to take the standard of football in Hong Kong to the next level.”

Mr Peh visiting Osaka after retirement. Mr Peh also has various interests he is keen to pursue, including a new one – Tai Chi. A road well travelled “I have taken up Tai Chi recently because it is In today’s fast-moving society, it is becoming rarer good for blood circulation and health on the whole,” and rarer for people to work for one organisation says Mr Peh. “I used to watch people practising Tai for their entire career. The Hong Kong Government Chi and they always looked so relaxed and calm. stands as a rare exception, offering rewarding careers Then I realised there are numerous benefits in for those dedicated to serving Hong Kong. practising Tai Chi daily.”

In 1998, Mr Peh was awarded the Hong Kong He also enjoys listening to classical music, Immigration Service Long Service Medal, followed although in his younger days he loved Chinese pop by the First Clasp in 2003 and the Second Clasp in music. Nowadays, Mr Peh finds classical music very 2008. soothing and relaxing, and he has a fresh appreciation for the genius of many classical composers. “These medals and clasps are awarded for length of tenure with ImmD. The initial medal was for my Mr Peh loves travelling. Since retiring he has 18-year service with the Department, the first clasp travelled to the United States, Japan, Vietnam and marked 25 years with the Department, and then Malaysia, and he has many more destinations in the second marked 30 years of service,” explains mind for the future. Mr Peh. “It was a great honour to receive these and they each made me realise just how much I enjoyed “There are numerous places I would love to visit my many years with ImmD.” in the coming years. Travelling is the best way to educate yourself about the world and I am curious about many countries around the world.” Easing into retirement Enthusiastically embracing his retirement, Mr And Mr Peh’s advice to prospective retirees in Peh says that he will dedicate more time to a variety the civil service? of interests ranging from football to travelling. “Be ready and prepared for the change of One new interest to enter Mr Peh’s retirement life lifestyle and mindset,” says Mr Peh. “It took me is his appointment as a member of the Hong Kong some time to adapt to retired life but it is not that Football Association (HKFA) Board of Directors. difficult after all!”

18 impartiality in the execution of public functions impartiality in the execution of public functions accountability for decisions and actions impartiality in the execution of public functions impartiality in the execution of public functions impartiality in the execution of public functions Health Let’s “like” organ donation!

Department of Health

Donating organs after death can light up lives of severely sick people, as well as their family members. To provide an online channel for prospective organ donors to register their wish to become an organ donor, the Department of Health (DH) in 2008 established the Centralised Organ Donation Register (CODR).

Garden of Life in Kowloon Park.

Through the CODR’s highly secure computer • The Garden is laid out in a circle representing system, authorised Hospital Authority medical staff life’s continuation. can access information relating to organ donors • The Garden is centred around a pond with a who have just passed away and thus facilitate butterfly logo symbolising organ donation. Beside arrangements for organ transplants. This in turn the pond are pillars mimicking candles that benefits patients waiting for organ transplants. signify hope and the continuation of good deeds. CODR recorded over 90,000 registrations as at December 31, 2011. • The pillars display the sentiments of donor families, organ recipients and medical staff. Garden of Life • The design, materials and colour tone adopted DH has been promoting organ donation and are in harmony with the surrounding environment encouraging the public to register at CODR through of Kowloon Park. different channels and in collaboration with relevant • Old and valuable trees within the site have been organisations. To cultivate an atmosphere in support preserved. of voluntary organ donation, the Garden of Life was constructed in Kowloon Park near the Hong The Garden was unveiled in November 2011. Kong Heritage Discovery Centre to commemorate We highly recommend that you pay a visit. The the charitable acts of organ donors and their atmosphere in the Garden at night with its special families. The Garden serves the purpose as an lighting effects will definitely impress you! amenities area, an organ donation educational site and a place for saluting organ donors, as well as For more information, please visit the organ a venue for publicity activities aimed at promoting donation thematic website of DH at http://www. organ donation. organdonation.gov.hk, or register a “LIKE” on the “Organ Donation@HK” Facebook Page at http:// Special features of the Garden www.organdonation.gov.hk/fanpage_eng. • The landscape design, structural installations and architecture of the Garden echo the theme “Light Up Lives”. 19 political neutrality political neutrality political neutrality Basic Law political neutrality political neutrality Basic Law Couplet Competition — Unleash your creativity Civil Service Training and Development Institute, Civil Service Bureau

CHINESE New Year 2012 comes earlier than usual, arriving just one month after Christmas. It is Chinese tradition to put up red couplets during the Chinese New Year to bring luck and prosperity. The Civil Service Training and Development Institute (CSTDI) of the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) took this opportunity to hold a “Basic Law Couplet Competition for Civil Servants” between mid-December 2011 and January 31, 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 Results of the competition would be announced

a prize for the “Department with the Most Active around March 2012. For further details, please log in

Participation”. Winning entries would be used in Basic at http://www.csb.gov.hk/clc → “The Basic Law

Law promotional activities for civil servants. Corner”.

20 dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community Information The development of cultural soft power of the Mainland Civil Service Training and Development Institute, Civil Service Bureau THE concept of “soft power” was first advanced in the 1990s by former Dean of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Joseph Nye. He believes that a country’s comprehensive national strength comprises both hard and soft powers. While hard powers are represented by factors such as the economy, technology and military, soft powers are manifested by culture, political values and foreign policies. Culture is the most significant component of a Kaifeng, Henan Province, and the Zhangjiang country’s soft powers. When a country has a culture Cultural Industries Park in Shanghai, which was so appealing and popular that it is being absorbed named in 2011. or integrated into cultures abroad, this country is 3 The development of cultural soft power is in a good position to reduce hostility and enhance progressing at a rapid pace at a local level. In understanding between itself and other countries. recent years, large and medium-sized cities like With its strides in economic development and Wuxi, Nanchang, Jiujiang, Qingdao, Chongqing, technological advances in recent years, the Mainland Shenzhen and Wuhan have, one after another, is strengthening its international influence. While put forward plans or policies for strengthening continuing to consolidate such hard powers, can it their soft powers. also develop its soft powers in tandem? This is a 4 Traditional culture, an integral part of the question calling for attention. Mainland’s cultural soft power, has been In February 2011, the Research Centre for the accorded further importance in recent years. Soft Powers of Chinese Culture jointly with other The promotion of Chinese culture abroad is organisations published the first “Blue Book of achieving results, as can be seen, for example, Cultural Soft Power: Annual Report on China’s Cultural in the growing trend of teaching the Chinese Soft Power Research (2010)”. It points out that the language to foreigners. Mainland’s cultural industries have a share of less than 5 Former president of the China Foreign Affairs 4% in the world’s cultural market, compared with University, Wu Jianmin said that in order to the more than 10% enjoyed by Western developed achieve long-term stability and prosperity, there countries. It shows that there is still much room for it was a need to develop China’s mainstream to develop its cultural soft power. That said, the Blue culture as it would help set the code of conduct Book states that the Mainland has made remarkable for the public and maintain social stability. It can progress in developing its cultural soft power in be seen that the promotion of traditional culture, recent years by improving its legal system, promoting facilitation of social development, enhancement literature and arts, elevating the national spirit and of people’s education levels, improvement of seeking a greater say in international affairs. people’s livelihood, and mutual assistance among The Mainland’s achievements in cultural soft power neighbours will all help enhance a country’s soft building are mainly reflected in the following five areas: powers. 1 Cultural soft power was first included in the The Civil Service Training and Development agenda of the 17th National Congress of the Institute invited former head of the College of Arts Communist Party of China (the Congress) in of Jinan University, Chen Weiming, to host a seminar 2007, and was incorporated in the national on “Developing China’s Cultural Soft Power” in development strategy at the 6th Plenary Session January 2012. The seminar covered the basic concepts of the Congress in October 2011. The slogan for and issues of cultural soft power, the present state the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games “One World, of the Mainland’s cultural soft power and the ways One Dream” and the theme of the Shanghai Expo of enhancing cultural soft power. Notes about the 2010 “Better City, Better Life” were both aimed seminar have been uploaded to the Cyber Learning at introducing the core value of “harmonious Centre (CLC) Plus. Please follow the path below to coexistence” in Chinese culture to the world. access the information: 2 Despite starting late, the Mainland’s cultural CLC Plus → National Studies Portal → industries have been developing rapidly in recent Learning Resources → Resources on National Studies years. Between 2004 and 2011, the Ministry of Source of information: Culture named a total of six national cultural Remin Wang (http://politics.people.com.cn/BIG5/30178/ industry demonstration zones in three batches. 6486623.html) Among these were the Cultural Industries Park Xinhuanet (http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2011-02/18/ of the Ancient Capital of the Song Dynasty in 21 c_121098327.htm) dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community Information dedication, professionalism and diligence in serving the community

News from Civil Service Bureau

Dedicated Occupational Health Centres commence operation

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.

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

News from Civil Service Bureau

2012 Starting Salaries Survey and 2012 Pay Level Survey 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.

Senior staff on the move

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

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