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Following is the full text of the speech by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr H B Phillipson, at the EMSD's 50th Anniversary Reception at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, San Kwong Road, Happy Valley today (Friday):

Financial Secretary, Secretary for Works, Distinguished Guests and Colleagues,

May I welcome you all to our reception today. This is a very special reception for us as it celebrates 50 years of E & M services. And we are particularly honoured to have with us today the Financial Secretary as well as the Secretary for Works to join us for the occasion.

Well, we've come a long way in the last 50 years. Starting from simple services -- vehicles, transport, mechanical and electrical installations, we are now involved in so many more aspects of Hong Kong life ranging from our services in hospitals, the airport, concert halls, etc. to our regulatory and advisory roles in gas, electricity, lifts and escalators, energy efficiency and other areas.

All these panels round the room tell something of our story, and how it is interwoven with the story of Hong Kong itself during the last 50 years. I hope you will have time to have a look at them. I think you will agree -- it is a very interesting story.

We are of course very proud in EMSD to have served the community for 50 years. It's been a time of continuing development, change and challenges, and our services have adapted and expanded over the years to meet all these needs. I believe that with the range of quality services we now provide, both on our regulatory side and through our trading fund, our service is second to none.

The next 50 years I am sure will continue to be just as challenging and exciting as the last. But you can rest assured that whatever is happening in Hong Kong, we will be here serving the community, and helping to apply new technology and new approaches, to make Hong Kong a better place for our children and grandchildren.

We look forward to working with you, our clients and friends, in providing you with all the E & M services that you need to meet the challenges that lie ahead. Financial Secretary, Secretary for Works and all of our guests, thank you very much for coming to join in our celebrations today. We do hope you enjoy the reception.

End/Friday, October 30, 1998

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