******************************************************************

The following is the speech delivered by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, at the Civil Service Customer Service Award prize presentation ceremony today (Thursday):

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Now I would like to say a few words in English. First of all, I'd like to say how extremely pleased I am to join you today to commend the outstanding achievements of our fellow colleagues. This award, you know, is the first of its kind and it demonstrates the civil service's firm commitment to improving our frontline customer service. We are keen to ensure that the public and the private sector are able to support our endeavours. The old days of civil servants behaving like bureaucrats without much regard to the needs and demands of the people we serve have long since gone. Members of the public are our customers and our clients. It is our duty to listen to them, to understand their needs and to try to provide the best service we possibly can. I am glad that this customer-oriented culture is beginning to take hold within the service. I am particularly encouraged by frontline departments' enthusiastic participation and exemplary performance.

I warmly congratulate all the winners on their outstanding achievements. I would also like to thank all colleagues, irrespective of whether you have won a prize or not, for your dedication and for your hard work. I urge you all to remember that any service you render, no matter how small, has an impact on the quality of life here. So, sustain the momentum and keep up the good work.

Thank you.

Photo : The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, officiated at the Civil Service Customer Service Award Scheme 1999 Prize Presentation Ceremony at Government House. Mrs Chan presented prizes to one of the

End/Thursday, January 27, 2000

NNNN