Speech by SCS at awards ceremony
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    Following is the speech by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joseph WP Wong, at the Secretary for the Civil Service's Commendation Awards Presentation Ceremony 2005 today (September 15):

Distinguished guests, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

     Welcome to today's presentation ceremony.

     First of all, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to colleagues awarded the Secretary for the Civil Service (SCS)'s Commendation this year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank them for their contributions to the Government, their departments and the community.

     Following consultation with departmental management and staff representatives, we have decided this year that recipients of an SCS's Commendation would be granted a travel award, provided that they satisfy the basic eligibility criteria under the Long and Meritorious Service Travel Award Scheme but have never received such a travel award before. This new measure aims at giving deserving officers added recognition under the SCS's Commendation Scheme and motivating civil servants to strive for outstanding performance. Recipients of the SCS's Commendation in 2004, likewise, are also eligible for a travel award this year.

     In addition to receiving commendations, officers who display outstanding performance also stand a good chance of being promoted to higher positions. For example, in the first seven months this year, a total of 1,255 officers in 86 grades, including junior members of staff, have been promoted. Awardees today will therefore continue to have opportunities for career advancement and pay rises in future.

     Later today, the Chief Executive will join us at the cocktail reception to share the joy of the awardees.

     Finally, let me once again convey my congratulations to each and every awardee. Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, September 15, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:21

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