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The Government announced today (September 29) that Deputy Director of Buildings Mr Au Choi-kai would succeed Mr Cheung Hau-wai as Director of Buildings with effect from October 10. Mr Cheung will proceed on pre-retirement leave on that day after 40 years of service.
Commenting on the appointment, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Miss Denise Yue, said, "Mr Au is an experienced civil servant with extensive knowledge in his profession and proven leadership and management skills. I have every confidence that he will be able to lead the Buildings Department to meet the challenges ahead and continue to serve the community with professionalism and dedication in his new capacity."
On the retirement of Mr Cheung, Miss Yue said, "Mr Cheung has been working in the Buildings Department for four decades. He has served with zeal and commitment in the civil service throughout those years. As Director of Buildings, Mr Cheung has embraced the vision of the department and strived to make the built environment safe and healthy for the community. His personal involvement in the preparation work for a number of important initiatives, such as the new regime for control of minor building works and the proposed mandatory building inspection and window inspection schemes, is commendable."
"We sincerely wish Mr Cheung a happy retirement."
Brief biographical notes on the two officers are set out below:
Mr Cheung Hau-wai
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Aged 60, Mr Cheung joined the government in September 1968 as a Temporary Surveying Assistant (Building) II. He was promoted to Chief Building Surveyor in December 1983, to Government Building Surveyor in May 1996 and to Deputy Director of Buildings in September 2000. He has been Director of Buildings since December 2005.
Mr Au Choi-kai
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Aged 54, Mr Au joined the government in September 1974 as a Student Building Surveyor. He was promoted to Chief Building Surveyor in June 1996, to Government Building Surveyor in August 2000 and to Deputy Director of Buildings in September 2006.
Ends/Monday, September 29, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:00
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