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The Government announced today (December 9) that the former Commissioner for Tourism, Ms Au King-chi, would assume the post of Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) on January 5, 2009. She will succeed Mr Kevin Ho Chi-ming who will retire after 36 years of service.
Commenting on the appointment, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Miss Denise Yue said, "Ms Au is a seasoned Administrative Officer with rich experience in public administration and proven leadership and management skills. I have every confidence that she will continue to serve the community with professionalism and dedication in her new capacity, and ably lead her colleagues to meet the challenges ahead."
Miss Yue said Mr Ho had rendered 36 years of loyal and dedicated service to the community and had made exemplary contributions to the development of Hong Kong in various spheres, especially in the trade and financial services sectors. "During his tenure as Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), he has made commendable efforts in maintaining and promoting Hong Kong as a major international financial centre. We sincerely wish him a happy retirement."
Brief biographical notes on the two officers are set out below:
Mr Kevin Ho Chi-ming
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Aged 59. Mr Ho joined the Government in January 1972 as an Executive Officer. He transferred to the Administrative Service in October 1977 and rose to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 in September 2005.
Mr Ho has served in various bureaus and departments including the former Trade, Industry and Customs Department, the former Environment Branch, Home Affairs Department, the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Monetary Affairs Branch, the former General Duties Branch, the former Trade Department and the former Finance Branch. He was Deputy Secretary for Transport from August 1997 to May 2001, Director of Administration and Development in the Department of Justice from June 2001 to October 2002, and Director-General of Trade and Industry from October 2002 to July 2004. He has been Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) since July 2004.
Ms Au King-chi
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Aged 48. Ms Au joined the Administrative Service in August 1982 and rose to her present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in April 2007.
Ms Au has served in various bureaus and departments, including the former Councils and Administration Branch, the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Medical and Health Department, the former Education and Manpower Branch, the former Municipal Services Branch, the former Securities Review Committee, the former Monetary Affairs Branch, the former Trade and Industry Branch, the former Chief Secretary's Office, Information Services Department and Chief Executive's Office. She was Deputy Secretary for Financial Services (later renamed Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services)) from March 1999 to August 2004, and Deputy Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Planning and Lands) from August 2004 to May 2006. She was Commissioner for Tourism from May 2006 to November 2008.
Ends/Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:01
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