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The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Cheung, visited the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) today (April 26) to learn more about the work of the department and to take the opportunity to meet its staff.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Cheung first met with the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Leung Koon-kee, and the directorate staff. He said he was pleased to learn that the ArchSD is committed to sustainable development and knowledge management, ensuring the quality of community facilities and facilities upkeep, as well as promoting best practices in the building industry.
Later, Mr Cheung visited the resource centre. The centre stores over 6,000 items, including books, professional journals and multi-media materials, and offers an electronic platform with various channels which provide staff with design inspiration and relevant professional reference materials.
Mr Cheung then proceeded to the Project Management Branch to better understand the project design and details of the Hong Kong Children's Hospital and the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy. The Branch provides professional and project management services for the design and construction of buildings and related facilities to various bureaux and departments on their proposed projects and implements these projects in an efficient, cost-effective and timely manner.
Mr Cheung also toured the Architectural Branch. Briefed by the staff, he learned that the division is responsible for architectural and landscape design. He said he was pleased to note that the project to reprovision Wo Hop Shek Crematorium was awarded an international architectural award in 2016. Apart from architectural and landscape design, the Branch carries out research and studies on different topics to provide design guidelines and makes recommendations on good practices to promote excellence in architectural design.
Before concluding his visit, Mr Cheung met the staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on relevant departmental issues. He praised the efforts made by the staff members and encouraged them to continue to upkeep quality community facilities so as to enrich the living environment.
After assuming the post of Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Cheung has visited 12 departments including ArchSD today, to take a closer look at their operations and to take the opportunity to meet departmental management and staff representatives to step up mutual communication, enhance staff relations and exchange views on human resources management.
Ends/Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:20
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