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The Government announced today (November 7) the Chief Executive's decision on the appointments to the Managing Board of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC).

The terms of appointment of six serving Board members will expire between end 2002 to early 2003. The Chief Executive has decided to reappoint Mr Vincent Cheng Hoi-chuen and Mr Vincent Lo Wing-sang for another two years upon the expiry of their current terms in November and December respectively. The following persons will be appointed as new members of the KCRC Board for a term of two years:-

Mr Wan Man-yee, a chartered surveyor (with effect from November 16, 2002);

Mr Patrick Blackwell Paul, a chartered accountant (with effect from December 24, 2002);

Mr Patrick Wang Shui-chung, an industrialist (with effect from December 24, 2002); and

Mr Victor So Hing-woh, a veteran administrator (with effect from January 15, 2003).

The Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury will continue to serve on the KCRC Board.

"In considering appointments to the KCRC Board, the Government has carefully assessed the suitability of prospective candidates having regard to relevant factors such as personal capabilities, leadership, expertise, experience, integrity and commitment to public service." a Government spokesman said.

"The members possess the necessary knowledge and experience in such areas as banking, accounting, legal profession, property development and large-scale projects. This would help the Board manage the increasing workload of KCRC."

"The current Board members have provided commendable service to the Corporation in developing its network and services. We are confident that the Board with the new membership will continue to successfully lead KCRC to meet the challenges ahead." added the spokesman.

The Government also welcomes KCRC's plans to strengthen the Committees of the Board (such as Capital Projects Committee) by incorporating members from outside the KCRC, who have appropriate technical skills such as expertise in construction, engineering and legal issues. This would provide better support to the Board, thus enhancing corporate governance of KCRC.

Under the KCRC Ordinance (Cap.372), KCRC shall have a Managing Board comprising a Chairman, a Chief Executive Officer and not less than four nor more than eight other members appointed by the Chief Executive. The current membership of the Board is at Annex.

End/Thursday, November 7, 2002

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Annex

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  Current Membership of the KCRC Managing Board

  Expiry date of current term

  Mr Michael Tien     KCRC Chairman                23.12.2003

  Mr Yeung Kai-yin  KCRC Chief Executive Officer   23.12.2003

  Mr Denys E Connolly                              23.12.2002

  Mr Edmond Lau Ting-chung                          14.1.2003

  Mr Vincent Cheng Hoi-chuen                       15.11.2002

  Mr Tim Chung Shui-ming                           15.11.2002

  Mr Keith Lam Hon-keung                           23.12.2002

  Mr Vincent Lo Wing-sang                          23.12.2002

Ex-officio Members:

Dr Sarah Liao Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works

Mr Frederick Ma Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury