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The Statistics Advisory Board held a meeting today (December 4) to review the main scope of government statistical work and its recent developments.
At the meeting, members discussed in detail the approach adopted by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) in developing supplementary statistical frameworks for measuring sectoral developments in Hong Kong over the years.
"C&SD has all along been adhering to international standards and practices in developing statistical methods for compiling statistics. Nevertheless, there are occasions where we have to devise supplementary statistical frameworks using tailor-made methods to address statistical needs specific to the Hong Kong setting. Examples include statistical frameworks relating to the electronics industry, trading firms with manufacturing-related activities, Four Pillars, asset management business and six other crucial industries. This is a common approach adopted in many statistically advanced economies," said Mr Fung Hing-wang, Commissioner for Census and Statistics and Chairman of the Statistics Advisory Board.
Members were updated on the latest progress of the Annual Earnings and Hours Survey (AEHS), a new survey launched in May 2009 to meet the statistical requirements for supporting analysis related to the Statutory Minimum Wage. A plan was in hand to turn AEHS into a regular mandatory survey programme as from the 2010 survey round so as to align with the practice of other statistically advanced economies as well as to further enhance the quality of data collected from the survey.
Members were also informed that C&SD had made available a rich collection of social statistics for use by various parties in the community. Two sets of the social indicators, viz. poverty statistics and small area statistics, were introduced at the meeting. C&SD would continue to compile various kinds of social statistics to meet the diverse statistical needs in the community.
Also discussed at the meeting were the recent enhancement measures in relation to quality assurance in different statistical processes, especially those having major impacts on data accuracy. These measures included sign-off arrangement for completing survey questionnaires by respondents, streamlining of the workflow in selected survey-related processes, and introduction of a set of guidelines and good practices in macro review. Coupled with the quality assurance measures in various statistical processes in place, the enhancement measures could further ensure the accuracy of the statistics to be released.
Moreover, members discussed the operation of the Hong Kong Population Data System, which was primarily maintained by C&SD and supplemented with other secondary data sources from surveys and administrative systems managed by other government bureaux and departments. They noted the active role of C&SD in coordinating and advising on population-related studies conducted by other bureaux and departments.
The Board reviewed other statistical developments since the previous meeting, including recent preparation work for the 2011 Population Census; planned enhancements to the statistical systems in accordance with new international standards; launch of a new survey to collect statistical data for compiling economic and operating statistics for testing and certification activities; and recent efforts made by C&SD in strengthening the communication and coordination with the local and international statistical community.
The Statistics Advisory Board is a non-statutory advisory body which advises the Commissioner for Census and Statistics on matters pertaining to government statistical work. Members include representatives of business sector, the academia and the community. The terms of reference and composition of the Board can be found on the C&SD Website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/about_us/our_advisory_board/index.jsp).
Ends/Friday, December 4, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:15
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