Appointments to Women's Commission announced
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     The Government today (January 8) announced the appointment of five new members and re-appointment of two incumbent members to the Women's Commission (WoC).  All the appointments will take effect from January 15.

     The five new members are Ms Teresa Au Pui-yee, Ms Au Yeung Po-chun, Mrs Judith Ellis, Ms Lam Yuk-chun and Ms Lee Lai-ching.

     Ms Teresa Au Pui-yee is the Head of Corporate Sustainability (Asia Pacific Region) of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and currently a member of the Advisory Committee of the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged and the Advisory Council on the Environment.

     Ms Au Yeung Po-chun is the Chairlady of the Women Service Association and Vice-Chairlady of the Hong Kong Women Development Association.

     Mrs Judith Ellis was the former Chairperson of the Helena May Council (2007-2008) and is known for her dedication to community service.  

     Ms Lam Yuk-chun is an elected member of the Southern District Council. She is also the incumbent Chairperson of the Hong Kong Southern District Women's Association and Honorary President of the Hong Kong Island Women's Association.

     Ms Lee Lai-ching is the Head of Branch of Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited as well as the Deputy Secretary General of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions.

     Two incumbent members, Mr Christopher Law Kin-chung and Ms Ayesha Abbas Macpherson, have been re-appointed. They have been serving on the WoC since 2007 and have made invaluable contributions to the work of the WoC during their tenure.

     The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung kin-chung, welcomed the appointments and re-appointments. He said, "The members come from a diverse social background, with vast experience in community service and women's affairs. I look forward to their expert advice on the work of the WoC."

     He also thanked the two outgoing members, Ms Chau Chuen-heung and Ms Ko Po-ling, for their sterling contribution and dedication to the work of the WoC.

     The WoC was set up on January 15, 2001, as a central mechanism to promote the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong. It plays a strategic role in advising the Government on policies and initiatives on women's issues.

     Following is the membership list of the WoC from January 15, 2010:

Non-Official Members
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Ms Sophia Kao Ching-chi (Chairperson)
Ms Teresa Au Pui-yee
Ms Au Yeung Po-chun
Dr Miranda Chan Lai-foon
Ms Jacqueline Cheng Ming-fung
Dr Polly Cheung Suk-yee
Mrs Judith Ellis
Ms Fong Man-ying
Dr Sharmila Gurung
Dr Ronnie Hui Ka-wah
Ms Lam Yuk-chun
Mrs Stella Lau Kun Lai-kuen
Ms Lau Ka-shi
Ms Joanna Lau Lai-hing
Mr Christopher Law Kin-chung
Ms Lee Lai-ching
Mr Lee Luen-fai
Dr Leung Lai-ching
Ms Ayesha Abbas Macpherson
Dr Yeung Ka-ching

Ex-Officio Members
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Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare or representative (Vice-Chairperson)
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs or representative
Director of Social Welfare or representative

Ends/Friday, January 8, 2010
Issued at HKT 10:00

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