Transcript of remarks by CS, Chairman of Board of WKCD Authority at media session (with video)
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     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Secretary for Administration and Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) Authority, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session after the Board meeting today (February 10):

Chief Secretary for Administration and Chairman of the Board of the WKCD Authority: I want to say a few words in English. On February 4, 2015, Mr Michael Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of the WKCD Authority, informed me of his intention to take early retirement from work. The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR has given prior approval and the Board has accepted Mr Lynch's resignation at the meeting today.

     Mr Lynch joined the Authority in July 2011. He has completed an initial three-year contract and is now on a two-year contract, which should last until July 2016. His resignation will take effect from August 3 this year.

     Over the past three and a half years, Mr Lynch has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment in taking forward the WKCD project. He has diligently overseen the process leading to the approval of the Development Plan by the Chief Executive-in-Council through extensive public engagement and the Town Planning Board deliberations. He has successfully kick-started the construction of various venues within the district including the Xiqu Centre, the M+ and the Park. He has also contributed significantly to the expansion of the arts and cultural scene in Hong Kong by spearheading innovative visual and performing arts programmes such as the West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre and the Freespace Fest.

     Mr Lynch's departure is a great loss to the Authority and to the arts scene in Hong Kong. My board members and I myself are really sorry to see him go. We nonetheless fully respect his decision and would like to offer him our best wishes.

     The Authority will commence immediately a global search in order to identify as soon as possible a candidate to succeed Mr Lynch, and I will personally chair the recruitment board for this purpose.

Reporter: Mrs Lam, there have been suggestions that you've been having quite a bit of disagreement with Mr Lynch. Is that true? Do you guys have a lot of differences over the development of the project over the past four years?

Chief Secretary for Administration and Chairman of the Board of the WKCD Authority: What you have said is certainly not true. I work very closely and very happily with Michael, and he has given me wonderful support in the last two and a half years in my capacity as Chairperson of the WKCD Authority. The only regret that I have is I am unable to spend more time with the WKCD project because of my commitments on the constitutional development and other aspects of work, and I have not been able to spend more time with Michael both as a colleague and also as a friend.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:58

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