Appointments to Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification
**************************************************

     The Government today (December 21) announced that the Chief Executive has appointed Professor Albert Yu Cheung-hoi as the Chairman of the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (HKCTC) from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017.

     Professor Yu is a neuroscientist and the founder and chairman of a research and development laboratory for testing and medical devices. He is also the Chairman of the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization. Holding extensive industry experience, Professor Yu also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the Commission on Strategic Development. He has been a member of the Innovation and Technology Support Programme Assessment Panel under the Innovation and Technology Fund.

     The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, welcomed the appointment of Professor Yu as the new Chairman of the HKCTC, and said that the HKCTC would benefit from Professor Yu's experience in both testing technology and the operation of testing laboratories.

     Mr Yang also thanked the outgoing Chairman, Professor Ching Pak-chung, for his exemplary contributions to the work of the Council since its establishment in 2009. Under his leadership, the Council successfully formulated in 2010 a market-oriented development plan for the industry and a dual approach that enhances the industry's capability on one hand and provides new business opportunities on the other. The Council made further recommendations in 2013 to support the development of the industry after a review of the work progress of the three-year development plan.

     "Professor Ching has contributed greatly to the success of the Council and the testing and certification industry. The Council is an effective platform in exchanging views with the industry and advising the Government on the development strategy of the testing and certification industry. With the gradual implementation of different measures recommended by the Council, we are seeing growth in business receipts and more people are aware of the industry," Mr Yang said.  

     The Government also announced the appointment of 10 new Council members, and the re-appointment of 10 Council members for two years with effect from the same date. The membership of the Council with effect from January 1, 2016, is as follows:

Professor Albert Yu Cheung-hoi* (Chairman)
Mr Felix Chan King-wa
Mr Raymond Chan Kin-sek*
Mr Raymond Chan Wai-fung*
Dr Priscilla Choy Wai-fun
Mr Ho Chi-shing*
Professor Ho Kin-chung*
Mr Marvin Hsu Tsun-fai*
Mr Andy Ko Kwok-on
Ms Agnes Nardi Kar-wai
Dr Aaron Shum Wan-lung
Mr John Tong Shing-jing*
Professor Vivian Yam Wing-wah
Mr Harry Yeung Chi-wah*
Mr Mickey Yu Kwok-wai*
Dr Raymond Yung Wai-hung*
Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council or representative
Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council or representative
Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council or representative
Government Chemist or representative*
Commissioner for Innovation and Technology or representative

*Newly appointed Council Members

     Mr Yang also thanked the 13 members whose terms will expire on December 31 this year. "The members have provided valuable contributions to steering the Council in developing the industry in the past. The achievements of the Council are due in no small part to their guidance and wise counsel," Mr Yang said.
     
     The HKCTC was established in September 2009 to advise the Government on the overall strategy to develop the testing and certification industry. It comprises members from the industry, the business sector, academia and professional organisations as well as the relevant public bodies and government departments. The Government has rendered full support to the work of the Council since its establishment while the Innovation and Technology Commission provides secretariat support.

Ends/Monday, December 21, 2015
Issued at HKT 14:32

NNNN