The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, visited the Government Records Service (GRS) this afternoon (August 17) to understand better the implementation of government records management programmes, preservation and conservation of public records and promotion of public awareness of local documentary heritage. He also made use of the opportunity to meet with staff of the department.

     Accompanied by the Director of Administration, Ms Kitty Choi, Mr Cheung started his visit by meeting with the GRS Director, Mr Zachary Lo, and his staff to receive a briefing on the work and services of the office. He then toured the GRS' archive repositories and records conservation and preservation areas as well as public service areas.

     Mr Cheung noted that the administrative records management regime in Hong Kong follows the principles commonly adopted in other jurisdictions. These principles include promulgation of record-keeping standards; designation of obligations and responsibilities of government bodies for creating, keeping, maintaining and protecting public records; ensuring that destruction of records should be subject to prior authorisation of an archival authority; setting out responsibility for safe custody and conservation of archival materials; and provision of public access to archival records.

     During the visit, Mr Cheung chatted with front-line staff and commended their good work on government records management and the provision of research and reference services to the public. He reiterated the Government's commitment in maintaining the integrity of government records, preserving government records with archival value and making them available for the public.

Ends/Thursday, August 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:05

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