The Government announced today (March 7) that, in accordance with the Articles of Association of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) and as the majority shareholder, the Financial Secretary Incorporated has appointed Mr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen to succeed Professor Frederick Ma Si-hang as the next Chairman of the board of directors of the Corporation with effect from July 1, 2019. The appointment is for two and a half years until December 31, 2021. Mr Auyeung was appointed, with immediate effect, as a director of the Corporation by the MTRCL earlier today.

     The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, thanked Professor Ma for his contribution in the board of the MTRCL over the years. The MTR is a major public transport mode, serving a daily patronage of around 5.8 million. It is part of the daily life of the general public. Under the leadership of Professor Ma, the MTRCL commenced the service of the Kwun Tong Line Extension and the South Island Line smoothly, facilitating citizens' travelling and adding vibrancy to the areas served. The Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link also started operations in September last year, connecting to the high-speed railway network of the country, further consolidating Hong Kong's position as the regional transport hub and promoting collaboration between Hong Kong and different provinces and cities of the Mainland of China in various fronts including people flows, logistics and tourism, creating new opportunities.

     Mr Chan noted that the MTRCL has also appointed its new Chief Executive Officer. He said he expected that, when the new Chairman and the new Chief Executive Officer assume office, they would strengthen the MTRCL's corporate governance, promote the steady growth of the Corporation, drive continuous enhancement of the safety and quality of its services, and step up communication with the Government and the community, so as to fulfil the community's aspirations.

Ends/Thursday, March 7, 2019
Issued at HKT 16:33

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