Red flag lowered at Clear Water Bay Second Beach

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (August 15) that the red flag at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District has been lowered.

     The red flag was hoisted at the beach earlier due to inclement weather.

Chinese Mainland Premium Agricultural Products “Going Global” Exchange and Matchmaking Event held today (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council jointly held the Chinese Mainland Premium Agricultural Products “Going Global” Exchange and Matchmaking Event today (August 14). The event aimed to promote the effective use of Hong Kong’s international trade platform by Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products to expand into overseas markets. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr Zhang Yong; the Director-General of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mr Peng Tingjun; and the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, attended the event. Around 250 representatives from Mainland provincial and regional governments, enterprises, and Hong Kong industry professionals also attended.

In his address, Mr Chan said that for premium agricultural and food products to successfully expand into overseas markets, they require an efficient international trade platform, professional marketing services, and seamless alignment with international standards, all of which are precisely Hong Kong’s strengths. He added that Hong Kong serves not only as a “super connector” between the nation and the global market, but also as a “super value-adder” that creates value for enterprises. By utilising Hong Kong as a platform to “go global”, enterprises can achieve a multiplier effect, sparing them from having to build their presence in overseas markets from afresh.

     Mr Tse noted that the Mainland has long been Hong Kong’s primary source of fresh food, establishing a deep foundation for co-operation between both sides. He hoped that the matchmaking event would help Mainland enterprises connect with overseas buyers and sales channels, facilitating the transition of more premium agricultural products and food from “supplying to Hong Kong” to “going global via Hong Kong.” Now in its fourth year, the matchmaking event marks the EEB’s debut as a co-organiser, further underscoring Hong Kong’s positioning as a food hub. This year’s event set records for both scale and outcomes, fully reflecting the immense potential of the global food market and reaffirming the wide recognition of Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector”.

The EEB signed Memoranda of Understanding on agricultural and food products co-operation with representatives from Hunan Province, Xizang Autonomous Region and Shandong Province, deepening ties between Hong Kong and the three places. The scope covers facilitating market entry for premium products, enhancing industry and business exchanges, and collectively exploring overseas markets. This marks the first time for the HKSAR Government to sign agreements of this nature with provincial-level governments.

In addition, the EEB premiered a promotional video at the event highlighting the advantages and development potential of Hong Kong’s food industry. The promotional video has been uploaded to the EEB’s website (www.eeb.gov.hk/food/en) and will also be broadcast at local and overseas economic and trade promotion events to further promote the “Food from Hong Kong” brand and the status of Hong Kong as a food hub.

                                   

Opening remarks by SCMA at media session

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa, at a media session this afternoon (August 14):

Today marks the conclusion of the public consultation for Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government released the consultation document on June 15, and the consultation has run for two months.

During the consultation period, public response has been very enthusiastic. The general public and stakeholders from different sectors have taken the formulation of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan very seriously, and have been keen to contribute their views and suggestions.

We organised over 100 consultation sessions throughout the public consultation period. About 30 sessions have been conducted by the Chief Executive himself to listen to the views and suggestions from various sectors and industries. 

As of today, we have received over 16 000 submissions from different sectors, the general public and stakeholders from different backgrounds. The public’s very strong support for our effort is most appreciated.

Indeed, Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan will help us better seize both international and national development opportunities. It is not only a matter for the HKSAR, but also an integral part of the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

     Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan is a major initiative to integrate into and serve the overall development of the country, and at the same time, a milestone for public administration in Hong Kong.

We will continue with our efforts in collating and analysing the views and suggestions, and we will strive to publish the formal document within September. Thank you.

CE presents award certificates of Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance to Inter-departmental Team for Wartime Bomb Disposal with Emergency Relief and Support Services and Inter-departmental Team for Light Public Housing (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance Presentation Ceremony today (August 14). He announced that the Inter-departmental Team for Wartime Bomb Disposal with Emergency Relief and Support Services (Bomb Disposal Team) and the Inter-departmental Team for Light Public Housing (LPH Team) were both awarded the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance this year, and presented certificates to the awardees.

     Addressing the ceremony, Mr Lee said that the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance was launched to motivate civil servants to keep moving forward, and to showcase the Government’s tireless efforts and the outstanding performance of civil servants to the public. He praised the two award-winning teams for effectively fulfilling their duties with a steadfast sense of mission and exceptional competence, winning public trust through tangible results. They demonstrated the Government’s people-oriented, responsible and results-driven governance philosophy, and also manifested the professional spirit of civil servants in rising to challenges and pursuing excellence, setting an example for the entire civil service.

     He added that, from the professionalism and solidarity demonstrated in handling a wartime bomb to the efficiency and innovation in building Light Public Housing (LPH), civil servants have displayed a service spirit of utmost dedication, willingness to take on challenges and readiness to shoulder responsibilities. He encouraged civil servants to keep pushing boundaries, foster team spirit, strive for excellence and serve the community with a “people-oriented” approach.

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, also congratulated the award-winning civil service teams. “Both teams brought together outstanding civil servants from various departments and grades, overcoming numerous challenges and accomplishing arduous missions with professionalism,” she said. “I hope this honour will inspire more colleagues to strive for excellence and continue to uphold their original aspiration of serving the public to provide public services of higher quality and efficiency.”

     In September 2025, a 1 000-pound wartime bomb, containing 500 pounds of high explosives with an enormous destructive potential, was discovered at a construction site in Quarry Bay. With Super Typhoon Ragasa approaching, the contingency deployment became even more challenging. Relevant departments had to race against time to dispose of the bomb to safeguard nearby residents and surrounding facilities. The Security Bureau (SB), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the Home Affairs Department (HAD) immediately activated the interdepartmental emergency mechanism, making comprehensive deployment and response arrangements covering risk assessment, site cordoning, evacuation of residents, temporary accommodation, medical support and community liaison, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and exceptional organisational capabilities.

     The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre of the SB served as the central co-ordination hub for the operation, efficiently co-ordinating relevant departments to rapidly deploy and push forward various tasks including evacuating residents, cordoning off the scene and defusing the bomb. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau of the HKPF executed the high-risk bomb disposal operation after meticulous planning. The Operations Wing and the Hong Kong Island Region of the HKPF assisted in evacuating nearby residents and cordoning off high-risk areas efficiently, while the FSD and relevant support teams maintained a high level of readiness and co-ordination to ensure comprehensive preparedness. HAD shouldered the pivotal tasks of district-wide mobilisation, resident liaisons and temporary accommodation. Within an extremely short period of time, all 30 District Council members and 35 District Services and Community Care Teams (CT) (comprising over 300 members and volunteers) of the Eastern District were mobilised. Seventy-five CT members and volunteers of the Wan Chai District were also engaged to provide cross-district support. During the operation, nearly 2 900 residents across 18 composite buildings were evacuated in an orderly manner. HAD opened a total of 19 temporary shelters, where staff of District Offices, CT members and volunteers were on duty overnight to attend to the accommodation, meals, transport and special needs of the affected residents with dedication. Through the concerted efforts of government departments, district organisations and the public, the bomb was eventually defused safely, which fully demonstrated the Government’s exceptional capabilities in efficient interdepartmental co-ordination, putting people first and precise execution in major emergencies.

     Representative of the Bomb Disposal Team, Senior Bomb Disposal Officer (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau) of the HKPF, Mr Suryanto Chin-chiu, said it was a great honour to receive the award. He thanked the Chief Executive for his recognition of the team and extended his gratitude to all personnel involved in the operation. He noted that the bomb involved in this operation posed an extremely high potential hazard, and coupled with the adverse weather, the contingency planning was fraught with challenges. It was only because every department remained steadfast at their posts and demonstrated the high level of professionalism and spirit of solidarity of “One Government” that the crisis was handled expeditiously, safely and smoothly.

The Chief Executive put forward the LPH initiative in the 2022 Policy Address with the target to build about 30 000 units in five years with a view to immediately improving the conditions of people living in inadequate housing and filling the short-term gap of the public housing supply. The Housing Bureau takes the lead in policy formulation and overall implementation, while the Architectural Services Department is responsible for the project design and construction. Facing tight schedules, enormous project scales and multiple challenges on land use, construction workflow, unit allocation and community facilities, the LPH Team has integrated resources and widely adopted innovative technologies such as Modular Integrated Construction. By flexibly applying standardised designs, modular construction and efficient work procedures, the team has accelerated project completion with enhanced speed, efficiency and quantity, while ensuring construction quality, safety standards and cost efficiency.

     To allocate the units in a more orderly and targeted manner, the team prioritised the elderly, families with children or newborns, and applicants whose health conditions affect their daily life or work, so that citizens with more imminent need for housing can improve their living conditions as soon as possible. The team also pioneered a new management model by collaborating with property management companies and non-governmental organisations, fostering a caring and supportive community environment. With the collective efforts of all parties, the LPH initiative has achieved remarkable results in a short period of time. For instance, the project at Yau Pok Road in Yuen Long was completed in about 12 months, while the foundation and the 18-floor superstructure of the project at Choi Hing Road, Ngau Tau Kok, were completed in less than 18 months, breaking the record of constructing multistorey buildings in Hong Kong. The whole initiative is estimated to yield a total rental saving of over $7.5 billion for 30 000 households over five years, alleviating the financial burden on grassroots families. The LPH initiative has made a significant breakthrough in addressing the imminent housing needs of grassroots citizens. This fully reflects the current-term Government’s core governing principle of people-oriented and result-oriented approaches. The Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing has dropped from 6.1 years to 4.8 years – a reduction of 1.3 years – substantially lower than the record between 2018 and 2025, and continues to maintain a level below 5.0 years.

Representative of the LPH Team, the then Deputy Secretary for Housing (Special Duties), Miss Winnie Wong, expressed gratitude to the Chief Executive for affirming the team’s efforts. She said the LPH provides a comfortable and safe living environment for residents who have previously lived in inadequate housing, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life. The sense of fulfilment and happiness of the residents serve as the team’s greatest motivation for the rapid completion of the initiatives. The team will continue to commit to the people’s well-being and strive to create a better living environment that enables them to live and work in contentment.

Guests attending the ceremony included the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; Mrs Yeung; and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak.

The Chief Executive proposed the establishment of the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance Scheme in the 2022 Policy Address to give recognition to meritorious and exemplary teams or individuals in the civil service, with a view to encouraging civil servants to continuously strive for excellence. It also aims to allow the public to have a better understanding of the Government’s work and the excellence of the civil service. Starting in 2023, nominations and selections are conducted annually, with the Chief Executive making the final decision.

The nomination exercise for the new round of the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance commenced in May this year. The Civil Service Bureau invited bureaux to nominate outstanding teams or colleagues for the honour, in recognition of their outstanding performance in different areas. The selection process was rigorous. After being made by the respective Directors of Bureaux, the nominations were each considered by a high-level selection committee of the Government, which then put forward its recommendations to the Chief Executive. After considering the committee’s recommendations, the Chief Executive made his decision on the teams or individuals to be awarded.

           

Flags to fly at half-staff

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

As a token of mourning by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government for the late former Premier Zhu Rongji, flags on display at the Central Government Offices, Government House, all Hong Kong SAR boundary control and check points, and at Hong Kong International Airport, will be flown at half-staff on August 18, following notification by the Central People’s Government.

Both the national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong SAR will be flown at half-staff at each location.

Building smarter, faster in Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Facing a chronic labour shortage and soaring construction costs, Hong Kong’s infrastructure sector is turning to advanced materials, technical innovation and standardised quality assurance to speed up constructions works.

Leading this effort is the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi), established in August 2024 and wholly owned by the Financial Secretary Incorporated. Since its inception, the BTRi has advanced more than 45 innovative initiatives to modernise local practices towards high-efficiency development.

Pioneering concrete

An embankment at Yuen Long’s Shap Pat Heung Interchange has become Hong Kong’s first roadwork project to deploy Low Density Engineered Cementitious Composites (LD-ECC).

Despite its appearance as ordinary concrete, the locally developed material boasts higher compressive strength at roughly a quarter of traditional concrete’s weight and density, alongside self-healing micro-cracks properties and enhanced fatigue resistance.

Civil Engineering & Development Department (CEDD) Engineer Derrick Kwok explained that the team used 400mm x 400mm LD-ECC precast panels to build the permanent formwork before filling the interior with the material.

“It has completely transformed Hong Kong’s traditional retaining wall design, which relies on reinforced concrete. LD-ECC precast panels are relatively light,” Mr Kwok said.

“Workers do not need to lift heavy loads during assembly, which reduces the risk of injury.”

Slashing costs

He added that the new approach minimises heavy, noisy machinery, making it particularly well-suited for Hong Kong’s dense, space-constrained construction sites.

“The LD-ECC lightweight filling method eliminated complex workflows such as scaffolding, formwork and fixing reinforcement. The project construction time was cut by 50% and direct building costs dropped by 20%.”

Throughout the project, technical document reviews by the BTRi supported the team in transitioning this innovative material to real-world application.

New guidelines

To drive wider adoption, the CEDD has commissioned the BTRi to draft technical guidelines for LD-ECC, slated for release in the second quarter of 2027.

According to BTRi’s Deputy Section Head (Standards Advancement) Edwin Tang, the forthcoming guidelines will be highly comprehensive.

“They will cover the definition of LD-ECC, raw material performance specifications, testing standards, structural design methodologies, construction procedures and quality control requirements,” Mr Tang said.

He noted that the guidelines will serve as a key reference standard for future civil engineering projects.

“They are particularly applicable to road expansion works in constrained sites, lightweight backfilling and fast-track infrastructure projects with tight commissioning schedules,” Mr Tang said.

Driving innovation

The BTRi drives construction innovation through three core missions: leading research and development for innovative materials like LD-ECC, advancing standards, and providing accreditation, certification and testing for construction products and Modular Integrated Construction manufacturers.

“To date, the BTRi has undertaken more than 45 innovation initiatives, which are projected to save the construction industry up to $3.1 billion annually,” said BTRi’s Chief Executive Officer Alfred Wong.

The 2026-27 Budget earmarked $100 million for the BTRi to conduct various studies, with a focus on updating construction standards and integrating artificial intelligence applications into construction projects.

“As new technologies, materials and construction machinery emerge, existing standards may not adequately address them,” said Mr Wong.

“To bridge this gap, we are developing dedicated technical guidelines, while harmonising regional standards with the Greater Bay Area. These efforts will provide the construction industry with a clear and reliable framework for the wider adoption of innovation.”

Mr Wong added that the institute plans to establish a benchmark assessment mechanism for artificial intelligence applications to ensure new solutions strictly align with government public works standards.

Over 5k take part in port drill

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government conducted its second large-scale drill at the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area today to further test the overall management of passenger and vehicular flows at the port building and the public transport interchange (PTI).

An inter-departmental counter-terrorism and major incident exercise was also held to strengthen the response capabilities of various departments in emergency cases.

The exercise mobilised about 5,000 civil servants from around 30 departments. During the drill, participants took various modes of public transport to arrive at the port. They then proceeded to the departure hall and the arrival hall of the port building. Subsequently, they left the port by taking public transport as instructed.

Participants and vehicles dispatched by various public transport operators took part in cyclical trials involving more than 250 departures to simulate the flow of people and vehicles arriving and departing from the port.

Participants in the drill simulated queuing for immigration clearance procedures in the departure hall and the arrival hall to test the relevant crowd-control arrangements.

This drill also featured a new “crowd concentrated-flow test”. A large number of participants were first held on designated floors, in order to create a short-term unforeseen surge pressure subsequently by simulating a situation where an influx of passengers arrive and proceed to the PTI.

This is to test inter-departmental co-ordination arrangements and further test the effectiveness of the management of passenger and vehicular flows and various supporting measures.

During the drill, different types of tests were also featured. These included simulating the operational arrangement of small vehicles crossing the boundary; simulating a large number of departing passengers queuing to use the clearance facilities; and a large number of passengers gathering at the PTI to wait for individual public transport services.

Other tests involved the Department of Health’s quarantine station discovering suspected infection cases and requesting ambulancemen to co-operate in handling the situation; and the taxi management arrangements being activated in response to a large number of taxis going to the PTI.

The flow test was followed by an inter-departmental counter-terrorism and major incident exercise conducted at the departure hall on the fifth floor of the port building.

The exercise simulated a scenario in which extremists launched a shooting attack after they were discovered to possess firearms and ammunition, causing mass casualties and requiring immediate evacuation.

The exercise aimed to enhance departments’ co-ordination and response capabilities in handling terrorism and violence-related intelligence, and responding to different forms of terrorist attacks.

Next, different departments conducted a major-incident exercise, which simulated a serious traffic accident on the new connecting road to the port, thereby hindering vehicles from using the original route to enter the port.

Traffic was redirected under police instruction to use the southbound route, with one-lane two-way, intermittent access to the port’s PTI. Vehicles were also directed to leave the port and return to the urban area.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung inspected the drill on-site, which was conducted smoothly. He held a meeting with the participating departments afterwards to review the flow and suggestions given by the participants, in order to make further enhancements in subsequent drills.

Diverse transport to Huanggang Port

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The new Huanggang Port operates 24 hours a day, featuring a dedicated public transport interchange within the Hong Kong Port Area, allowing travellers easy commutes to and from various districts across Hong Kong.

According to Assistant Commissioner for Transport/New Territories Amy Tse, the port is well connected by a comprehensive public transport network. This includes seven franchised bus routes, six green minibus routes, five short-haul cross-boundary coach routes and various long-haul services, as well as direct taxi access.

Seven franchised bus routes operated by three bus companies serve the port, including six daytime routes and one overnight service.

For daytime bus services, Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) operates Route B10 to Kwai Tsui Estate in Kwai Fong via the Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange and Route B11 directly to Tin Fu in Tin Shui Wai via Yuen Long MTR Station. New Lantao Bus operates Route B12, connecting the port with Wu Kai Sha and passing through Science Park and Tai Po.

Citybus runs three daytime routes: Route B13 to Siu Sai Wan on Hong Kong Island and Route B14 to Kai Tak in Kowloon, both stopping at the Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange, along with Route B15 running to Castle Peak Bay in Tuen Mun via Tuen Mun MTR Station.

For late-night travellers, KMB runs overnight Route NB73 serving Sha Tin.

In addition, six green minibus routes are available. Daytime services comprise Route 44B to Tuen Mun Station, Route 44B1 to Tuen Mun Ferry Pier and Route 78 to Pat Heung Road. Overnight minibus services include Route N44B to Tuen Mun, Route 79S to Tin Shui Wai and Route 616S to Mong Kok.

Travellers can also utilise five short-haul cross-boundary coach routes serving major hubs, including Mong Kok, Austin Road in Jordan, Lam Tin, Exhibition Centre Station in Wan Chai and Tsuen Wan.

Passengers wishing to travel by taxi can take fleet, urban or New Territories taxis directly to the port area.

Miss Tse noted that the Transport Department and transport operators are fully prepared to deliver a seamless, efficient and convenient travel experience for passengers journeying between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Chinese agricultural goods go global

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today attended a promotional matchmaking event aimed at helping Mainland premium agricultural products leverage Hong Kong’s international trade platform to expand into overseas markets.

The “Chinese Mainland Premium Agricultural Products ‘Going Global’ Exchange and Matchmaking Event” was jointly organised by the Hong Special Administrative Region Government’s Environment & Ecology Bureau (EEB), the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs Agricultural Trade Promotion Center, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Other officiating guests included Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Zhang Yong, Director-General of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center under the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs Peng Tingjun, and Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan. Around 250 representatives from Mainland provincial and regional governments, enterprises and Hong Kong industry professionals also took part.

Addressing the event, Mr Chan stated that expanding premium agricultural and food products into overseas markets requires an efficient international trade platform, professional marketing services, and seamless alignment with international standards, all of which are Hong Kong’s unique strengths.

He added that Hong Kong serves as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” for enterprises. By utilising the city as a springboard to “go global”, Mainland companies can achieve a multiplier effect without having to build their overseas presence from scratch.

Also speaking at the event, Mr Tse noted that the Mainland has long been Hong Kong’s primary source of fresh food, creating a deep foundation for bilateral co-operation. He expressed hope that the event would help Mainland enterprises connect with overseas buyers, facilitating a transition from “supplying to Hong Kong” to “going global via Hong Kong”.

Mr Tse highlighted that the event, now in its fourth year, set new records for both scale and outcomes. It also marked the first time EEB participated as a co-organiser.

During the event, the EEB also signed Memoranda of Understanding on agricultural and food products co-operation with representatives from Hunan Province, Xizang Autonomous Region and Shandong Province to further deepen economic ties.

CE awards govt teams

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today presented award certificates to two civil service teams under the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance scheme.

The recipients are the Inter-departmental Team for Wartime Bomb Disposal with Emergency Relief and Support Services (Bomb Disposal Team), and the Inter-departmental Team for Light Public Housing (LPH).

Addressing the presentation ceremony, Mr Lee praised the teams for fulfilling their duties with exceptional competence and winning public trust through tangible results. He added that they demonstrate the Government’s “people-oriented” approach and responsible and results-driven governance philosophy, setting an example for the entire civil service.

The Bomb Disposal Team was recognised for its swift response in September 2025, when a 1,000-pound wartime bomb was discovered at a Quarry Bay construction site. The operation was further complicated by the approach of Super Typhoon Ragasa.

The Security Bureau, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Fire Services Department and the Home Affairs Department immediately activated an emergency mechanism. Their co-ordinated efforts ensured the orderly evacuation of nearly 2,900 residents across 18 buildings and the safe defusal of the bomb.

Senior Bomb Disposal Officer (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau) Suryanto Chin-chiu thanked the Chief Executive for the recognition. He noted that the crisis was handled safely because every department demonstrated a high level of professionalism and the solidarity of “One Government”.

The LPH Team, led by the Housing Bureau in collaboration with the Architectural Services Department, achieved remarkable results in a short period to break Hong Kong construction records.

The Yau Pok Road project in Yuen Long was completed in approximately 12 months. Meanwhile, the foundation and 18-floor superstructure at Choi Hing Road in Ngau Tau Kok were completed in less than 18 months. As a result, the Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing dropped from 6.1 years to 4.8 years.

Then-Deputy Secretary for Housing (Special Duties) Winnie Wong stated that providing a comfortable and safe environment for those previously living in inadequate housing was the team’s greatest motivation for rapid delivery.

The nomination exercise for this round of the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance commenced in May. The Civil Service Bureau invited bureaus to nominate outstanding teams or colleagues for the honour.