Appointments to Employees Retraining Board announced
The Government announced today (March 28) the appointment of Professor Simon Wong Kit-lung and Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin as the new Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively of the Employees Retraining Board (ERB), the appointment of four new members, as well as the reappointment of seven incumbent members, for a term of two years with effect from April 1, 2025.
The four new members are Dr Wong Chung-kiu, Mr So Pak-tsan, Mr Lawrence Hung Yu-yun and Ms Ngan Ming-sau.
Professor Wong has been serving the ERB since 2018 and was appointed as Vice-Chairman in 2019. Professor Wong is an outstanding business leader with extensive experience in advisory and statutory bodies.
The seven reappointed members are Ms Lam Kwan, Ms Alice Wong Nga-lai, Mr Harold Wong Tsu-hing, Mr Lam Tin-fu, Ms Lui Kit-han, Mr Tam Chi-chung and Ms Jenny Chiu Wai-han.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, welcomed the appointments. "The ERB is undertaking comprehensive reforms. I am fully confident that under the exemplary leadership of Professor Wong and with the dedicated support of the Vice-Chairman and all members, the ERB will be capable of implementing reforms to enhance the training, upskilling and re-skilling of the local labour force, promote lifelong learning for all, with a view to addressing the manpower needs arising from future economic and industry development," Mr Sun said.
Mr Sun also thanked the outgoing Chairman, Mr Yu Pang-chun, and members, Dr Johnny Ng Kit-chong, Mr Li Wing-foo and Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching, for their contribution to the ERB during their tenure of service. He paid special tribute to Mr Yu. "Mr Yu has been serving the ERB since 2009 and was appointed as Chairman in 2019. Under his exemplary leadership, the ERB implemented various new measures and programmes in response to the emerging economy and market needs, enhanced the competitiveness of the local labour force and completed a comprehensive review last year. These actions have laid a strong foundation for the reforms and long-term development of the ERB. I would like to extend my gratitude for his dedicated service to the ERB for over a decade," he said.
The ERB is a statutory body established in 1992 under the Employees Retraining Ordinance (Cap. 423) to provide comprehensive and diversified training and retraining services for the local labour force. The composition of its membership, comprising representatives of employers and employees, and persons connected with vocational training and retraining or manpower planning, is specified in the law.
The membership list of the ERB in the new term is as follows:
Chairman
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Professor Simon Wong Kit-lung
Vice-Chairman
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Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin
Representatives of employers
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Ms Lam Kwan
Ms Alice Wong Nga-lai
Mr Harold Wong Tsu-hing
Dr Wong Chung-kiu
Representatives of employees
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Mr Lam Tin-fu
Ms Lui Kit-han
Mr Tam Chi-chung
Mr So Pak-tsan
Persons connected with vocational training and retraining or manpower planning
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Ms Jenny Chiu Wai-han
Mr Lawrence Hung Yu-yun
Ms Ngan Ming-sau
Executive Director of Vocational Training Council
Public officers
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Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare
Commissioner for Labour
S for S encourages graduates to fulfil duties with "iron will, compassion and insights"
The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, inspected the passing-out parade of 15 probationary inspectors and 248 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (January 31) and witnessed them embark to perform the sacred duties of the Police.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Tang said that while times and circumstances, criminal modus operandi and investigative methods are ever-changing, the mission of the Police, their loyalty towards the country and Hong Kong, their determination to safeguard the rule of law, and their pledge to serve the community stand firm and unaltered. He said that police officers, facing various unknowns and challenges daily, should embody three capabilities: "iron will, compassion and insights".
"Iron will" - when confronted with threats and pressure, police officers should remain dedicated and unwavering, committed to resolutely safeguarding national security and upholding the rule of law in Hong Kong. He mentioned that in 2019, many Force members, despite being attacked by rioters and their family members being threatened, remained unyielding and steadfast at their posts, which demonstrated their impregnable "iron will".
"Compassion" - Police officers should enforce the law with impartiality and integrity, while also being compassionate, empathetic and citizen-oriented. He cited that in the aftermath of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, officers searched for the deceased at the devastating fire scene with their bare hands, striving to keep the bodies intact and recover their identity so their families could bid a proper farewell. "Compassion" is embodied through respecting life, being empathetic for suffering, and upholding professionalism.
"Insights" - In the face of evolving criminal modus operandi and the volatile external environment, police officers should cultivate the ability to foresee opportunities, plan ahead and break new ground. He stated that the Force must leverage new technologies, fresh knowledge and innovative thinking, collaborate across sectors and embrace change. To be future-ready, the Force should possess the insights to identify and adapt to changes, with the devotion to consciously serve the country, the wisdom to uphold principles while pursuing innovation, and the vision to stay vigilant even in times of peace.
Mr Tang said that the Force never stands alone, for it is supported by the staunch backing of the motherland, various departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and all sectors of society. He said he endeavours to safeguard Hong Kong alongside police officers.
In conclusion, he quoted President Xi Jinping's words that it is the solemn duty of the people's police to safeguard national security and social stability and ensure people's happiness and peace. He encouraged the graduates to be "inspirited by iron will, anchored by compassion, guided by insights", adhere to the principle of "With faith, we go farther", and pursue the Force's mission of "Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty".
S for S encourages graduates to fulfil duties with "iron will, compassion and insights" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
S for S encourages graduates to fulfil duties with "iron will, compassion and insights" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
S for S encourages graduates to fulfil duties with "iron will, compassion and insights" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
S for S encourages graduates to fulfil duties with "iron will, compassion and insights" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
