Office of The Ombudsman Enhances Staff's Understanding of National 15th Five-Year Plan for Better Governance Integration

Office of The Ombudsman holds learning and exchange session to enhance alignment with National 15th Five-Year Plan

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

The Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy (HKIOA) under the Office of The Ombudsman today (May 15) held a learning and exchange session on the National 15th Five-Year Plan for investigation and administrative staff of the Office. The session aimed to deepen staff members' understanding of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and explore how their work can be aligned with and integrated into the Plan.

During the session, the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, noted, "This year marks the launch of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan. With the steadfast support from the motherland, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) must proactively align itself with and integrate into the overall national development strategy, while giving full play to its unique advantage of maintaining close connections with both the motherland and the world. President Xi Jinping has put forward 'four musts' and 'four proposals' for Hong Kong to provide a solid foundation and practical guidance for the implementation of 'one country, two systems', covering priorities such as implementing the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong' and enhancing governance standards. As the independent watchdog of public administration in Hong Kong, our Office has consistently adhered to fulfilling its duties with professionalism. We are also committed to driving reform and innovation, while continually reflecting on how our work can better align with national development."

Since assuming office on April 1, 2024, Mr Chan has embraced the spirit of innovation and reform, and guided his staff in gaining a deeper understanding of national affairs and learning from the country's development experience. While fulfilling the Office's supervisory functions, Mr Chan has led it to proactively align with the overarching development strategies under the 15th Five-Year Plan and the integration initiatives of the HKSAR Government, with a view to enhancing public well-being and contributing to Hong Kong's enduring prosperity and stability. To enhance the quality of public administration and governance effectiveness, Mr Chan has championed three strategic focuses: first, making effective use of mediation mechanisms to swiftly resolve conflicts and reduce the internal friction caused by disputes within society; second, promoting inter-departmental communication and collaboration to enhance overall governance standards; and third, cultivating a positive complaint culture by encouraging all sectors of society to engage constructively with social issues, and advocating that government departments and public organisations respond to feedback with open-mindedness, thereby promoting good governance.

Furthermore, the Office has established the HKIOA as a professional training platform to promote the concept of maladministration prevention among public officers, and to encourage them to adopt innovative thinking in responding to new circumstances, turn opportunities arising from national development into real benefits for the public, and genuinely ease the everyday hardships people face. The HKIOA has also set up Mainland and international exchange platforms and organised diverse activities to promote cross-regional sharing of knowledge and experience.

Under the "one country, two systems" framework, the Office has actively expanded international and regional cooperation. On the domestic front, the Office has strengthened ties and collaboration in overseeing public administration with the Mainland and the Macao Special Administrative Region. For instance, the Office received delegations from discipline inspection commissions of several Mainland provinces and cities, and a delegation from Macao. On the external front, the Office hosted the first International Ombudsman Summit in December 2024, gathering representatives of ombudsman institutions worldwide in Hong Kong for exchanges. Memoranda of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation were signed with several international ombudsman institutions to reinforce long-term partnerships. The Office will advance these efforts by co-ordinating the celebration of the Asian Ombudsman Association's 30th anniversary and an international forum as well as hosting the 27th meeting of its Board of Directors later this year, to further strengthen ties and co-operation with international and regional counterparts and showcase Hong Kong's unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world.

In addition, the Office stands firmly with the HKSAR Government in safeguarding national security and provides ongoing training to reinforce staff commitment and heighten their awareness of its importance. Mr Chan has set an example by proactively supporting and participating in national security initiatives such as the National Security Education Day, the National Security Legal Forum, and the 5th Anniversary of Promulgation and Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum. In full support of the comprehensive implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", the Office formed an election task force last year to promote the 2025 Legislative Council General Election and ensure sound and stable electoral operations.

Mr Chan emphasised, "The 15th Five-Year Plan has charted the course for national development over the coming five years. Our Office fully supports the HKSAR Government in formulating Hong Kong's first five-year plan, seeking to open new horizons for high-quality development, strengthen integration with and service to the overall national development, and contribute to building a stronger country." He reminded and encouraged staff that beyond their investigation duties, they should consider how their work can align with the country's overall development strategy. Upholding reform and innovation as core values, he pledged to lead all his staff in strengthening supervisory functions and advancing institutional reform and enhancement. At the same time, the Office will work to ease conflicts and grievances, foster social harmony, and drive high-quality development, thereby playing a more active role in the overall national development.

The Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy today (May 15) held a learning and exchange session on the 15th Five-Year Plan for investigation and administrative staff of the Office. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy under the Office of The Ombudsman today (May 15) held a learning and exchange session on the 15th Five-Year Plan for investigation and administrative staff of the Office. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

In view of the growing community concern over animal protection, the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (May 19) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine the secretariat services and administrative support provided by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB), particularly with regards to its handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons and related arrangements.

According to government statistics, over 240,000 households in Hong Kong keep pets, with the total number of pets exceeding 400,000, reflecting a strong demand for veterinary services in the community. The VSB, a statutory body established under the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance, is responsible for regulating veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong, including registration and disciplinary matters. The Secretariat of the VSB (Secretariat), under the AFCD's purview, provides secretarial and administrative support.

The Office notes recurring concerns about the cumbersome procedures for lodging complaints against veterinary surgeons, and that the Secretariat's handling of such complaints is unduly prolonged. There are views that even if the VSB determines, after a disciplinary inquiry, that a veterinary surgeon has committed professional misconduct or acted negligently, the public announcement of the decision is subject to serious delays, preventing the public from being informed in time to raise awareness and make informed decisions about veterinary services. In addition, the Office has received complaints highlighting shortcomings in the Secretariat’s arrangements for disciplinary inquiries and its handling of enquiries, indicating potential room for improvement in its administration and service standards.

Mr Chan said, "The proper handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons has a direct bearing on the quality of veterinary services and public confidence in the profession, and is closely correlated with animal health and welfare. The VSB is statutorily mandated to regulate, register and exercise disciplinary control of veterinary surgeons, and its ability to effectively perform these duties depends heavily on whether the administrative support provided by the Secretariat is proper. In this light, I have decided to launch a direct investigation operation to examine the procedures and mechanisms through which the Secretariat supports the VSB in handling matters related to the regulation of veterinary surgeons, and review the AFCD's supervisory role to identify areas for improvement and, where necessary, make pertinent recommendations."

Mr Chan said, "The Office earlier announced the results of a direct investigation operation into the Government's work in combating cruelty to animals, which attracted widespread public attention. Combating animal cruelty and protecting vulnerable lives is not a task that can be accomplished overnight; it requires the sustained and unwavering commitment of all sectors of society, including government authorities, non-governmental organisations and the wider public. This direct investigation operation is the second one of our series of investigations in relation to animal protection."

The Ombudsman today also visited the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Jockey Club Centennial Centre (Tsing Yi Centre) and met with its Executive Director, Ms Fiona Cumming, to gain an insight into the SPCA's work in preventing animal cruelty and rescuing injured animals, as well as its perspectives on related issues.

During the meeting, Ms Cumming briefed Mr Chan on the SPCA's latest efforts and challenges in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty, rescuing injured and abandoned animals, and promoting public education. Mr Chan also toured the facilities at the Centre, including the veterinary and animal care facilities, to learn about how frontline staff provide immediate treatment and rehabilitation support for injured animals. He spoke with staff members about their experiences in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty.

Mr Chan said, "Many animal protection organisations in the community have been working tirelessly to promote animal welfare. During our direct investigation operation, we received full support from the SPCA, the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and relevant animal rescue organisations. Through their outstanding work in animal protection, emergency rescues and public education, these organisations demonstrate compassion and social responsibility, and truly deserve praise."

Mr Chan added, "The media have recently reported on a suspected case of animal abuse and abandonment. The Police responded swiftly and decisively, leading to the arrest of the suspects within days. The action is highly commendable in fully demonstrating the Government's commitment and determination to combat animal cruelty, and conveying a clear and powerful message to society."

The Office will continue to follow up on the implementation of relevant policies and measures, with a view to fostering a more compassionate and caring society.

The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by June 19, 2026:

Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre

168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong

Fax: 2882 8149

Email: di490@ombudsman.hk

Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases