The Government today announced the appointments of Director-General of Trade & Industry, Director of Social Welfare and Civil Aid Service Chief Staff Officer.

Deputy Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Maggie Wong will assume the post of Director-General of Trade & Industry on August 1.

Deputy Head, Policy Address Team of Chief Secretary for Administration's Office Charmaine Lee will assume the post of Director of Social Welfare on August 10 when Gordon Leung commences his pre-retirement leave.

Leung Kwun-hong will be appointed as Civil Aid Service Chief Staff Officer and assume the post on July 25. He will succeed Francis Fong who has already begun pre-retirement leave after 35 years of service.

In addition to lauding the appointees for being seasoned administrative officers with proven leadership and management skills, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said she has every confidence that they will continue to serve the community with professionalism in their new posts.

On the appointment of Leung Kwun-hong, Mrs Yeung revealed that Mr Leung had worked in the Fire Services Department in the past 35 years, adding that he had consistently demonstrated strong devotion to his work, remarkable performance and exemplary proficiency in all areas of his duties. She stressed that she is confident that he will be able to lead the Civil Aid Service to meet the challenges ahead.

On the retirement of Gordon Leung and Francis Fong, Mrs Yeung said: “Mr Leung had rendered 37 years of loyal and dedicated service to the community of Hong Kong. During his tenure as Director of Social Welfare, Mr Leung oversaw the implementation of a wide spectrum of welfare services in the city, covering elderly, family, child and rehabilitation areas and more, as well as various social security schemes.

“As the Civil Aid Service Chief Staff Officer, Mr Fong has devoted sustained efforts in leading the department to provide ample operational planning, professional training and logistics support to enable members of the Civil Aid Service to handle different emergency situations effectively.”

Mrs Yeung added that she wishes both of them a happy retirement.