The Government today announced the appointments of the new Permanent Secretary for Environment & Ecology (Food) and Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene.

Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Irene Young will take up the post of Permanent Secretary for Environment & Ecology (Food) on November 11, succeeding Vivian Lau who will proceed on pre-retirement leave at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary for Housing/Deputy Director of Housing (Strategy) Donald Ng will take up the post of Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene on November 18.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said the appointees are seasoned Administrative Officers with proven leadership and management skills, adding that she is confident they will continue to serve the community with professionalism in their new posts.

Mrs Yeung also thanked Miss Lau, who has rendered 36 years of loyal and dedicated service to the community and made significant contributions to the Government, and wished her a fulfilling and happy retirement.

“During Miss Lau's tenure as Permanent Secretary for Environment & Ecology (Food), she capably led the team to formulate and implement the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture & Fisheries, as well as policies on food safety, veterinary public health and environmental hygiene.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, she offered strategic steer for implementing relevant anti-epidemic work and played a pivotal role in helping the Government win the battle,” Mrs Yeung added.