Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa has re-appointed Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang as the Honours Committee Chairperson for 2004, and appointed Professor Edward Chen and Dr Raymond Ch'ien as members.

Other re-appointed members are the Financial Secretary, Secretary for Home Affairs, Public Service Commission Chairman and Chief Executive's Office Director, along with Leung Chun-ying, Cheng Yiu-tong and Dr James Kung.

Under the honours and awards system introduced after the Handover, the decision as to whether a recommendation for an honour or award is approved is made personally by the Chief Executive.

To ensure that recommendations are consistent, appropriate and in line with approved criteria, nominations are considered by the Honours Committee.

Honours and awards are given each year to individuals in recognition of their significant contributions to Hong Kong and for their dedicated public and community service. They are also given for acts of bravery which deserve public recognition.