Michael Tien has been appointed Employees Retraining Board chairman from April 1. Dr Ng Tat-lun has been made the board's vice-chairman and 13 others appointed as members for a one-year term.

Secretary for Education & Manpower Professor Arthur Li said Mr Tien, appointed to the board as a member in November 1997, and vice-chairman since November 2000, has been very committed to his service and contributed significantly to the board.

He said he is confident that with members' support the board will continue to provide efficient retraining services to help the unemployed meet changing labour market requirements.