New chief: Nicholas Ng will succeed Haider Barma as  Chairman of the Public Service Commission from May 1.

The Government has appointed Nicholas Ng to succeed Haider Barma as the Chairman of the Public Service Commission for a term of three years with effect from May 1.

Mr Ng was a veteran civil servant who retired at the Director of Bureau rank in July 2003 after 33 years of service.

Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong said he is pleased to welcome Mr Ng as the new chairman, adding that he is well-suited for the appointment in view of his extensive abilities and experience, and deep understanding of the civil service.

"I am confident that he will be capable of providing the necessary leadership to the Commission in the fulfillment of its role to ensure fairness and impartiality in appointments, promotions and discipline in the civil service and in meeting new challenges ahead," said Mr Wong.

Mr Wong thanked Mr Barma for his remarkable contribution to the Commission during his tenure since 1996. He has tendered invaluable advice to the Administration and as Chairman, has led the Commission in upholding the quality and integrity of the civil service, Mr Wong added.

The Commission is an independent statutory body set up under the Public Service Commission Ordinance. Its fundamental role is to advise the Administration on appointments, promotions and discipline in the civil service.

It currently comprises a Chairman and seven non-official members, all of whom are appointed by the Chief Executive.

Nicholas Ng's bio

Aged 58, Mr Ng joined the Government in June 1970. He served briefly in the former Assignment Officer grade and then the Executive Officer grade, before transferring to the Administrative Officer grade in August 1971. He rose to the rank of Director of Bureau in January 1995 prior to his retirement from the civil service in July 2003.

Over his 33 years with the civil service, Mr Ng served in a number of policy bureaux and departments.

The senior positions he held included Deputy Secretary for the Civil Service (November 1985 - February 1987); Deputy Secretary for Trade & Industry (February - July 1987); Deputy Director of Information Services (July 1987 - March 1989); Secretary-General, Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries & Conditions of Service (May 1989 - May 1991); Director of Administration (June 1991 - January 1994) and Secretary for Constitutional Affairs (January 1994 - August 1997).

He was appointed a Principal Official in July 1997 and took up the position of Secretary for Transport in August 1997 until he retired.