Director of Highways Mak Chai-kwong will succeed Lo Yiu-ching as Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works (Works) from September 19, the Civil Service Bureau says. Mr Lo will retire after 32 years of service.

Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue said Mr Mak is an experienced senior civil servant with top knowledge and experience in the works field. He also possesses proven leadership and management abilities.

Passing the baton: Director of Highways Mak Chai-kwong will succeed Lo Yiu-ching as Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works (Works) from September 19.

Aged 56, Mr Mak joined the Government as an assistant engineer in 1976. He was promoted to chief engineer in 1994, to government engineer in 1997, and to principal government engineer in 2000. He was the Project Manager of New Territories East Development Office in the former Territory Development Department from 2000 until he became Director of Highways in 2002.

"I have every confidence that Mr Mak will continue to serve the community with professionalism and dedication in his new capacity, and ably lead his office to meet the challenges ahead," Ms Yue said.

Meanwhile, she praised Mr Lo's 32 years of loyal and dedicated service to the community.

"During his tenure as Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works (Works), Mr Lo has made exemplary contributions in steering forward major public works projects and in promoting quality improvements in the construction industry. We wish him a happy retirement."

Click here to see his biographical notes.