The Census & Statistics Department is planning to turn the Annual Earnings & Hours Survey into a regular mandatory study from next year to enhance the quality of data collected.

A new annual earnings and hours survey was launched in May to meet the statistical requirements for supporting analysis related to the statutory minimum wage, Commissioner for Census & Statistics Fung Hing-wang said at the Statistics Advisory Board meeting today.

He told board members the department sometimes needs to devise supplementary statistical frameworks using tailor-made methods to address statistical needs specific to Hong Kong.

Examples include statistical frameworks relating to the electronics industry, trading firms with manufacturing-related activities, the four pillar industries, asset-management business and six other crucial industries.

Mr Fung added the department will continue compiling different kinds of social statistics to meet the community's diverse statistical needs.