Inaugural cohort of Master's Degree in Public Policy Programme for senior civil servants graduated today

Hong kong civil servants graduate from public policy programme at peking university, ready to enhance governance efficiency and lead with patriotism and integrity

The inaugural cohort of the Master's Degree in Public Policy Programme for senior civil servants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government graduated today (July 3). They were awarded certificates at the graduation ceremony organised by the School of Government of Peking University. The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Leung, witnessed the important moment of these civil servants of high potential in completion of their studies and expect them to better serve Hong Kong with what they have learned.

Addressing the ceremony, Mrs Yeung said that civil servants are the backbone of the Government. As Hong Kong moves towards a new era of stability to prosperity, identifying and nurturing more governing talent who are patriotic and love Hong Kong, have good morals and integrity, and are competent and people oriented, together with an innovative spirit and an international perspective, is crucial for enhancing the Government's governance capabilities and leading Hong Kong in addressing the current sophisticated international landscape and challenges.

Mrs Yeung expressed her gratitude to the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO) for its strong support, and to Peking University for attaching great importance to this programme. Mrs Yeung said that through engaging in the year-long immersive learning in Beijing, participants have had in-depth exchanges with scholars, officials and the public, which have significantly deepened their understanding of the country and enriched their knowledge of the country's politics and public administration. The insights gained from the development experiences on the Mainland also prompted the participants to thoughtfully reflect on what areas and experiences Hong Kong can learn from, and how to combine the strengths of both systems of the Mainland and Hong Kong to complement each other so that Hong Kong can move faster, gain more and contribute more to the country in its active integration into the overall national development. The knowledge gained and examples learned in respect of public administration also stimulated them to reflect on how to enhance the governance efficiency of the HKSAR when they return to work, align it more closely with public sentiment, and thereby gain the most for citizens.

Mr Frederick Yu from the Administrative Officer Grade was one of the graduate representatives. At the ceremony, Mr Yu promised on behalf of all participants that they would support the HKSAR Government in enhancing governance capabilities through practice and actions, so as to respond actively to people's aspirations, thereby showing their appreciation to the HKMAO, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) and Peking University for nurturing them.

The Master's Degree in Public Policy Programme is co-organised by the CSB and Peking University. The participants, who come from various professional fields, are civil servants recommended by their departments and have demonstrated leadership potential and outstanding performance. The programme covers four major areas, namely public administration and leadership skills, the country's governance and Hong Kong affairs, global affairs and governance, as well as social studies and field work. The programme lasts for two years. Participants have to study full-time at Peking University for the first year. Participants will return to Hong Kong in the second year to complete their thesis and apply their learning to enhancing the governance of Hong Kong.

Before the ceremony, the delegation led by Mrs Yeung met with the President of Peking University, Mr Gong Qihuang, to exchange views on the civil service training.

Mrs Yeung said the CSB has long been co-operating well with Peking University. She thanked the teachers of the University for attaching strong importance and showing full support to civil service training of the HKSAR Government and organising various programmes with the Civil Service College to strengthen civil servants' sense of national identity and deepen their understanding of the country to better support the development of the country and Hong Kong.

After the ceremony, Mrs Yeung met and chatted with the graduates of the inaugural cohort and the HKSAR civil servants who are currently studying at Peking University to understand more about their learning experiences and reflections. She reminded them that civil servants have to shoulder the leadership responsibility in guiding their teams to proactively implement government policies and work together to achieve good governance for Hong Kong after completion of their studies.

Inaugural cohort of Master's Degree in Public Policy Programme for senior civil servants graduated today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Inaugural cohort of Master's Degree in Public Policy Programme for senior civil servants graduated today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Inaugural cohort of Master's Degree in Public Policy Programme for senior civil servants graduated today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Inaugural cohort of Master's Degree in Public Policy Programme for senior civil servants graduated today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Inaugural cohort of Master's Degree in Public Policy Programme for senior civil servants graduated today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Chief secretary for administration celebrates student of the year awards 2023/24 and emphasizes the importance of youth development and sustainability in hong kong.

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Student of the Year Awards 2023/24 Presentation Ceremony today (July 6):

Catherine (Chief Executive Officer of the South China Morning Post, Ms Catherine So), Gabriel (Executive Director, Charities and Community of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Dr Gabriel Leung), Tammy (Editor-in-Chief of the South China Morning Post, Ms Tammy Tam), Advisory Board members, judges, parents, principals, teachers, students, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to join you all on this happy occasion – the presentation ceremony of the annual Student of the Year Awards.

Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of senior secondary school students throughout Hong Kong. In total, there are ten distinct award categories, covering academic performance, language, arts, sports, community service, and more.

I must first thank the Awards organiser and sponsor, the South China Morning Post and The Hong Kong Jockey Club respectively, for putting together this meaningful event year after year. Their far-reaching commitment to education – to the youth of Hong Kong – inspires us all.

New this year is the "Sustainability Advocate" category, showcasing strong commitment and leadership in advancing sustainability. Our future depends on sustainability, so I am glad to see it recognised in the Awards.

The Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to building a sustainable future for Hong Kong and co-operating with young people in doing so.

A good example is the Sustainable Development School Outreach Programme, as well as the Sustainable Development School Award Programme, launched by the Environment and Ecology Bureau this school year. The programmes offered seminars, workshops, field trips and ambassador training, where some 75 000 students from around 200 primary and secondary schools learnt the concept and importance of sustainable development.

Our Government is equally committed to nurturing a new generation of youth with an affection for the motherland and Hong Kong, with global perspectives, and with positive thinking. As you all know, the Government launched a holistic Youth Development Blueprint two years ago, with more than 160 initiatives to chart a clear pathway for different stakeholders in society to drive youth development.

And we continued to meet young people's needs, with nearly 60 new measures introduced last year. Those measures ranged from promoting patriotic education, strengthening vocational and professional training, to enhancing support for mental health and fostering youth engagement.

We will also organise the first-edition Youth Development Summit in August. Guest speakers, and youth groups, from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas will gather in Hong Kong, exchanging views for mutual learning on issues of interest to young people.

I am therefore pleased to say that the theme of this year's Awards, "Empowering Collective Impact", couldn't be timelier. To provide a conducive environment for young people to grow and thrive, the collective efforts of the Government and all stakeholders are essential.

Ladies and gentlemen, your commitment to youth development is reassuring. I am talking about not just our soon-to-be announced student winners and runners-up, but also their parents who must be proud.

I am talking, too, about the principals, teachers, and many others who have – so well, so selflessly – guided our students towards success every step of the way.

My thanks, once again, to the South China Morning Post and The Hong Kong Jockey Club, as well as the expert judging panel, for their dedication to this year's Awards.

Together, collectively, we make a profound difference for our youth and for Hong Kong.

And my congratulations to all the award winners and finalists this year. I have every confidence that you will continue to build on your achievements in your education – and in your bright career ahead.

Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will all enjoy this very special day. You certainly deserve it.

On that note, I wish you all the best in the year to come. Thank you very much.

Speech by CS at Student of the Year Awards 2023/24 Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by CS at Student of the Year Awards 2023/24 Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases