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Understanding Personal Secretary II (PSII) in One Minute
The recruitment of Personal Secretary II is open year-round! Click here to apply now. Duties A Personal Secretary II (PSII) is mainly deployed to carry out secretarial duties which may involve word processing, managing meetings and work schedule, handling enquiries and providing office support. A Personal Secretary II is subject to posting to any government offices in any districts of Hong Kong; is required to use information technology applications in the discharge of duties; and may be required to work irregular hours. Salary and Benefits Salary: Master Pay Scale Point 4 (HK$17,770 per month) to Master Pay Scale Point 15 (HK$34,060 per month). Fringe Benefits: Vacation leave; Medical and dental benefits; Housing benefits Entry Requirements (i) Level 2 or equivalent or above in five subjects including Mathematics in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE), or equivalent; or (ii) Level 2 / Grade E or above in five subjects including Mathematics in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), or equivalent; and Met the language proficiency requirements of Level 2 or above in Chinese Language and English Language in HKDSEE or HKCEE, or equivalent; and Chinese word processing speed of 20 words per minute and English word processing speed of 40 words per minute, and proficiency in the application of common business software; and A pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test. Please visit the website of Civil Service Bureau and Government Vacancies Enquiry webpage for more details.
Understanding Assistant Clerical Officer in one minute (ACO)
The recruitment of Assistant Clerical Officer is open year-round! Click here to apply now. Duties An Assistant Clerical Officer (ACO) is mainly deployed on general clerical duties which may involve multi-tasks relating to one or a combination of the following functional areas: (a) general office support; (b) personnel; (c) finance and accounts; (d) customer service; (e) licensing and registration; (f) support to Government Counsel, and court support and registry services to judges and court users; (g) statistical duties; (h) information technology support; and (i) other departmental support. An ACO is subject to posting to any government offices in any districts of Hong Kong; is required to use information technology applications in the discharge of duties; and may be required to work irregular hours or shifts and wear uniform at work. Salary and Benefits Salary: Master Pay Scale Point 3 (HK$16,695 per month) to Master Pay Scale Point 15 (HK$34,060 per month). Fringe Benefits: Vacation leave; Medical and dental benefits; Housing benefits Entry Requirements (i) Level 2 or equivalent or above in five subjects including Mathematics in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE), or equivalent; or (ii) Level 2 / Grade E or above in five subjects including Mathematics in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), or equivalent; and Met the language proficiency requirements of Level 2 or above in Chinese Language and English Language in HKDSEE or HKCEE, or equivalent; and Chinese word processing speed of 20 words per minute and English word processing speed of 30 words per minute, and knowledge in the application of common business software; and A pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test. Please visit the website of Civil Service Bureau and Government Vacancies Enquiry webpage for more details.
What you need to know when applying for OLO II (Official Languages Officer II)
Roles and Duties of Official Languages OfficersOfficial Languages Officers are mainly deployed on the following types of duties in bureaux and departments:- translating Chinese into English and vice versa;- interpreting in English/Cantonese/Putonghua at boards, committees, meetings and interviews;- attending meetings for the purpose of producing minutes in Chinese and English;- providing language-related support services such as drafting and vetting documents in Chinese and English, and advising on the use of the two official languages; and- assisting in office management work. Entry Requirements1. a bachelor's degree from a university in Hong Kong, or equivalent; 2. attained Level 2 results in the two language papers (Use of Chinese and Use of English) in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE), or equivalent; and3. a Pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) (Degree / Professional Grades). (Remarks: Applicants will be required to pass the Official Languages Officer Written Examination) Official Languages Officer Written Examination (OLOWE)Eligible applicants will be invited to sit for the OLOWE. The OLOWE includes papers on Practical Writing (Chinese and English) and Translation (Chinese to English and vice versa). Applicants who pass the OLOWE will be selected for interpretation test and interview based on their results in the OLOWE. Those who are not selected for interpretation test and interview will be notified in writing in eight to ten weeks after the examination. As it takes time to process all applications, an invitation to the OLOWE does not imply that an applicant's qualifications meet the entry requirements. Tips for Taking the OLOWE* 攻略1︰平日根基要打穩 攻略2︰應試答題勿慌忙 攻略3︰筆試前夕準備清單 Tips for Taking the Interpretation Test and Interview* *Source: Civil Service Bureau Facebook; Chinese only Remuneration Package1. Starting Salary: Master Pay Scale Point 14, which is at present HK$32,430 per month2. Annual Vacation Leave: 18 days per year3. Fringe Benefits: medical and dental benefits; housing benefitsFor more details, please visit the website of Civil Service Bureau.
2023/24 Joint Recruitment (Application Closed)
The Government has launched the joint recruitment exercise from 16 September 2023, and the deadline for submitting application is 5pm on October 6 (Hong Kong time). The six recruiting grades include: Administrative Officer (AO), Executive Officer II (EOII), Assistant Labour Officer II (ALOII), Assistant Trade Officer II (ATOII), Management Services Officer II (MSOII) and Transport Officer II (TOII). Administrative Officer Executive Officer Management Services Officer Details of the joint recruitment are available on the Civil Service Bureau’s website.
Expanding civil service recruitment to undergraduate students in third year of study
In order to attract people with aspirations to serve the community to join the civil service and to enable young people to better plan their future career development, starting from this year, the Government will expand the pool of eligible candidates for civil service jobs requiring an undergraduate degree to students advancing to their third year of undergraduate studies (in a four-year curriculum) in the new academic year or those currently in their third year of undergraduate studies. Recommended candidates will be granted a conditional offer and will join the Government upon graduation. In the past, government departments/grades would generally consider only final year students or those who have already obtained the relevant qualifications during recruitment. Under the new initiative, departments/grades may, having regard to their manpower resources and operational needs, consider whether to expand the pool of eligible candidates to undergraduate or postgraduate students in their penultimate year of study, so they may apply for civil service jobs requiring an undergraduate or a postgraduate qualification. Such arrangements will be clearly set out in the recruitment advertisements. Successful candidates with conditional offers can join the civil service upon graduation, subject to their fulfillment of specified conditions, including the completion of the relevant academic qualification within a stipulated period of time. [Video in Chinese only] Civil service recruitment examination arrangements The Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) and the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (Degree/Professional Grades) (BLNST) tentatively scheduled for October (in Hong Kong) and December (in cities outside Hong Kong) this year, and the Joint Recruitment Examination for Administrative Officer, Executive Officer II, Assistant Labour Officer II, Assistant Trade Officer II, Management Services Officer II and Transport Officer II (JRE) scheduled for December (in Hong Kong and cities outside Hong Kong) will be open to persons holding a bachelor's degree, final year undergraduate students (i.e. graduating in the 2023-24 academic year), and penultimate year undergraduate students graduating in the 2024-25 academic year. The next round of the CRE and BLNST is tentatively scheduled to be open for application in August (for examinations in Hong Kong) and September (for examinations outside Hong Kong) this year, while the JRE (for examinations in and outside Hong Kong) is tentatively scheduled to be open for application in September. For details of the civil service recruitment examination arrangements, please visit the Civil Service Bureau's webpage. It is expected that similar arrangements will be announced by different departments/grades. If you wish to apply for civil service jobs early, remeber to pay attention to the recruitment and examination details concerned!
Summer Internship in Government 2023 (Keep updating...)
The 2023 Post-Secondary Student Summer Internship Programme has been launched. The Programme provides internship placement opportunities for students who are permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and enrolled in full-time accredited post-secondary programmes offered by post-secondary institutions in or outside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.Bureaux/departments would advertise their internship placement opportunities (where applicable) on their respective departmental websites and CSB's website. In addition, they may make arrangement with individual post-secondary institutions to nominate students for the Programme. List of job vacancies is updated constantly, the following vacancies are still open for application as at 6 Jul 2023 (sorted by closing date)： Job Number：47054Department：Department of Health Job Title：Summer Intern Salary：HKD$11200 Per MonthClosing Date：06/07/2023 23:59:00 Apply and Details Application procedures Students who are interested in the placement opportunities advertised may download the standard application form or use the prescribed application forms as provided by individual bureaux/departments (where applicable) and submit their applications to 1) the recruiting bureaux/departments or;2) their respective institutions according to the methods as set out in the advertisements. (*Please follow the application procedures set out in the advertisements) (**To safeguard personal data privacy, students are reminded not to submit their personal data other than through the above channels)(***Please note the deadlines set by the respective institutions)
[Civil Servant Story] Acting Chief Immigration Assistant: Provide quality service for the citizens
Acting Chief Immigration Assistant of the Immigration Department Ms Chan Ching-man was commended for her outstanding work performance at the Secretary for the Civil Service's Commendation Award Presentation Ceremony 2022. During her tenure as an instructor at the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development, Ms Chan strived to set a good example for new recruits and cultivate the trainees' spirit of teamwork and serving the public. She also worked on the front line at various land, sea and air boundary control points and performed her job well in exercising effective immigration control. For more information on the subject, please visit the Facebook page of Civil Service Bureau.
[LCSDPlusss] About the frontline workers in Hong Kong City Hall
This story is only available in Chinese. For more information on the subject, please visit the Leisure and Cultural Services Department Facebook Page.
Administrative Service Summer Internship Programme 2023 (The application is closed)
The primary objective of the Administrative Service Internship Programme ("the Programme") is to give Hong Kong students who wish to pursue an AO (Administrative Officer) career an opportunity to get hands-on experience of working with serving AOs, so as to facilitate their future career planning.Students participating in the Programme will be assigned duties similar in nature to those of AOs in different government bureaux or departments. Students will also have the opportunity to visit various government offices and / or relevant public organisations.Terms of EmploymentThe employment period will last for about two months or more between May and September 2023 (depending on office exigencies and individual participants' availability, the actual employment period of different cases may vary). The level of remuneration for participants will be $10,500 per month (including contribution to Mandatory Provident Fund). Participants are normally required to work 44 hours per week. The exact hours of work will depend on the actual operational needs. Overtime work, where necessary, will be compensated by time-off in lieu.All successful applicants will be offered identical terms of employment (except for the period). No allowance will be given to appointees currently residing outside Hong Kong to cover their travelling expenses to and from Hong Kong or their subsistence during their stay in Hong Kong. How to ApplyLocal ApplicantsAll local applications (including those from students of local tertiary institutions who are currently participating in exchange programmes at tertiary institutions outside Hong Kong) must be submitted through their respective tertiary institutions. Interested students may wish to approach the responsible department of their tertiary institution direct for details on the application procedures and deadline.Applicants Studying Full-time Outside Hong KongHong Kong students studying at tertiary institutions outside of Hong Kong (excluding students of local tertiary institutions who are currently participating in exchange programmes at tertiary institutions outside Hong Kong) who wish to participate in the Programme are required to submit by mail to the Administrative Service Division of Civil Service Bureau at Room 918, 9/F., West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong or the scanned version / soft copy of the required information together with a recent colour photo taken against a plain background (file format should be JPG, JEPG or PNG; minimum size of the photo should be 413 x 531 pixels) by email to csbasd@csb.gov.hk by 28 February 2023 (Tuesday) (Hong Kong Time) (late applications and applications submitted by fax will not be accepted).EnquiriesApplicants who do not receive any notification within six weeks after the above-mentioned deadline may assume that their applications are unsuccessful. Please contact Civil Service Bureau at csbasd@csb.gov.hk if you have any query. Please visit CSB website for more details.
Winner of The Ombudsman’s Awards 2021 for Officers of Public Organisations“Take complaints seriously and try my best to remedy problems” Mr Tsang Kai Ho, Environmental Protection Officer (Regional West) 13 of Environmental Protection Department"In October 2020, we received complaints from the public about polluted water discharge in Tuen Mun River. My team and I immediately carried out inspections to check the source of the sewage and conducted various tests to examine the condition of the public sewer and stormwater drains. In the end, we found that the incident was due to drainage leakage, causing the sewage to flow into the stormwater drain. We forwarded the case to the relevant department for arranging repair work in November, and the problem was then resolved." (The video is in Cantonese) For more details of The Ombudsman’s Awards 2021, please visit the website of the Office of The Ombudsman.
[My workplace is in Lau Shui Heung Reservoir]
This story is only available in Chinese. For more information on the subject, please visit the Facebook page of Hong Kong Country Parks.
[Our hiking friends. AFCD fire crew]
This story is only available in Chinese. For more information on the subject, please visit the Facebook page of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
What you need to know when applying for Lifeguard of LCSD
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) recruits lifeguards on civil service terms as well as on non-civil service contract terms according to seasonal and operational needs for providing life-saving services at its public swimming pools, gazetted beaches and water sports centres. Schedule of RecruitmentThe recruitment exercise of Seasonal Lifeguard will be conducted from around December to August every year. Applicants may also submit their job applications before the recruitment advertisement for the next swimming season. Such applications will be processed when the recruitment exercise for that swimming season starts. For more details, please visit the “Jobs Available” column on the LCSD website. RemunerationSeasonal Lifeguard is remunerated at more than $20,000 per month depending on the venues of work. Upon satisfactory completion of the contract and subject to satisfactory performance and conduct during the contract period, the incumbent is entitled to an end-of-contract gratuity. Entry Requirements(1) a valid Beach Lifeguard Award or Pool Lifeguard Award or above issued by The Hong Kong Life Saving Society; (2) preferably possess a valid First Aid Certificate issued by the St. John Ambulance Association, Hong Kong Red Cross or Auxiliary Medical Service;(3) attain a level of proficiency in Chinese and English languages equivalent to Primary 6 standard;(4) pass the swimming and trade tests; and(5) pass an eyesight test and the Ishihara's Test. >>>For more information about the Beach Lifeguard Award and the Pool Lifeguard Award issued by The Hong Kong Life Saving Society, please visit the website of The Hong Kong Life Saving Society.>>>For more information about the First Aid Certificate of the St John Ambulance Association, Hong Kong Red Cross or Auxiliary Medical Service, please visit the story "First aid certificate courses recognised by the Government". How to apply(1) Completed application form together with photocopies of relevant lifesaving awards (Pool Lifeguard Award or Beach Lifeguard Award or above) and First Aid Certificate should reach the enquiry address for applications. Please specify on the envelope "Application for Seasonal Lifeguard (Swimming Pool)" or "Application for Seasonal Lifeguard (Beach/Water Sports Centre)".(2) Application forms [G.F. 340(Rev.3/2013)] are obtainable from any Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of District Offices, Home Affairs Department or any Job Centres of the Employment Services Division, Labour Department. The said form can also be downloaded from Civil Service Bureau's website. Please watch the video for more information about the job duties of lifeguards. Enquiry Address: Appointments and Establishment Unit, Support Section, Leisure Services Branch, 7/F., Leisure and Cultural Services Headquarters, 1 Pai Tau Street, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong.Enquiry Telephone: 2601 8050 or 2601 8040
Understanding Clerical Assistant in one minute (CA)
The recruitment of Clerical Assistant is open year-round! Click here to apply now. Duties A Clerical Assistant (CA) is mainly deployed on general and basic clerical duties which may involve multi-tasks relating to one or a combination of the following functional areas: (a) general office support; (b) personnel; (c) finance and accounts; (d) customer service; (e) licensing and registration; (f) statistical duties; (g) information technology support; and (h) other departmental support. A CA is subject to posting to any government offices in any districts of Hong Kong; is required to use information technology applications in the discharge of duties; and may be required to work irregular hours or shifts and wear uniform at work. Salary and Benefits Salary: Master Pay Scale Point 1 (HK$14,735 per month) to Master Pay Scale Point 10 (HK$25,815 per month). Fringe Benefits: Vacation leave; Medical and dental benefits; Housing benefits Entry Requirements Completed Secondary 4 with subjects studied including Mathematics, or equivalent; and Attained a level of proficiency in Chinese Language and English Language equivalent to Secondary 4 standard; and Chinese word processing speed of 15 words per minute and English word processing speed of 20 words per minute, and knowledge in the application of common business software; and A pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test. Please visit the website of Civil Service Bureau and Government Vacancies Enquiry webpage for more details.
This story is only available in Chinese. For more information on the subject, please visit the Facebook page of Civil Service Bureau.
[Civil Servant Story] Chief Health Inspector of Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
This story is only available in Chinese. For more information on the subject, please visit the Facebook page of Civil Service Bureau.
For all civil service recruitment exercises to be advertised on or after 1 July 2022, attaining a pass result in the newly introduced Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) will be an entry requirement for all civil service jobs. All candidates for civil service jobs must pass the BLNST in order to be considered for appointment, regardless of whether the candidates have previously taken the Basic Law Test (BLT) (either a BLT centrally conducted by the CSB or a BLT arranged by individual bureaux/departments in their past civil service recruitment exercises (degree/professional grades)) and attained a pass result. Candidates who have taken any BLT in the past and wish to apply for any civil service job advertised on or after 1 July 2022 must take the BLNST and attain a pass result in order to be considered for appointment. Basic Law and National Security Law Test (Degree / Professional Grades)The BLNST is a 30-minute bilingual paper comprising 20 multiple-choice questions. Answering at least 10 out of 20 questions correctly will be deemed to have a pass result in the BLNST. The pass result of the BLNST is acceptable for the purpose of applying for all civil service jobs. Details and enquiriesFor details, please visit the webpage of the Civil Service Bureau. Enquiries may be directed to CSEU by phone at (852) 2537 6429 or by e-mail to csbcseu@csb.gov.hk.
[Civil Servant Story] Post Officer: Serves with heart
This story is only available in Chinese. For more information on the subject, please visit the Facebook page of Civil Service Bureau.
[Civil Servant Story] Principal Fireman/Firewoman (Control) (PFn(C)/PFwn(C))
This story is only available in Chinese. For more information on the subject, please visit the Facebook page of Civil Service Bureau.
(*The video above is in Cantonese) A Personal Secretary II is mainly deployed to a bureau or department to carry out secretarial duties, which may involve word processing, assisting superiors in scheduling meetings and tasks, handling enquiries and providing office support. To let you know more about the work of Personal Secretary II, David, who currently works as Personal Secretary II, will share his experience working in this post for a year and a half. Official recruitment page
City Gallery reopens after renovation
The City Gallery located in Central is the first planning and infrastructure gallery in Hong Kong. Resuming full operation in May 2021 after partial renovation, the gallery now houses a number of new interactive games and selfie spots. Here is a brief introduction.New interactive and fun elementsHong Kong is developing rapidly. To keep up with the pace, the City Gallery has replaced various exhibits and facilities on the G/F, 3/F and 4/F with more interactive and fun elements. Ms Chan Hau-yin, Margaret, Chief Town Planner (Atg.) of the Planning Department, says that the visitors’ refreshing experience starts right at the moment they step into the gallery, as the “Planning Eye” next to the reception counter will take them on an amazing journey to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by Hong Kong in the course of city development, and display our planning vision through the interactive videos shown on the eyeball-shaped LED and 3D geographic model of Hong Kong combined with audiovisual effect. The models are made with great precision in every detail. The aircrafts and vessels projected go along the same flight paths and fairways as in the real world. Development experiences of different citiesNear the “Planning Eye” are the new interactive exhibits “City Impression” and “Great World Cities”. With the touch screens, visitors can compare Hong Kong with other cities in terms of urban form, population density and their skyscrapers, and learn about the good practice of some cities in achieving sustainable development goals, e.g. the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul, South Korea; the “SMART Tunnel” (Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the experience in zero emission gained by Copenhagen, Denmark. A time-journey reflecting the course of developmentNew items have been added to the 3/F after the renovation, including the interactive “Planning Timeline” and “Coastlines & Skylines”, which show visitors the development and changes in Hong Kong and along the Victoria Harbour since 1900. One level up on the 4/F, the old and new photos shown on the touch screens of “Hong Kong Now and Then” enable visitors to visualise the evolvement of different places in our city. The “Treasure Hunt”, another section on the same floor, displays miniature models of modern and old buildings, passenger carriers of different periods and playground delights of the old days, such as the merry-go-round, as well as the long and tall metal slide. Inclusive facilities in the galleryMs Margaret Chan says that, taking the people-oriented approach, the City Gallery has incorporated various inclusive facilities to suit the needs of different age groups and people with disabilities. For instance, in a commanding position overlooking the Victoria Harbour on the 4/F stands an architectural illustration of the Victoria Harbour. It is equipped with a tactile-audio interaction system to let visually impaired visitors appreciate the features along both sides of our harbour through touching, braille dots and audio descriptions. Moreover, the “Community Lounge” on the same floor provides a cosy environment with seats where visitors can relax and read books about town planning and infrastructure development. The City Gallery is a unique exhibition venue. It briefs the public on the major planning proposals and infrastructure projects in Hong Kong, as well as the development directions of our city. The Government will encourage the public to visit the gallery, and to join hands to make Hong Kong a liveable, competitive and sustainable Asia's world city. (The video is in Cantonese) (The video is provided by Development Bureau)
Sustainable river channel project — Yuen Long Bypass Floodway
In order to mitigate flood risks in Yuen Long town centre, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) constructed a “canal”, Yuen Long Bypass Floodway. Constructed with quite a number of improvement designs and engineering technologies, this man-made channel has beautified the environment and provided a new habitat for numerous plant and animal species while minimising flood risks at the town centre.Intercepting 40% of the runoff in the Yuen Long CatchmentYuen Long Plain is a low-lying area with significant flood risks in the past. In 2006, the DSD completed the construction of Yuen Long Bypass Floodway at the south of Yuen Long Town. This 3.8 kilometres long and over 20 metres wide man-made channel can intercept 40 percent of the runoff in the Yuen Long catchment, which is diverted straight to Kam Tin River and then discharged to the sea without passing the nullah at the town centre. To control the water level of the Bypass Floodway and to prevent water downstream from flowing back into the channel, a system of dry weather flow pumping station and inflatable dam was built at the downstream end of the Bypass Floodway and ahead of its intersection with Kam Tin River. At times of heavy rainfall, the dam will automatically deflate and lower to allow flood water upstream to flow into Kam Tin River to reduce flood risks. Adopting a series of eco-friendly designsAccording to Engineer of the DSD, Mr Ng Yat-fei, while proactively enhancing the level of flood protection, the DSD has also strived to introduce the concept of river revitalisation. Various eco-friendly elements have been specifically incorporated into the design of Yuen Long Bypass Floodway to beautify the channel and promote eco-conservation. For example, its flow is directed to pass through different regimes to slow down the speed for providing a natural habitat for plants and animals. Besides, the DSD has also created spaces to artificially encourage plant growth at the bottom and slope of the Bypass Floodway. “Grasscrete” paving adopted downstream is an example. Cavities throughout the concrete surface at the bottom of this man-made channel are filled with soil for plants to grow, enhancing the channel’s aesthetic value with thriving greenery. Engineered wetland as large as 10 full-size football pitchesThe DSD has also engineered a piece of wetland in the downstream area of Yuen Long Bypass Floodway. With its 7 hectares area, the wetland is as large as 10 full-size football pitches. Various plant species are grown in this wetland, forming a favourable wetland habitat for birds, amphibians (such as frogs), bats, dragonflies, etc., which in turn enhances biodiversity. In addition, the dry weather flow of the Bypass Floodway will first pass through the oyster shell pond, crushed bricks and reed bed in the wetland for natural filtration and purification, reducing nutrients in the water to prevent red tides.According to results of continuous monitoring, over 130 plant species grow in the wetland and 115 species of birds were once recorded to have settled there. Since its completion, Yuen Long Bypass Floodway has not only been an upgrade of drainage capacity but also a great improvement to the overall habitat of the area. Disseminating information on river conservationConservation of river channels forms part of the work of the DSD, which has been disseminating relevant information through different means. One of the examples, says Mr Ng Yat-fei, is the guided tours of Yuen Long Bypass Floodway and the engineered wetland, which have been rather popular. Schools or organisations may enrol on the tours through the DSD’s website. With guidance and explanation from the docents, participants are able to get on-site knowledge about flood prevention works and biodiversity conservation. The DSD has set up the Nam Sang Wai River Education Trail that begins at Castle Peak Road in Yuen Long and winds around Nam Sang Wai. It takes about 2 hours to complete the entire trail of 5.5 kilometres long. Along the trail, there are information panels explaining the river training works and ecological aspects. You can also check out the “DSD Facilities Online Tour” on the DSD’s website to explore the DSD’s work on flood prevention and environmental protection through the 360-degree panoramic photos and albums of high-definition photos. (The video is in Cantonese) (The video is provided by Development Bureau)
70th anniversary of the Mines Division
Historical records of the Hong Kong’s quarrying industry date back to 1841. In the 1940s, illegal mining was quite rampant in Hong Kong. In response, the Mines Section was established under the Labour Department in 1951 to regulate local mining operations. Subsequently, after a number of restructuring and renaming, the Mines Section was placed under the Civil Engineering and Development Department (the then Civil Engineering Services Department) in 1991 and is now called the Mines Division.Rock Extraction – from manual stone breaking to rock blastingMr Cheng Wai-shun, Wilson, Geotechnical Engineer of the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO), says that quarrying in the early days mainly relied on workers to use hammers, chisels and wedges to break stones off the rock mass, and then crush them one by one with a hammer, a process known as “stone breaking”. Later, the industry has adopted “controlled blasting” for quarrying, a reliable method to blast natural rocks with explosives, which can enhance efficiency. The blasted rocks will then be carried to rock crushers for further crushing, screening and sorting into aggregates for various construction uses, including the production of concrete and asphalt. From “mountain cutting and rock breaking” to fireworks displays In the course of the blasting work of “mountain cutting and rock breaking”, the safety of the public, workers and surrounding facilities must be ensured. In the early 60’s, the then Mines Department (previously known as the Mines Section) started to regulate the use of explosives on land pursuant to the Dangerous Goods Ordinance. Nowadays, apart from managing the operation and safety of quarries, as well as reviewing the strategy of local aggregate supply, the Mines Division is also responsible for the regulatory control of Category 1 Dangerous Goods, and the operation of the Government Explosives Depots in Kau Shat Wan on Lantau Island and Sha Tin Heights. As fireworks also fall under the category of dangerous goods, colleagues from the Mines Division are present at every fireworks display to provide technical support all along to ensure it goes smoothly and safely. Safety is the top priority in blasting proceduresBlasting is necessary for many works projects in Hong Kong. Take the relocation of the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to caverns in Nui Po Shan of A Kung Kok as an example, blasting has to be carried out in conjunction with other construction methods in both the excavation of caverns and access tunnels.Senior Explosives Officer of the GEO, Mr Ng Siu-ming, says that site operators are required to apply for and obtain approval from the Mines Division before each blast. The Mines Division is also responsible for the regulatory control of storage, conveyance, installation and detonation of explosives to ensure safety. For example, adequate protective measures such as the setting up of blast doors, blast cages and vertical screens have to be implemented at the site, so that flyrock will not be ejected from the blast locations and fall onto other areas. He shares with us that the control of explosives is of utmost importance to the safety of the public and, for this reason, safety regulations must be strictly adhered to and enforced to ensure that safety is the top priority in every step of a blasting operation. Outlook of local quarry industryThe quarry industry has a long history in Hong Kong. Deputy Head of the GEO, Mr Thomas Hui, says that local quarries mainly serve Hong Kong’s construction industry in two aspects. First, they provide a local supply of aggregates - maintaining an appropriate level of local production to avoid over-reliance on imported aggregates and providing stockpile for contingency. Second, surplus rocks generated from works projects can be recycled in quarries for production of aggregates, turning waste into resources. After the end of quarrying business and completion of the required rehabilitation works, a quarry site will release a large piece of land to meet various socio-economic needs of Hong Kong. Recent examples are Anderson Road Quarry, Jordan Valley Quarry and Shek O Quarry.At present, the Lam Tei Quarry is the only existing quarry operating in Hong Kong. To sustain the production of local aggregates, the Government is in the process of undertaking feasibility studies on development of new surface quarry sites with a view to dovetailing with the closure of Lam Tei Quarry. In addition, studies are being undertaken to assess the feasibility of developing underground quarrying-cum-cavern development as a new initiative for the quarry industry. (The video is in Cantonese) (The video is provided by Development Bureau)
Bonham Road Government Primary School declared as a monument
When walking along Bonham Road, have you noticed the white school premises with a curved facade? Despite the simple silhouette, the aesthetic school premises are full of distinctive features. With 80 years of history, this pre-war building has all along been serving educational purposes. Having once been the premises of a post-secondary college, it is now home to the Bonham Road Government Primary School. In July 2021, the Government declared the school premises as a monument.School premises with 80 years of historyThe Bonham Road campus was built between 1940 and 1941 to serve as the premises of the Northcote Training College, the first full-time teacher training college in Hong Kong. During the Japanese occupation period, the college was closed and the site was used as the headquarters of the Japanese Military Police. In 1946, the Northcote Training College was reopened and moved to Sassoon Road in 1962. The Bonham Road campus was then used by the United College of The Chinese University of Hong Kong until the college's relocation to Sha Tin in 1971. Following the completion of its renovation in 1973, the Bonham Road campus was returned to the then renamed the Northcote College of Education (NCE). The NCE used the site as its sub-campus until its amalgamation into The Hong Kong Institute of Education and relocation to a new campus in Tai Po in 1997. This historic building has been home to Bonham Road Government Primary School since January 2000. Streamline Moderne buildingExecutive Secretary of the Antiquities and Monuments Office, Ms Siu Lai-kuen, Susanna, tells us that the campus’ main building is a three-storey concrete structure with a basement. Built in an E-shaped plan, it comprises a long centre portion and a wing on each end with a symmetrical layout. The main building is a typical example of Streamline Moderne architecture, characterised by curves and horizontal lines and functionality with minimal ornamentation. The most distinctive feature of the building is the central spiral staircase with a curved facade facing Bonham Road. The timber doors, timber/steel-framed windows with their ironmongery, cement tiles with terrazzo finishes, as well as timber floorboards inside the main building are examples of historic building elements, and are kept in very good condition. Main building’s basement once as air-raid sheltersThe Bonham Road campus has all along been serving educational purposes. At present, the trace of the name “Northcote Training College” could still be identified on the facade of the main entrance of the main building. It is also worth noting that two air-raid shelters, both with an airlock which could be used as a means of escape, were built in the basement during the construction of the main building. At present, the shelters are used as a library and an activity room. Air-raid shelters with this design are quite rare in the existing historic buildings in Hong Kong.School’s endeavour to promote heritage conservation To conserve Hong Kong’s historic buildings, apart from efforts of the Government, public participation is just as important. The Bonham Road Government Primary School endeavours to promote heritage conservation in the campus. Ms Man Lai-ying, the incumbent principal of the Bonham Road Government Primary School and alumnus of the NCE, says that the school has specifically incorporated elements about historic buildings into its school-based curriculum, so as to strengthen the students’ awareness of conservation. Yuen Yui-lai, Primary 6 graduate of the school, remarks that taking part in project learning has deepened his understanding of conserving historic buildings, as well as of the school’s history and architectural features. Endeavours to preserve campus artefactsMr Fung Yuen, former chairman of the NCE Past Students’ Association, introduces another artefact of the school. The Foucault Pendulum, named after the French physicist Jean Bernard Léon Foucault, he says, is an astronomical device installed during the construction of the school, to demonstrate the Earth’s rotation. The pendulum hangs from the ceiling at the spiral staircase. Apart from arousing students’ interest in physics, it also serves as a totem, one of the campus artefacts properly preserved by the school. Ms Man Lai-ying, the principal, says that the school has been teaching students to conserve heritage with care. Students would, for example, use fishing lines to hang notices or students’ works at those windows with historic value to avoid causing damage to the windows.Indeed, government resources alone are not enough for the conservation of historic buildings; just as vital is collaboration with stakeholders in society, such as owners of private historic buildings and the public at large, to enhance the awareness and emphasis of the whole community on conservation of historic buildings. (The video is in Cantonese) (The video is provided by Development Bureau)
“I think as a Statistical Officer II, besides possessing certain knowledge of statistics, the most critical personal attribute is his/her keen interest in socio-economic issues since most of our work is closely related to our daily lives and economy." Katy, Statistical Officer II of Census and Statistics Department.“In our everyday work, we should always stay clear-headed, be prudent, have thorough understanding of statistical concepts and be sensitive to changes in figures, in order to compile accurate statistics." Sing, Statistical Officer II of Census and Statistics Department.Please watch our video to find out more information about the work of Statistical Officer II of Census and Statistics Department and its career prospect. Organisation chartOfficial recruitment page