Appointment of Government Economist
The Government announced today (October 10) the appointment of Mrs Helen Chan, Principal Economist, to succeed Mr Kwok Kwok-chuen as Government Economist with effect from November 1, 2008. Mr Kwok will leave the service on the same day.
The Secretary for the Civil Service, Miss Denise Yue, expressed confidence in Mrs Chan's appointment. "Mrs Chan has sound professional skills in economic analyses, solid working experience as well as proven management abilities. I am confident that she will be able to lead the Economic Analysis and Business Facilitation Unit (EABFU) of the Financial Secretary's Office to meet the challenges ahead and continue to serve the community with professionalism and dedication in her new capacity."
On the departure of Mr Kwok, Miss Yue said, "Mr Kwok has served with zeal and commitment in the civil service throughout the years, and has made significant contributions to the development of Hong Kong. As Government Economist, Mr Kwok has devoted sustained efforts in enhancing the professional excellence of EABFU. Under his leadership, the EABFU has provided the Government with quality analytical and advisory service to promote the Government's efforts in facilitating business. We sincerely wish him the best in his future endeavours."
The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, said he was sorry to see Mr Kwok leave after four years as Government Economist.
"During our time working together, KC has become a close and trusted friend and colleague. His professionalism and dedication to the job has been a constant source of confidence and support to me and the Government.
"I thank KC for his contributions over the years and wish him every success in the future."
Brief biographical notes on Mr Kwok and Mrs Chan are set out below:
Mr Kwok Kwok-chuen
Aged 54, Mr Kwok started his career as a professional economist in 1985 when he joined the then Economic Services Branch of the Government as an Economist. He had also held senior economist positions in the Office of the Commissioner of Banking and the Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation and was the Chief Regional Economist, East Asia, of the Standard Chartered Bank before he was appointed to the Government Economist post on October 11, 2004.
Mrs Helen Chan
Aged 46, Mrs Chan joined the Government in May 1986 as an Economist. She was promoted to Senior Economist in January 1991, and to Principal Economist in June 1996.
Friday, October 10, 2008