The 7th Singapore-Hong Kong Permanent Secretaries Exchange Programme successfully concluded today (November 24). The two-day Exchange Programme provides an important platform for senior civil servants in the two governments to share views and to strengthen co-operation.

     This morning, the visiting Singapore delegation of the Exchange Programme met with the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki. Mr Chan welcomed the visit of the Singapore Permanent Secretaries delegation to Hong Kong. He said that with the resumption of full normalcy of Hong Kong and Singapore as they recovered from the pandemic, exchange programmes between the two places have immediately resumed in an orderly manner, demonstrating the strong partnership between the two governments. During the meeting, both sides also exchanged their views and experience on the policy initiatives in building a caring and inclusive society.

     During the day, the delegation visited the Northern Metropolis and San Tin Technopole, and was briefed on this ambitious project which serves as a new engine for Hong Kong's strategic development in the future. The Singapore Permanent Secretaries then had their bilateral sessions with their Hong Kong counterparts on respective policy areas ranging from civil service, culture and youth, to trade development, communications and information technology.

     Yesterday (November 23), the delegation had a roundtable discussion with Permanent Secretaries from various government bureaux on three topics of mutual interest, namely youth and talent development, ageing population and public service transformation, in which the top-tier civil servants of the two sides shared experience and expertise. The delegation then met the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, to discuss how Hong Kong and Singapore can further strengthen ties and deepen exchanges on a government-to-government level. The delegation also had a visit to Tai Kwun and the Hong Kong Palace Museum to understand the heritage conservation efforts and experience the cultural glamour of Hong Kong that integrates East and West.

     The last Exchange Programme was held in Hong Kong on March 14 and 15, 2018, and had since been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In July earlier this year, during his visit to Singapore, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong. The two leaders agreed to resume the exchanges between Singapore and Hong Kong civil service, including this Exchange Programme, to renew relations and deepen ties.

     The current Exchange Programme was joined by six Permanent Secretaries/deputies from Singapore and seven Permanent Secretaries from Hong Kong.

Ends/Friday, November 24, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:45

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