The Government announced today (February 5) that Dr Cheng Cho-ming, Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, will succeed Mr Shun Chi-ming as Director of the Hong Kong Observatory on February 15, 2020. Mr Shun will retire from the civil service on the same day.

     Commenting on the appointment of Dr Cheng, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, said, "Dr Cheng has acquired extensive expertise and rich experience in different areas of operation of the Hong Kong Observatory. He possesses proven leadership and management skills. I am confident that he will be able to lead the Hong Kong Observatory to meet the challenges ahead and continue to deliver quality services to the community."

     On the retirement of Mr Shun from the civil service, Mr Law said, "Mr Shun has served with zeal and dedication in the civil service throughout the past 34 years. He has made exemplary contributions to enhancing the standard and professionalism of the weather forecast and warning services to better safeguard public safety under hazardous weather. He has also actively participated in the work of the World Meteorological Organization and enhanced the profile and standing of Hong Kong in the international meteorological community. I wish him every success in his future endeavours."

     Brief biographical notes of the two officers are set out below:

Mr Shun Chi-ming
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     Mr Shun joined the Government as a Scientific Officer in February 1986.  He was promoted to Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory in December 2008. He has been the Director of the Hong Kong Observatory since April 2011.

Dr Cheng Cho-ming
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     Dr Cheng joined the Government as a Scientific Officer in February 1989. He was promoted to Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory in October 2011.

Ends/Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:00

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