The Government announced today (March 10) that Mr Chan Pak-wai, Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, will take up the post of Director of the Hong Kong Observatory when Dr Cheng Cho-ming commences his pre-retirement leave on March 13, 2023.
 
     Commenting on the appointment of Mr Chan, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, "Mr Chan is a competent and dedicated officer with exceptional strength in meteorology as well as scientific study and research. He has solid scientific knowledge and technical expertise, and strong leadership qualities. I am confident that he will be able to lead the Hong Kong Observatory to meet the challenges ahead and continue to deliver quality service to the community."
 
     On the retirement of Dr Cheng from the civil service, Mrs Yeung said, "Dr Cheng has served Hong Kong with professionalism and dedication in the civil service for 34 years. He led his team in further enhancing the standard and professionalism of the weather forecast and warning services to safeguard public safety under hazardous weather. He has also actively participated in the work of the World Meteorological Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization to establish and maintain Hong Kong's presence in the regional and international meteorological community. With his remarkable contributions, Dr Cheng has won the respect of the meteorological community. I wish him a fulfilling and happy retirement."
 
     Brief biographical notes of the two officers are set out below:
 
Dr Cheng Cho-ming
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     Dr Cheng joined the Government as Scientific Officer in February 1989. He was promoted to Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory in October 2011. He has been Director of the Hong Kong Observatory since February 2020.
 
Mr Chan Pak-wai
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     Mr Chan joined the Government as Scientific Officer in April 1994. He was promoted to Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory in June 2019.

Ends/Friday, March 10, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:00

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