One hundred civil servants across 39 government bureaus and departments have received the Secretary for the Civil Service Commendation Award as recognition of their outstanding work performance.

Civil Service Secretary Ingrid Yeung presented the commendation certificates at the Central Government Offices on Thursday afternoon.

One of the recipients, Wong Wai-kin, is a senior scientific officer in the forecasting and warning services branch of the observatory.

Wong, who is leading the development of a nowcasting system to provide early warnings for hazards related to heavy downpours and extreme weather, said he understands the public have high expectations when it comes to weather forecasts.

He said the increasing frequency of extreme weather events is making forecasting more challenging and complex, but stressed that the observatory is constantly seeking improvements in this regard.

“We have been using the latest technology and some of the latest instruments to enhance our weather monitoring network. We also use big data and artificial intelligence to improve our forecasting techniques,” he said.

“We also try to improve communication with the public to advise them about possible extreme weather conditions, such as through special weather tips or to explain on our blogs what might occur in the next few days to give everyone time for preparation.”

Another award recipient, Wong Chi-ming, has served in the Customs and Excise Department for 25 years, spending close to half of that time in the drug investigation bureau.

The chief customs officer said one of the toughest challenges he had faced during his tenure in the bureau was cracking down on the smuggling of etomidate.

The ceremony also marked the second year of the Civil Service Volunteer Commendation Scheme.

Thirteen departmental teams and 435 individual civil servants received awards for their outstanding performances and contributions in participating in and promoting volunteer services.

One of the recipients, a volunteer team from the Correctional Services Department, works with the HK Saving Cat And Dog Association to train and take care of stray dogs.

Meanwhile a team from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, in collaboration with the Wong Tai Sin care team, regularly visits elderly households to install energy-efficient LED light bulbs while sharing power-saving and safety tips.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden