Highlights

2024 Civil Service Exchange Programme –
Mainland Civil Servants Come to
Hong Kong for Exchanges

The HKSAR Government has launched the Civil Service Exchange Programme in collaboration with Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Wuhan and Hangzhou, as well as the Mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area. Starting from early December 2024, thirty Mainland civil servants have come to Hong Kong for exchanges in the HKSAR Government, lasting from four weeks to three months. The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau also welcomed a new member from Shenzhen – Mr Terence Wang.

Below is the full text of Wang’s reflections on the Civil Service Exchange Programme:

Since December 2024, I have had the privilege of participating in the Civil Service Exchange Programme between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and as one of the representatives from Shenzhen, engaging in exchange and collaboration in Hong Kong for three months. While I already have some understanding of Hong Kong because of my previous work experience, this longer stay has brought me new perceptions about this “Asian metropolis”.

First, Hong Kong’s ambition to reach the pinnacle of technology in the world remains unchanged. Hong Kong is home to several of the the world’s top 100 universities, possesses strong capabilities of basic research, an abundance of international talents, and a thriving technology services sector. In his latest Policy Address, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, announced various measures such as establishing the third InnoHK Research Cluster, setting up a $10 billion Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, etc. Besides, the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone has been promulgated, and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation has incubated 12 unicorns. All these well demonstrate that Hong Kong is sparing no effort in developing innovation and technology (I&T), so as to contribute to the establishment of China as a strong country in science and technology.

Second, Hong Kong’s determination to reinforce its status as an international financial centre remains unchanged. Any city with finance as a pillar industry inevitably faces the challenge of deindustrialisation. New York, London and Hong Kong are no exception. Despite that, Hong Kong has been striving to find a way out. Some local scholars and Legislative Council members are actively studying ways to tackle the “Wimbledon Effect” in the financial sector, so that the sector can not only “stay vibrant” on the platform of Hong Kong, but also “take root” in this city and better serve the city’s development of technology industry and real economy. This spirit of exploring possibilities, breaking new ground and pursuing excellence is the core driving force that makes the Pearl of the Orient shine even brighter.

Third, the rigour and efficiency of Hong Kong’s civil service remain unchanged. I am deeply impressed by Hong Kong civil servants’ professionalism and people-oriented approach, which are clearly evident in the overall arrangements, content design and details of this exchange and collaboration programme, whether in organising a duty visit or arranging group photo-taking. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office, to which I have been attached, has tailor-made work content in the light of my circumstances so that I can fully learn from and interact with one another at an appropriate pace. This definitely manifests the rigour, efficiency and professionalism of Hong Kong’s civil service.