Policy in Practice: Understanding the Challenges and Adapting to the Changing Landscape

Ir CHAN Pak-cheung is the Deputy Director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. He is responsible for overseeing the enforcement of legislations in ensuring public safety on using electricity, gas, lifts and escalators, railway and other electrical and mechanical installations, and promoting energy efficiency and conservation.

Ir CHAN has been working in the government for over 30 years and taken up professional and managerial roles in the areas of engineering services, project management and regulatory enforcement. He is a fellow member of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in the building services, electrical and energy disciplines. He received his bachelor degree in electrical and electronics engineering and master degree in building services engineering from the University of Hong Kong.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

1. Profit making business is willing to set aside one percent of their earnings to support sustainability initiatives voluntarily.
2. The younger generation has undergone about 100 hours of sustainability-related other learning experience in their early school life.

Mr. CHENG is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Veolia Hong Kong & Macau, responsible for strategic development and operation of the company in the region, including but not limited to water, solid waste, and energy management activities.

Mr. CHENG worked in multiple international environmental management companies, specialising in the design, build, and operation of water, sewage, sludge, and waste management facilities. Mr. CHENG is also committed to serving the society, and is an active member in many professional institutions, namely the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) Hong Kong Branch, and Hong Kong Waste Management Association (HKWMA).

Vincent joined the HKSAR Government in 1989. For over three decades he has served in various positions, from policy work relating to insurance, aviation, tourism etc. to administrative head in one of the 18 districts in Hong Kong. He received a Chief Executive’s Commendation for Public Service in Hong Kong for his bravery service in Wuhan when the COVID pandemic broke out in 2020.

Vincent is currently Deputy Commissioner for Labour, taking charge of all Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) related matters in Hong Kong. He leads a team of some 700 professional and supporting staff to carry out enforcement, publicity and education/training work to enhance OSH in the city.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

Hong Kong’s sustainable future depends on, among other things, safeguarding the occupational safety and health (OSH) of its workforce. While safety performance has improved over the years, lasting progress requires going beyond minimum compliance to foster a strong safety culture that protects lives, strengthens the economy, and enhances overall well-being. OSH should be recognised not merely as a regulatory obligation, but as a strategic driver of productivity and long-term sustainability.

I would like to see every industry embrace proactive safety education and shift mindsets toward preventing accidents before they occur. In a rapidly evolving occupational landscape, this also means embracing technology. I would also like to see wider use of automation, AI-enabled monitoring, and real-time hazard detection to identify risks early, reduce injuries, and enhance the OSH of employees. By uniting culture, commitment, and innovation, Hong Kong can build a safer and more comfortable workplace.

Ms Pelene NG is the Deputy Director of the Buildings Department.  She has been working in the Buildings Department for about 30 years and administering the Buildings Ordinance for the control of existing private buildings and new private developments.  She is a professional building surveyor and holds a Master of Science degree in Fire and Safety Engineering.

Mr Alan SIU Yu Bun is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Property Management Services Authority. He has served in the civil service for 36 years in various bureaux and departments, including the City and New Territories Administration, Transport Branch, Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, Finance Branch, Information Technology and Broadcasting Bureau, Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Home Affairs Bureau. He was Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology) from 2007 to 2011 and Government Property Administrator until 2015. Before joining the PMSA, Mr SIU was Director of Administration and Development of the Department of Justice from 2015 to 2019.