It was announced on 1 July 1998 by HKSAR Government that Commissioner Lawrence Li was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star for his 34 years' distinguished and dedicated service in the Customs and Excise Department. Assistant Commissioner Tong Hin-yeung was awarded the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Medal for Distinguished Service and Senior Principal Trade Controls Officer Chan Kwok-wah was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star. In addition, Senior Superintendents Kwok Yeung Mei-ki, Au Yee-leung, Chow Kwong, Wong Shiu-ming and Chow Oi-tung were respectively awarded the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Medal for Meritorious Service.

New Honours System

The Chief Executive has approved a new honours and awards system to recognise distinguished, meritorious and long service by officers of the disciplined services of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Under the new system, there are three categories of awards for officers of our department:-

Hong Kong Customs and Excise Medal for Distinguished Service

For directorate officers in recognition of their exceptional and meritorious service to the community. Holders of the medal are entitled to use post-nominal initials: CDSM

Hong Kong Customs and Excise Medal for Meritorious Service

For all ranks of the service in recognition of their valuable service characterized by resourcefulness and devotion to duty marked by exceptional ability, merit and exemplary conduct. Holders of the medal are entitled to use the post-nominal initial: CMSM

Hong Kong Customs and Excise Medal for Meritorious Service

For all ranks of the service with not less than 18 (for medal), 25 (for 1st Clasp), 30 (for 2nd Clasp) and 33 (for 3rd Clasp) years of satisfactory service.

Inspection by the Secretary for the Civil Service

Mr. Lam Woon-kwong, JP, Secretary for the Civil Service was the Inspecting Officer at a passing-out parade at the Customs and Excise Training School on 4 July 1998. A total of 87 probationary Customs Officers completed their induction course at the Training School. He appealed to them to protect the legal system and economic interests of the HKSAR with diligence, determination and efficiency.

Annual Review Meeting with Guangdong Customs

The Commissioner led a delegation to attend the Annual Review Meeting with the Guangdong Branch of the Customs General Administration of the PRC in Panyu, Guangdong Province on 11 and 12 May 1998. The Guangdong delegation was led by Mr. LIU Wenjie, Director-General of the Guangdong Branch.

Both sides agreed that cooperation should continue under the principle of "One country, two systems" and that the exchange of intelligence through hotlines should be further strengthened. After the Meeting, the Hong Kong delegation paid a visit to Chengdu Customs District of Sichuan Province.

Foundation Ceremony of Kwai Chung Customhouse

A foundation stone laying ceremony, officiated by the Commissioner and with the attendance of about 400 guests and staff of the Department, was held on 8 June 98 to commemorate the construction of Kwai Chung Customhouse. Among the distinguished guests were the Honourable Tam Yiu-chung, J.P., member of the Executive Council and Mr. Pau Shiu-hung, J.P., Director of Architectural Services who also accompanied the Commissioner to conduct the foundation stone laying.

The Kwai Chung Customhouse is one of the most significant development projects initiated by the Department in recent years and is an important milestone in the Department's modernization programme. It is located at Container Port Road South, about 2 km from Container Terminal 8. Its proximity to the container terminals enables the provision of quick and efficient cargo clearance service which in turn enhances the competitiveness of Hong Kong's container industry. The building is scheduled for completion in August 2001.

New Airport

To mark the completion of Government facilities at Chek Lap Kok Airport, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs. Anson Chan officiated at a Time Capsule Launching Ceremony on 15 May 1998. The Acting Commissioner Raymond Li also placed an album which contained the C & E Logo, department's organization chart, performance pledge, extract from Customs Homepage, Air Cargo Clearance System papers, Customs Information Notes and some photographs into the time capsule.

The HK$175 million Customs Air Cargo Clearance System(ACCS) was ready before the airport's opening on 6 July 1998. To celebrate completion of the project, an inauguration ceremony was held at the Senior Officers' Mess on 3 July 1998.

Also on 3 July 1998, Assistant Commissioner David Tong signed a Memorandum of Understanding with six air cargo operators to foster closer cooperation in cargo clearance.

HK elected as WCO Policy Commission member

Hong Kong as a full member of the World Customs Organization (WCO) since 1987, was for the first time elected a member of the Policy Commission of the WCO for two years effective from July 1 this year, in recognition of Hong Kong Customs' long-term contribution, participation and support to activities of the WCO.

The election took place at the WCO Council Sessions at Morocco in June 98. The main objective of the Policy Commission is to determine the roles and functions of the WCO. The appointment will undoubtedly further enhance the international status of Hong Kong and provide more opportunities for Hong Kong to take part in international affairs.

A Visit to the New Airport at Chek Lap Kok by Overseas Customs Attachés and their Staff

On 29 May 1998, Senior Superintendent Wong Man-on of Prosecution, Intelligence and Investigation Bureau led a party of overseas customs attachés and their staff to visit Hong Kong's new airport at Chek Lap Kok. The attachés came from India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the mainland of China, Thailand and the United States of America. The visit offered an opportunity for the attachés to appreciate the modernized equipment we have at the new airport. It fostered and promoted greater co-operation between the Department and the visitors.

IPIB BEWS

Annual International Visitor Programme

I had the honour for being invited to participate in the U.S. International Visitor Programme from 25 April to 22 May 1998. This programme was organised by the U.S. Information Agency's (USIA) Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. The emphasis of the programme is to increase mutual understanding through communication at personal and professional levels.

I had met more than 250 professionals and counterparts in the United States and visited seven major cities including Washington D.C., New York, Miami, Orlando, Memphis, Denver and Los Angeles. During the trip, I conferred with officials from the Customs and Police, IPR experts in the U.S., officers in other law enforcement agencies and community leaders. We discussed the legislation related to the Hong Kong Customs, the copyright piracy problem, the steps taken by the Hong Kong Customs to combat piracy, the general issues on Customs enforcement, the general situation of the Hong Kong Customs after the transition of sovereignty and the professional views on intellectual property rights protection.

I was glad to be invited by the American Embassies Overseas to visit the United States. The USIA believed that through my involvement in the International Visitor Programme, close ties between the Hong Kong Customs and the U.S. Customs and trade officials were fostered. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the programme. The trip was fruitful for I had met the U.S. Government officials and the IPR experts. I had also enhanced my insight in American culture and technology. I was grateful to all who made the programme successful.

(Calvin Leung Head of Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau)

New Optical Disc Licensing Office In IPIB

The Prevention of Copyright Piracy Ordinance, which introduces a statutory licensing system for the local manufacture of optical discs, has come into operation since 29 May 1998. To administer the licensing system, a new Optical Disc Licence Division under the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau has been established. The new setup has an establishment of 13 posts, including 1 Assistant Superintendent, 2 Senior Inspectors, 1 Inspector, 2 Senior Customs Officers, 5 Customs Officers and 2 Assistant Clerical Officers. It has taken over the responsibility of licensing control on the import and export of optical disc production equipment from the Office of Dutiable Commodities Administration.

Inspection by Deputy Commissioner at Hong Kong Sea School

The Deputy Commissioner was the principal guest at the passing-out parade of the Hong Kong Sea School on 16 June 1998.

He told the 91 graduates on parade that no matter whether they would continue studying or work, they should hold their responsibilities as a good citizen, not to be tempted or misled directly or indirectly by any illegal elements, in particular the copyright infringement business. He said that buying infringing copies for personal use might not directly constitute a criminal offence but was a misconduct and that it was not ethical from the civil responsibility point of view. He reiterated that the Hong Kong Customs is fully committed to combating piracy activities in an effort to protect the interests of copyright owners and to uphold Hong Kong's reputation in the international trading community.

Occupational Safety and Health Forum

An Occupational Safety and Health Forum was held at the Senior Officers' Mess on June 27, 1998. Safety Officers from various Formations exchanged their experiences for the compilation of Occupational Safety Guidelines in their respective Formations. Mr. P K Yu, Senior Consultant, Occupational Safety and Health Council, was also invited to deliver a speech on the principles governing the formulation of occupational safety guidelines and the precautions to be taken in preparing such guidelines.

Department Seminar

The Second Departmental Seminar was held at the Senior Officers' Mess on 11.7.98. More than 100 customs officers and representatives from 6 unions actively participated in the seminar.

Participants were briefed among other things, on the development of new projects which included new Customs Headquarter Building, Kwai Chung Customhouse, Central C&E Pier, new facilities at Kowloon KCR station, Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal, new sports facilities at C & E Training School, etc.

(Reporter : Lee Chi-ming, Simon)

1998 Colour Boat Race and International Dragon Boat Race

The C&E Colour Boat Team beat eleven competing teams and won the championship in the 1998 Marine Department Colour Boat Race held at Stonecutters Island Government Dockyard on 23 May 1998.

During the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival-International Races 1998 held on 28 June 1998, the C&E Departmental Dragon Boat Team won the 2nd Runner-up in the Men's International Bowl Championship.

1997-98 Disciplined Services

Soccer Tournament

The C&E Football Team won the championship in the 1997-98 Disciplined Services Soccer Tournament after beating six teams from the Police, Correctional Services, Fire Services, Immigration, ICAC and Government Flying Service.

The outstanding achievement was mainly attributable to the conviction, determination and cooperative spirits of young players who were newly drafted into the team.

Badminton Tournament

The C&E Badminton Team successfully won its historical championship in the 1998 Disciplined Services Badminton Tournament, in which the Police, Immigration, Fire Services and Correctional Services had taken part.

Message from retired officers

Many thanks for the Customs News, Issue No.1, March 1998 which I received today by express service. "Parcel Post" actually called yesterday but because I was out they could not deliver as a signature was required. It is a first class effort and congratulations to the Editorial Board. The layout is superb and the contents made very enjoyable reading. The Service is doing very well and you must be extremely proud being the head of a team which is highly regarded internationally. I was delighted to see some of the old faces of those in Service and others who have been long retired. Looking forward to the next issue. Good wishes and regards to my old colleagues.

(Douglas A. Neish 15 April 1998)

*Superintendent Douglas A. Neish I.S.O. retired in 1978

I consider I was very fortunate to have served in the Hong Kong Government for 30 years and I had many interesting jobs but none more interesting, challenging and rewarding than being Commissioner of Customs and Excise. I was Commissioner from the summer of 1986 through to the autumn of 1990, just over 4 years.

During that time I was fortunate to have had two first class Deputy Commissioners: first Jimmy Prisk and then Mr K S Tong, who became a greatly valued adviser, colleague and friend. Also too many fine Assistant Commissioners to mention. When I was in Hong Kong in June 1998 your Commissioner and his senior officers invited me to lunch, which was not only very thoughtful but also most enjoyable. It was great to see them all again.

What was so good about serving with the Hong Kong Customs? So many things: the quality of the staff and the high morale and commitment of the whole Department; the interesting and often unusual challenges; meeting so many people and making so many friends from all over the world. And this is where I learned how very highly the Hong Kong Customs was rated by all the customs administrations I dealt with.

You do indeed have a very fine international reputation and one which is fully deserved. It was an honour and privilege to serve with you. As I sit here in my study in Queensland typing this letter, I am surrounded by memories of my time with you: the mounted baton that I was presented with when I left the Department and many photographs. I wish to close by thanking you all for those wonderful years and by wishing you all the very best for the future. Hong Kong has every reason to be proud of its Customs and Excise Service and Department.

(P.J. Williamson July 1998)

*Mr. P.J. Williamson I.S.O.was Commissioner of Customs & Excise

from 23 June 86 to 15 October 90

(Retired officers are cordially invited to contribute articles to Customs News)

Personnel News

Promotion

Senior Superintendent Tsang Hing-kam, Ronny was promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent on 23 June 1998.

Special Appointment Scheme

4 Chief Customs Officers were appointed as Inspectors under the No. 2 Special Appointment Scheme on 1 June 1998. They are Chief Customs Officers Kong Keung-hoi, Leung Shing-cheong, Wu Hok-ming and Tong Shu-kun and now attending a 13-week training course at the Customs & Excise Training School.

Another 4 Chief Customs Officers were appointed as Inspector under the No.1 Special Appointment Scheme in 1996. They are Probationary Inspectors Yeung Kwun-chi, Lui Chun-wai, Shek Chi-ming and Wong Tai-kun and now serving under different formations. We hope more Chief Customs Officers with high calibre would be promoted under this scheme in the near future.

New Staff

28 colleagues joined the department as probationary Inspectors in June 98, and 87 colleagues joined the department as probationary Customs Officers in April 98.

Commendation

On 22 July 98, 27 officers were commended by respective Assistant Commissioners and 2 Trade Control Branch officers were commended by the Senior Principal Trade Controls Officer.

Retirement

The following officers retired between April-July 1998:

Chief Superintendent Li, Himly

Assistant Superintendent Chui Wai-chun, Joseph

Senior Inspector Tam Sau-chun (Ms)

Senior Inspector Chan Wah

Inspector Lau Hok-yin

Senior Customs Officer Ngan Kwing-wing (6114)

Senior Customs Officer Lo Kwok-yick (6517)

Senior Customs Officer Tse Sik-cheung (7071)

Senior Customs Officer Yu Kwok-foon (7988)

Customs Officer Chan Kim-wah (7048)

Customs Officer Mok, Abraham (7391)

Study Programme for Mid-career Officers

Between 2 March and 24 April 98, I was nominated to attend an Administrative Development Programme at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

The first AGSM course was held in September 97. Each course comprises 20 participants. The main objective of the course is to provide the participants with the opportunity to pursue personal and intellectual development in an overseas environment.

The core programme comprised a team based research project to be taken by a team of 4 with weekly seminars on the following topics:-

	Government policy and public management
	Human resources management
	Trade and politics in the Asia-Pacific
	Managerial data analysis for public management

Throughout the course, distinguished scholars and speakers from the public and private sectors were invited to give talks and hold discussions with the course participants on public sector reform and emerging organisational and management issues that were confronting public sector agencies. Moreover, participants were also arranged to visit their counter-parts in Australia for enrichment of their vision and experience.

Personally, I find the course very useful and meaningful. Not only was the eight-week programme intellectually challenging, it also provided opportunity for exposures and more importantly, it stimulated a strategic vision and thinking to the participants on emerging organisational and management issues in different perspectives. Undoubtedly, the course has enhanced my personal effectiveness in various managerial skills and has broadened my understanding on the social, political and economic issues that are influencing public sector management and public administration.

(Assistant Superintendent Yu Koon-hing, Richard)