Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung visited the Information Services Department today to understand its latest developments and challenges, and encouraged colleagues to continue to do their utmost in the publicity and promotion of the 2023 Policy Address and the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election.

Mrs Yeung pointed out that as the Policy Address has put forward measures for building a vibrant economy, it is vital to promote Hong Kong’s unique strengths and opportunities to overseas countries and the Mainland at this moment.

At the same time, she highlighted the importance of the upcoming District Council Election on December 10.

“It is the key to enhancing the efficacy of district governance and is relevant to the improvement of people’s livelihood. The new district councils hold great significance as they will focus their attention on livelihood issues, perform their function of providing district advisories and services, and facilitate the development of district affairs and livelihood.

“I urge the public, including civil service colleagues, to cast their vote on polling day and work together for an even more stable and prosperous future for Hong Kong.”

Accompanied by Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service Clement Leung, Mrs Yeung met Director of Information Services Fletch Chan and directorate staff this afternoon to learn about how the department tells the good stories of the city and the country through diversified measures, including the production of publicity materials in collaboration with major local, Mainland and international media as well as the use of social media and digital platforms.

She then visited the News Sub-division which is responsible for issuing government press releases, photographs and video clips, and providing a 24-hour press enquiry service.

Afterwards, she toured the Digital Media Sub-division where she was briefed on the means to disseminate correct information on the Internet and social media, including the setting up of a clarifications section and making use of the department’s social media pages.

At the Creative Sub-division’s Audio-Visual Section, Mrs Yeung was shown news and feature videos produced for the promotion of government policies and events. She also met Media Research Sub-division staff for an insight into how it facilitates the Government in reviewing the effectiveness of major policy decisions or execution plans, so as to improve the policies.

Mrs Yeung was also briefed on the department’s latest effort in public relations and promotion through discussion with staff members of the Creative Sub-division, the Local Promotions Sub-division, the International Promotions Sub-division, the Overseas Public Relations Sub-division and the Brand Hong Kong Management Unit.

Before concluding her visit, the civil service chief met staff representatives to exchange views on issues of concern.