John Lee recognizes civil servants for Myanmar rescue and Kai Tak launch

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Tuesday that the HKSAR search and rescue team sent to Myanmar and the Inter-departmental Task Force on Kai Tak Sports Park have been recognized in this year’s Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance.

The award, established after Lee took office, aims to highlight outstanding public service. 

Speaking before his weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee praised both teams for demonstrating the civil service’s exceptional capabilities and the government’s efficiency.

He emphasized that their achievements reaffirm the correctness of the SAR government’s "results-oriented" culture.

The Myanmar rescue team, composed of personnel from the Security Bureau, Fire Services Department, Immigration Department, and Hospital Authority, conducted search and rescue operations in harsh disaster conditions, said Lee.

The team carried out 61 rescue missions and, alongside the national rescue team, saved a survivor trapped for approximately 125 hours. Lee commended their noble mission, selflessness, and bravery.

As for the Inter-departmental Task Force on Kai Tak Sports Park, Lee noted that the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau, Security Bureau, and Civil Service Bureau, among others, collaborated to ensure the smooth launch of the massive project.

The Hong Kong leader said, despite tight deadlines and the complex scale of the venue’s March opening, the team conducted 20 professional tests to guarantee seamless operations and safe, orderly crowd management.

Their efforts, Lee said, established the sports park as a world-class venue and a model of success.

(Marco Lam)