HK shakes up top civil service ranks in ‘exceptional’ move to fill tech leadership vacuum

In an unusual administrative move, Kevin Choi Kit-ming, who was only appointed as Permanent Secretary for the Transport and Logistics Bureau in April, is set to be redeployed to lead the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) by the end of October, according to sources.

The rapid transfer, described by government insiders as an “exceptional” measure, comes amid a wave of retirements of senior administrative officers that has created a leadership shortage at the highest levels of the civil service.

Choi’s tenure at the transport bureau will have lasted a mere six months before he takes on the critical tech portfolio.

The ITIB position has been vacant since its former permanent secretary, Eddie Mak Tak-wai, began pre-retirement leave in September. His departure prompted the government to unusually assign three officials to share his duties temporarily.

Choi’s reassignment is aimed at prioritizing key government initiatives, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The ITIB is central to several of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s policy focuses, including the accelerated development of the Northern Metropolis. The bureau’s permanent secretary also serves as the chairman of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited, overseeing the commencement of operations at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Lok Ma Chau Loop by year-end.

Furthermore, the recent Policy Address emphasized establishing artificial intelligence as a core future industry for Hong Kong, pushing the ITIB to the forefront of the government’s agenda.

A meteoric rise through the ranks

At 50, Choi is considered a high-flyer within the civil service, with a promotion trajectory described as “helicopter-like.” After rising to the rank of D4 principal administrative officer in 2022, he moved to the Chief Executive’s Office the following year to serve as Lee’s private secretary.

His ascent continued with a promotion to Permanent Secretary of the Chief Executive’s Office in May 2024, and he reached the apex D8 rank as Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics just this past April—a triple promotion within four years.

During his brief stint at the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Choi was credited with advancing the complex regulation of ride-hailing services, steering the primary legislative framework to an earlier-than-expected completion.

Lawmakers had previously praised his effectiveness, noting his close understanding of the chief executive’s priorities.

The reshuffle underscores a broader challenge for the government. With several other permanent secretaries, including Clement Leung Cheuk-man of the Civil Service Bureau, also approaching retirement, the “senior AO drought” is expected to persist, forcing the administration to fast-track capable officials into top positions to maintain policy momentum.