Yvonne Choi's retirement brings top civil service reshuffle

The government announced a top-level reshuffle trigged by the retirement of Yvonne Choi Ying-pik, permanent secretary for commerce and economic development.

Andrew Wong Ho-yuen, currently permanent secretary for the civil service, will succeed Choi in January following her retirement after 37 years in the civil service.

'Miss Choi has served with strong drive and dedication in the civil service throughout the years. She has made exemplary contributions to the development of Hong Kong,' said Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue Chung-yee.

Yue praised Choi for her 'sterling efforts' in helping small and medium-sized enterprises survive the economic downturn, and facilitating a business-friendly environment. Choi was previously director of the Information Services Department.

Wong, 51, is considered a rising star in the administration close to Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen. Apart from serving as director of administration and top aide to Tsang in the Chief Executive's Office, Wong also served in overseas missions. Wong's position will be filled by Raymond Wong Hung-chiu, currently permanent secretary for education. Raymond Wong previously headed the customs and excise department and was commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Commissioner for Labour Cherry Tse Ling Kit-ching will succeed Raymond Wong. Cheuk Wing-hing, who was director of food and environmental hygiene until last month, will be the new labour chief.