Hong Kong Secretary for the Civil Service (SCS) Joseph WP Wong on Thursday presented awards to 74 civil servants for their meritorious achievements and some of them will receive travel award.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang joined them at a cocktail reception to express his appreciation for the award recipients.

Wong said at the presentation ceremony that "we have decided this year that recipients of an SCS's Commendation would be granted a travel award, provided that they satisfy the basic eligibility criteria under the Long and Meritorious Service Travel Award Scheme but have never received such a travel award before."

He said "this new measure aims at giving deserving officers added recognition under the SCS's Commendation Scheme and motivating civil servants to strive for outstanding performance.

He said: "in addition to receiving commendations, officers who display outstanding performance also stand a good chance of being promoted to higher positions. For example, in the first seven months this year, a total of 1,255 officers in 86 grades, including junior members of staff, have been promoted.

"Award winners today will therefore continue to have opportunities for career advancement and pay rises in future."

The administration is committed to upholding high standards of performance and conduct in the civil service. To enhance the performance management and commendation systems, the SCS's Commendation Scheme was introduced early last year.

Thursday's ceremony is the second presentation ceremony for the scheme since its introduction.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2005)