The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government announced on Tuesday that Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Anissa Wong will take up the post of Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment) and Director of Environmental Protection on September 13.

She will be replaced by Deputy Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Transport) Thomas Chow, said a government press release.

Hong Kong Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue said 49-year-old Wong and 46-year-old Chow are experienced administrative officers with rich experience in public administration and proven leadership and management abilities.

"I am confident they will continue to serve the community with professionalism and dedication in their new capacities, and ably lead their departments to meet the challenges ahead," she said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2006)