Press Releases, Statements and Submissions
Press Release
Appointment and Re-appointment to Women's Commission
The Government today (December 30) re-appointed Mrs Sophie Leung Lau Yau-fun as the chairperson of the Women's Commission (WoC). Six new members have been appointed to the WoC while 11 incumbent members have been re-appointed.
The appointments, which will take effect from January 15, 2004, will be published in the gazette on January 2, 2004.
The six new members, appointed for a three-year tenure, are: Ms Chau Chuen-heung; Mrs Cheng Li Kam-fun, Eva; Ms Cordelia Chung; Mr Ho On-tat, Andy; Ms Ko Po-ling; and Mr Ng Sui-kou.
Coming from diverse backgrounds, the new members possess vast knowledge and extensive experience in different sectors including women-related services, district affairs, entrepreneurship, information technology, public relations and education.
Being well-recognised experts in their own field, the new members would strengthen the work of the WoC on different fronts. They would also facilitate the collaboration between the WoC and non-governmental organisations, schools and the private sector.
Apart from the Chairperson, the other 11 incumbent members who have been re-appointed are: Ms Ophelia Cheung Look-ping; Professor Fanny Cheung Mui-ching; Dr Susan Fan Yun-sun; Ms Sophia Kao Ching-chi; Dr Joseph Kwok Kin-fun; Mrs Peggy Lam Pei Yu-dja; Mr Maurice Lee Wai-man; Professor Judith Mackay; Ms Diane Wilcoxson; Ms Margaret Wong Fung-yee; and Dr Agnes Yeung Law Koon-chui.
Speaking on the appointments, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, indicated that he looked forward to the contribution of the new team of WoC members to advancing the well-being and interests of women. The extensive backgrounds and expertise members possess would benefit the WoC in pursuing this important cause.
"Under the able leadership of Mrs Sophie Leung, the WoC would build on the solid foundation laid during its first three years of work, and continue to play a catalytic role in championing women's interests and mobilising various sectors for the development and advancement of women," Dr Yeoh said.
Dr Yeoh also expressed gratitude to the six outgoing members – Ms Cecilia Chen Sheau-ling; Mr Wellington Cheng Wing-kee; Ms Ip Shung-hing; Ms Annie Wu Suk-ching; Mr Yeung Ka-shing; and Ms Cecilia Young – for their valuable contribution to the work of the WoC during their term of office.
The WoC was set up on 15 January 2001 as a high-level central body which takes a strategic overview of women's issues. It plays a strategic role in advising Government on the integration of policies and initiatives which are of concern to women.
Eighteen non-official members were appointed to the Commission for a term of three years upon its establishment. As there are many personalities interested in taking part in the Commission's work, some changes in membership after the first term would provide opportunities for greater participation.
The following is the membership list of the WoC with effect from January 15, 2004:-
Re-appointments (for two years)
The Honourable Mrs Sophie Leung Lau Yau-fun, SBS, JP (Chairperson)
Professor Cheung Mui-ching, Fanny, JP
Dr Fan Yun-sun, Susan
Ms Kao Ching-chi, Sophia, JP
Dr Kwok Kin-fun, Joseph, JP
Mrs Lam Pei Yu-dja, Peggy, GBS, SBS, JP
Professor Judith Mary Longstaff Mackay, JP
Ms Diane Wilcoxson
Ms Wong Fung-yee, Margaret
Dr Yeung Law Koon-chui, Agnes
Re-appointments (for one year)
Ms Cheung Look-ping, Ophelia, JP
Mr Lee Wai-man, Maurice
New Appointments (for three years)
Ms Chau Chuen-heung, JP
Mrs Cheng Li Kam-fun, Eva
Ms Cordelia Chung
Mr Ho On-tat, Andy
Ms Ko Po-ling
Mr Ng Sui-kou
Ex-officio Members
Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food or representative (Vice-Chairperson)
Secretary for Education and Manpower or representative
Secretary for Home Affairs or representative
Director of Social Welfare or representative
Ends/Tuesday, December 30, 2003