BEIJING - China's State Council, the cabinet, on Saturday appointed 20 principal officials of the third government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) nominated by Hong Kong's Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Donald Tsang gestures as he delivers a speech at a press conference in Hong Kong, June 23, 2007. [Xinhua]

Among them, Henry Tang Ying-yen has been appointed Chief Secretary for Administration and John Tsang Chun-wah has been appointed Financial Secretary.

These officials will begin to carry out their duties on July 1,2007.

Donald Tsang Yam-kuen was formally reappointed Hong Kong chief executive in April this year, and his new five-year term will start on July 1, 2007.

The Hong Kong SAR Government was officially founded on July 1, 1997.

Suen Ming-yeung was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Suen's brief biography:

Aged 63, Suen joined the Government in 1966 as an Administrative Officer and was promoted to the rank of Director of Bureau in January 1991. During the early years of his career, he served in the former New Territories Administration, Resettlement Department and Environment Branch.

Suen was Deputy Secretary for Transport in September 1981; Director of City Services in the Urban Services Department in November 1983 and Deputy Director of the Regional Services Department in April 1985. Suen became Director of Regional Services in June 1986 and Regional Secretary (New Territories) of the City and New Territories Administration in December 1987.

Suen was appointed Secretary for Constitutional Affairs in March 1989 and Secretary for Home Affairs in November 1991. Between March and early July in 1997, he was on temporary secondment to the Chief Executive's Office as the Secretary for Policy Co-ordination. He resumed his post as Secretary for Home Affairs on July 8, 1997 and took up the appointment as Secretary for Constitutional Affairs on August 4, 1997. Suen has been Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands since July 2002.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Ma Si-hang

Frederick Ma Si-hang was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Ma's brief biography:

Aged 55, before assuming the post of Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury in July 2002, Ma was Group Chief Financial Officer of PCCW Ltd. He was also an executive director of the Group. Ma has more than 20 years' experience in the global financial services industry. He has worked in New York, Toronto and London for nearly 10 years.

Before joining the Government, Ma held a number of public service positions, including serving on the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Denise Yue Chung-yee

Denise Yue Chung-yee was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as secretary for the civil service of the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Yue's brief biography:

Aged 54, Yue graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 1974and Harvard University in 1988.

She joined the civil service in 1974 and has served in a number of senior positions, including Deputy Director of Regional Services from 1991 to 1992; Deputy Secretary for Trade and Industry from 1992 to 1993; Director-General of Industry from 1993to 1995; Secretary for Trade and Industry from 1995 to 1998; Secretary for the Treasury from 1998 to 2002; and Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Commerce and Industry) from 2002 to 2006. She was appointed Secretary for the Civil Service in January 2006.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Tsang Tak-sing

Tsang Tak-sing was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as secretary for home affairs of the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Tsang's brief biography:

Aged 58, Tsang has served as Member of the Central Policy Unit since 1998.

Before joining the Government, Tsang was engaged in journalistic work for nearly 30 years. Tsang is a Hong Kong Deputy to the National People's Congress. He holds two Master's degrees from the University of Hong Kong: Master of International and Public Affairs; and Master of Arts in Comparative Literature. Tsang was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University from 1994 to 1995.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Matthew Cheung Kin-chung

Matthew Cheung Kin-chung was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as secretary for Labor and Welfare of the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Cheung's brief biography:

Aged 56, Cheung joined the Information Officer Grade of the Government in July 1972. He transferred to the Administrative Service in September 1979, and was promoted to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 in September 2004.

Cheung has served in various bureaux and departments including the former Finance Branch, Home Affairs Department, the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Government House, the former Industry Department, the former Trade Department, the former Financial Secretary's Office, Judiciary and Central Policy Unit.

He was Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower from March 1996 to January 1999, Commissioner for Labor from January 1999 to June 2000, and Director of Education from June 2000 to June 2002. He was Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labor (Labor), later retitled as Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labor (Labor)/Commissioner for Labor from July 2002 to March 2007.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: York Chow

York Chow was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as Secretary for Food and Health of the third term of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Chow's brief biography:

Aged 59, Chow is an orthopedic surgeon by profession. He was appointed Hospital Chief Executive of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 1992 and Hospital Chief Executive of Queen Mary Hospital in 2001. He was subsequently appointed Cluster Chief Executive of the Hong Kong West Cluster of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority in 2002. He took up the post of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food in October 2004.

Professionally, he served as President of the Hong Kong Orthopedic Association, Vice-President of the College of Orthopedic Surgeons, and was elected Council Member of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. He is currently an Honorary Professor in Rehabilitation Science at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and an Honorary Professor of the Medical Faculty of the University of Hong Kong.

Chow participates actively in voluntary and community work. He served as Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Development Board and the Sports Institute, and as a member of the Rehabilitation Task Force.

He was elected Vice-President of the International Paralympic Committee in 1997-2005 and was Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled between 1986 and 2004.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong

Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as secretary for security of the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Lee's brief biography:

Aged 58, Lee joined the Government as an Immigration Officer in1974. He became Assistant Director of Immigration in 1995, and was promoted to Deputy Director of Immigration in 1997. Lee was Director of Immigration between 1998 and 2002. He was appointed the Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of the HKSAR in July 2002, and has been Secretary for Security since August 2003.

Lee graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Hong Kong. He also received professional training from Tsinghua University on the Mainland, Oxford University in the United Kingdom, as well as Harvard University in the United States. Lee was awarded the Hong Kong Immigration Service Medal for Distinguished Service in 1998 in recognition of his exemplary contribution.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Lam Sui-lung

Lam Sui-lung was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the third term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Lam's brief biography:

Aged 51, Lam joined the Administrative Service in October 1978 and rose to the rank of Director of Bureau in August 2001.

Senior positions held by Lam over the years include: Administrative Assistant to the Chief Secretary from 1989 to 1991;Director, Hong Kong Economic Trade Office in Toronto from 1991 to 1994; Deputy Secretary for Constitutional Affairs from 1994 to 1996; Director, Handover Ceremony Co-ordination Office from 1996 to 1997, Director of Administration and Development in Department of Justice from 1997 to 1999, and Information Co-ordinator from 1999 to 2002. He has been Secretary for Constitutional Affairs since July 2002.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: John Tsang Chun-wah

John Tsang Chun-wah was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as financial secretary of the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Tsang's brief biography:

Aged 56, Tsang studied architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received a master degree in bilingualeducation from Boston State College and a master degree in public administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.

Tsang joined the civil service in 1982. His senior postings include Private Secretary to the Governor from 1995 to 1997; Director-General of the London Economic and Trade Office from 1997to 1999; Commissioner of Customs and Excise from 1999 to 2001; Secretary for Planning and Lands from 2001 to 2002; Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Planning and Lands) from 2002 to 2003; and Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology from August 2003 to January 2006. He was appointed the Director of the Chief Executive's Office in January 2006.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Wong Yan Lung

Wong Yan Lung was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as secretary for Justice of the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Wong's brief biography:

Aged 43, prior to his appointment as Secretary for Justice in October 2005, Wong was lawyer in private practice. He sat as Deputy High Court Judge of the Court of First Instance in July and August in 2003, and was a Council member of the Council of the Hong Kong Bar Association from 1989 to 1990, from 1997 to 2002 and from 2003 to 2005 and Chairman of the Special Committee on Legal Education of the Hong Kong Bar Association from 2003 to 2005.

Wong has served as Chairman of the Buildings Appeal Tribunal, of the Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Boards, and of the Non-local Higher and Professional Education Appeal Board. He has also served as Vice-Chairman of CEDAR Fund and Member of the Steering Committee and Volunteer of the Hong Kong Christian Concern for the Homeless.

Wong graduated from the Cambridge University and was conferred Bachelor of Arts (Law) and Master of Arts (Law) Degrees. In 1987, he was called to the Bar in England and Wales and in the same year he was also called to the Bar in Hong Kong. He was appointed as Senior Counsel in Hong Kong in 2002.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Tang King-shing

Tang King-shing was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as the Commissioner of Police of the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Tang's brief biography:

Aged 53, Tang joined the Hong Kong Police Force in July 1976 asa Probationary Inspector. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent in 1996, Assistant Commissioner in 1999, Senior Assistant Commissioner in 2002 and Deputy Commissioner in December 2003. He was appointed as Commissioner of Police in January 2007.

In recognition of his police service, Tang has been awarded the Hong Kong Police Medals for Distinguished and Meritorious Service, the Colonial and HKSAR Police Long Service Medals and the Chief Executive's Commendation. He holds a Master's degree in International and Public Affairs.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Eva Cheng

Eva Cheng was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as secretary for transport and housing of the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Cheng's brief biography:

Aged 47, Cheng joined the Administrative Service in August 1983and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 in April 2007.

Cheng has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Economic Services Branch, the Correctional Services Department, the former Secretariat of the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service, the former Education and Manpower Branch, the former Transport Branch and the former Financial Secretary's Office.

She was Deputy Head of the Central Policy Unit from April 1996 to April 1997 and from August 1997 to December 1998, Deputy Director of Administration from April to August 1997, Deputy Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting (later renamed Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology) from December 1998 to March 2003, and Commissioner for Tourism from March 2003 to March 2006. She has been Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labor (Economic Development) since April 2006.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: K. C. Chan

K. C. Chan was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Chan's brief biography:

Aged 50, Professor Chan joined the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 1993 and was appointed Dean of Business and Management in July 2002.

Chan received his bachelor's degree in economics from Wesleyan University and both his M.B.A. and Ph.D. in finance from the University of Chicago. His research interests include pricing of risky assets, the performance of equity trading strategies, market microstructure, and regulatory issues dealing with the efficiency of financial markets.

Chan held a number of public service positions including: Chairman of the Consumer Council, member of the Commission on Strategic Development, Commission on Poverty, the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee, the Hang Seng Index Advisory Committee, and the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation. He is former President of the Asian Finance Association and current President of Association of Asia Pacific Business Schools.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Edward Yau Tang-wah

Edward Yau Tang-wah was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as Secretary for the Environment of the third term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Yau's brief biography:

Aged 47, Yau joined the Administrative Service in August 1981, and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in April 2005.

Yau has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Security Branch, the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Health and Welfare Branch, the former Transport Branch, Correctional Services Department and the former Finance Branch. He was Deputy Director-General of Trade (later renamed Deputy Director-General of Trade and Industry) from January 1999 to May 2001, Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington from May 2001 to April 2004, and Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower from April 2004 to April 2006. He has been director of Information Services since April 2006.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as secretary for development of the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Lam's brief biography:

Aged 50, Lam joined the Administrative Service in August 1980, and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 in September 2006.

Lam has served in various bureaux and departments including the former Housing Branch, the former Office of Unofficial Members of Executive and Legislative Councils, the former Medical and Health Department, the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Security Branch, the former Survey Office, the former Securities Review Committee, the former Monetary Affairs Branch, the former Lands and Works Branch, the former Health and Welfare Branch, the Department of Health and the former Finance Branch (subsequently renamed Finance Bureau).

She was Director of Social Welfare from August 2000 to October 2003, Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Planning and Lands) from November 2003 to May 2004, Director-General, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London from September 2004 to March 2006. She has been Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs since March 2006.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Timothy Tong Hin-ming

Timothy Tong Hin-ming was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as the Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption for the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Tong's brief biography:

Aged 57, Tong joined the Government in November 1972, serving initially as an Executive Officer and later as an Assistant Trade Officer. He joined the Administrative Service in April 1992 at the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade C and rose to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in April 2005.

Tong has served in various bureaux and departments including the former Trade Department, the former Security Branch, the former Urban Services Department, the former Education and Manpower Branch, the former City and New Territories Administration, the Home Affairs Department and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Geneva. He was Deputy Secretary for Security from January 1999 to September 2003. He has been Commissioner of Customs and Excise since September 2003.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Benjamin Tang

Benjamin Tang was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as the Director of Audit for the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Tang's brief biography:

Aged 55, Tang joined the Hong Kong civil service as an Administrative Officer in October 1974, after graduating from the University of Hong Kong in Economics and Sociology and a brief stint working in the private sector. He also studied at the Oxford University, the London Business School and the Toronto International Leadership Center for Financial Sector Supervision.

Tang served in various departments and worked in policy areas that covered district administration, sports and culture, transport, municipal services and the environment. His career also included working in the Hong Kong Government Office in London in the mid 80s and the Independent Commission Against Corruption in the early 90s.

He was the Government Printer from March 1998 to January 2000 and the Commissioner of Insurance from January 2000 to November 2003. Tang left the Administrative Service and took up the post of Director of Audit in December 2003.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Lai Tung-kwok

Lai Tung-kwok was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as the Director of Immigration for the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Lai's brief biography:

Aged 55, Lai joined the Government as an Assistant Immigration Officer in December 1973. He was promoted to Immigration Officer in September 1980, to Senior Immigration Officer in September 1986,to Chief Immigration Officer in February 1990, to Assistant Principal Immigration Officer in May 1992, to Principal Immigration Officer in October 1995, to Senior Principal Immigration Officer in April 1997 and to Assistant Director of Immigration in February 1999. He was promoted to Deputy Director of Immigration in January 2001. Lai was appointed Director of Immigration in July 2002.

Profile of Hong Kong gov't official: Richard Yuen Ming-fai

Richard Yuen Ming-fai was appointed Saturday by China's Central People's Government as the Commissioner of Customs and Excise for the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, on the nomination of HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The following is Yuen's brief biography:

Aged 51, Yuen joined the Administrative Service in August 1980 and is currently Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1.

Yuen has served in various departments including the former Security Branch, the former Home Affairs Department, the former Urban Services Department, the former Home Affairs Branch, the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Councils and Administration Branch, the former Finance Branch, the former Chief Secretary's Office, and the former Economic Services Branch.

He was Deputy Secretary for Economic Services from October 1996 to August 1999; Private Secretary to the Chief Executive from August 1999 to October 2002; Deputy Director in the Chief Executive's Office from March 2003 to October 2003; and Commissioner of Insurance from December 2003 to July 2006. He has been the Deputy Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food since January 2007.