Hong Kong rescuers sent to earthquake-stricken Myanmar and an interdepartmental preparation team that handled the opening of the city鈥檚 largest sports facility will receive a high-level award that recognises civil servants for meritorious work, according to the chief executive.
Announcing the results of the Chief Executive鈥檚 Award for Exemplary Performance on Tuesday, city leader John Lee Ka-chiu said the two teams had reflected the outstanding capabilities of civil servants and government efficiency.
The 51-strong rescue team and two search dogs were sent to Myanmar in March after the magnitude 7.7 quake that devastated parts of the Southeast Asian nation. The earthquake led to over 3,600 deaths in the country.
The team conducted a total of 61 search and rescue operations at 57 locations in the disaster area, and successfully rescued survivors who had been trapped for more than 125 hours in a joint operation with the national rescue team, Lee said.
He also noted that members had faced a severe environment in the affected areas, including aftershocks, traffic and communication interruptions, high temperatures of over 40 degrees for days, and severe mosquito infestations.
鈥淸The rescue team] fully demonstrates tenacity, professional ability and team spirit,鈥 Lee said.
The award also went to the interdepartmental preparation team for the opening of Kai Tak Sports Park, the city鈥檚 largest sports facility with a 50,000-seat main stadium, which was officially launched on March 1.
The team was formed by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Security Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Transport Department and police force.
The city leader pointed to the 鈥渕eticulous planning, comprehensive deployment, professional large-scale testing and drills鈥 by the team to establish the facility as a world-class venue and a successful model for first-class experiences at large-scale events.
According to Lee, the team had completed 20 facility tests in just five months and had mobilised 140,000 civil servants and many district organisations to take part in evacuation drills.
The Chief Executive鈥檚 Award for Exemplary Performance was first mentioned in Lee鈥檚 maiden policy address in 2022 to recognise 鈥渕eritorious and exemplary鈥 civil servants on a regular basis to encourage them to strive for excellence.
Previous recipients of the award include a Hong Kong rescue team sent to earthquake-stricken Turkey in 2023, and a task force comprising the Department of Justice, the Security Bureau, and the police force that spearheaded the legislation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance last year.