Hong Kong will extend digital-only applications to all civil service positions from next month, as part of the government鈥檚 efforts to promote digitalisation and improve recruitment efficiency.
Civil Service Secretary Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan announced on social media on Sunday that, as of Tuesday, July 1, all applications for civil service jobs must be submitted electronically, unless stated otherwise.
She also highlighted other measures adopted by the Civil Service Bureau under the same digitalisation drive to improve recruitment efficiency and leverage technology.
This included the launch of online tests for the Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law in May, enabling candidates to obtain an electronic score certificate on the same day.
鈥淭hese examples showed how we make better use of existing resources and manpower, fundamentally improve the efficiency of recruitment work, and provide more convenience for job seekers,鈥 Yeung wrote on Facebook.
Since the end of July last year, certain positions, such as assistant clerical officer, clerical assistant, and second level personal secretary, have exclusively accepted online applications, phasing out paper forms, faxes and emails.
A recruitment centre was put into use in October 2023 to provide a one-stop venue for the year-round recruitment for the three roles, where job seekers could submit online applications, undertake skills and law tests, and participate in selection interviews.
Yeung stated that the streamlined process accelerated recruitment, allowing applicants to receive their results as early as possible.
In late May this year, a digital version of the Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law tests was launched. After registering online, candidates can choose their own examination time slot, complete the test on a computer at the recruitment centre, and obtain an electronic score certificate on the same day.
This change freed candidates from the previous requirement of taking the examination on only two specific days a year and waiting a month for their final results. It also reduced the government鈥檚 administrative costs, such as the need to hire part-time examiners for temporary examination venues, Yeung added.
She also added that the application method for certain posts will be detailed in the relevant recruitment advertisements. Applications should be submitted before the deadline in the manner specified in those advertisements.