Key facts
- Albert Yuen Yuk-kin, former deputy commissioner of operations for the Hong Kong police, will lead the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD).
- Yuen's appointment is part of Hong Kong's civil service reforms and followed an open recruitment process.
- The FEHD is responsible for food safety, market management, and environmental hygiene.
- The role is graded at Directorate Pay Scale D6, with a monthly salary between HK$287,990 and HK$296,535.
- John Tse Chun-chung was appointed as Director of Information Services in a parallel move.
Albert Yuen Yuk-kin, a former deputy commissioner of operations with the Hong Kong police, has been appointed as the new Director of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). The government announced the appointment on June 15, with Yuen set to take up his post on June 16, following a 37-year career in the police force. This appointment is part of Hong Kong's ongoing civil service reforms and was made through an open recruitment exercise.
The FEHD, which falls under the Environment and Ecology Bureau, is responsible for food safety, market management, environmental hygiene, and public columbaria. The role is graded at Directorate Pay Scale D6 and carries a monthly salary between HK$287,990 and HK$296,535.
Yuen's recruitment followed an unprecedented open call in February, which prioritized candidates with strong leadership, strategic policy vision, familiarity with government systems, and extensive senior-level management experience. Specific requirements included a local bachelor's or postgraduate degree, at least 15 years of administrative and managerial exposure (including seven at a senior rank), strong Chinese and English skills, and fluency in Cantonese, Putonghua, and English. Political acumen and experience handling sensitive matters were also highlighted.
The appointment occurs in the context of recent changes, including a tightening of restaurant licensing provisions that allow action against premises deemed to offend national security or act against the public interest. Chief Executive John Lee emphasized that safeguarding national security is a statutory duty.
In a parallel appointment, former Police spokesman John Tse Chun-chung has been named Director of Information Services, another senior post filled through open recruitment. Policy scholars suggest these appointments reflect a broader strategy to reform the civil service by broadening the talent pool and introducing experienced professionals from outside traditional cadres, potentially injecting fresh perspectives and creativity.