The Government announced today (January 13) the appointment of Mr Lam Woon-kwong as the new Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) for a term of three years commencing February 1, 2010.

The appointment is made by the Chief Executive under the provisions of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Cap. 480) and Mr Lam has accepted the appointment today. An open recruitment exercise was conducted to select the new EOC Chairperson and a Selection Board was appointed to consider the candidates and make recommendation to the Chief Executive.

Mr Lam, aged 58, joined the Government in 1974 as an Administrative Officer. He has worked in various government policy bureaux and departments, including the then Education and Manpower Branch, Department of Education, and Civil Service Bureau. He was Secretary for Home Affairs from 2000 to 2002, and Director, Chief Executive's Office from 2002 to 2004. He was the Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Events (Hong Kong) of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Company Limited from 2006 to 2008.

A government spokesman said, "Mr Lam has rich experience in public administration. He had served in a number of senior positions within the government and possesses proven leadership, management and communication skills. Mr Lam also has a clear vision about the EOC and we trust that he will bring with him a strong commitment to the Commission's work. We are confident that under his leadership, the EOC will strive to promote equal opportunities and eliminate discrimination in the community."

"The term of office of the incumbent, Mr Raymond Tang, has expired on January 11, 2010. During his term of office, the EOC has performed the important function of enforcing the anti-discrimination ordinances and made a valuable contribution to the promotion of equal opportunities in the community. In particular, during his tenure, the EOC has put in place arrangements for enforcing the Race Discrimination Ordinance which came into operation last year, and has launched useful public education and publicity programmes on racial equality and harmony. We have expressed our appreciation to Mr Tang for his service," the spokesman said.

The Selection Board appointed to advise the Chief Executive on the recruitment was chaired by Dr Leong Che-hung and comprised Professor Anthony Cheung, Mr Bernard Chan, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, and Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung.

Enquiry: EOC Hotline 25118211