Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance Highlights Excellence in Search and Rescue and Large-Scale Event Management

Strategic Insights -

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, presented awards to the HKSAR Search and Rescue Team and the Inter-departmental Preparation Team for Kai Tak Sports Park Commissioning at a ceremony on July 23. The HKSAR Search and Rescue Team was recognized for their outstanding performance in conducting search and rescue operations in Myanmar after a major earthquake struck in March 2025, rescuing one survivor and excavating two bodies from the debris. The Inter-departmental Preparation Team for Kai Tak Sports Park Commissioning was commended for their efficiency and professionalism in completing around 20 test events, including five large-scale drills, in just five months, mobilizing 140,000 civil servants to participate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The HKSAR Search and Rescue Team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and efficiency in conducting search and rescue operations in Myanmar after a major earthquake struck in March 2025, rescuing one survivor and excavating two bodies from the debris.
  • The Inter-departmental Preparation Team for Kai Tak Sports Park Commissioning showcased their ability to work efficiently and professionally in completing around 20 test events, including five large-scale drills, in just five months with 140,000 civil servants participating.
  • The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, praised the awarded teams for demonstrating the HKSAR Government's spirit of pursuing excellence and fearlessly taking on challenges.
  • Hong Kong's civil servants were ranked second globally and first in Asia in the "Government efficiency" section of the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025, highlighting their outstanding competence and effective performance.
  • The nominated teams underwent a rigorous selection process, with a high-level selection committee of the Government recommending the awardees to the Chief Executive.
  • The nomination exercise for the new round of the Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance commenced in May this year, with the Civil Service Bureau inviting bureaux to nominate outstanding teams or colleagues for the honour.

Statistics:

  • The HKSAR Search and Rescue Team completed 61 search and rescue operations covering 57 locations amid constant aftershocks and scorching heat in the disaster-stricken areas.
  • The team conducted joint operations with the China Search and Rescue Team, successfully rescuing one survivor who had been trapped for more than 125 hours.
  • The Inter-departmental Preparation Team for Kai Tak Sports Park Commissioning mobilized about 140,000 civil servants to participate in stress tests to evaluate the capability of the KTSP and its surrounding facilities comprehensively.

Sources:

  • Hong Kong SAR Government issued a news release on July 23, 2025.
  • "World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025"
  • Hong Kong SAR Government's website.