New Civil Service College Told To Nurture Patriotism

A deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Zhang Xiaoming, said on Thursday that Hong Kong's new Civil Service College should focus on nurturing patriotism among civil servants, as well as their willingness to serve the people, world vision and strategic thinking.

Speaking via video link at a ceremony to mark the college's establishment, Zhang said the central government attaches great importance to the training of civil servants in the SAR.

He cited remarks made by President Xi Jinping, who said top officials as well as civil servants in Hong Kong must serve the country with absolute sincerity.

Zhang said civil servants have a lot of responsibility in helping Hong Kong achieve good governance and long-term stability.

Speaking at the same event, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said civil servants should accurately understand the constitution and the Basic Law, so that they can uphold the One Country, Two Systems principle and take up the responsibility of ensuring national security.

Lam added that they must respect and learn about the vision of the Chinese Communist Party, as leadership by the party is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

She said the college will arrange courses to nurture positive values among civil servants, so they will become hardworking and responsible government staff with perseverance.