Attending the symposiums were more than 150 officers from different Formations and the Staff Associations, who were briefed on a variety of topics, including pension options, agreement issues, retirement benefits, quarters and housing benefits, leave and passage, disability management, and compensation for overtime work.

In his opening addresses, Conditions of Service and Discipline Branch Chief Superintendent Ellick Tsang Choi-on said that it was the first time such a symposium was held, and that response was most encouraging.

"While the symposiums seek to highlight the roles of Formation Commanders in processing applications related to certain types of conditions of service, they also provide an additional avenue for both Personnel Wing and Formation representatives to discuss the difficulties they face and their common concerns", he added.

During the symposiums, the participants actively raised questions and took part in group discussions and presentations. These open and frank discussions enabled them to clarify matters that were frequently the subjects of requests for explanation. For example compensation and sick leave entitlement for officers with permanent loss of earning capacity under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance and Civil Service Regulations were explained and clarified.

One of the participants, TSRO HKI Oscar Lam said he now had an enhanced understanding of the conditions of service relating to officers on overseas and local terms, and this would be a big help for his job.

Another participant, JPOA First Vice Chairman Chung Kam-wah said the symposiums were very good and had clarified some common misconceptions and doubts of conditions of service matters among officers.

The two symposiums also saw enthusiastic interaction amongst the participants on the topics covered. Overall, it was a very fruitful and rewarding experience for all present.

In his closing address, Mr Tsang thanked all the participants and their commanders, as well as the Staff Associations, for supporting the symposiums.

The symposium is a fruitful and rewarding experience for the audience