Jamie Tse
- BSc (HKUST) Global China Studies (2017)
- Innovation and Technology Commission
- Labour and Welfare Bureau
- Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau
My AO Story
In summer 2017, I started my AO journey at the Innovation and Technology Commission. I mainly assisted in providing secretariat support to the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification to enhance the overall development of the testing and certification (“T&C”) sector in Hong Kong. It was quite a challenge to digest the technical concepts and familiarise myself with the sector’s profile at first. I had the privilege to work with stakeholders from different sectors of the community, ranging from the T&C sector, trade and professional associations, tertiary institutions, public bodies and other government departments, to focus our efforts on promoting the mission and value of the T&C sector, as well as strengthening its competitive edge. One of my core duties was to collaborate with the relevant Mainland authorities to seize opportunities for the sector for development in the Mainland. I still remember the excitement when I witnessed the introduction of liberalisation measures to the local T&C sector in the Mainland.
Eighteen months later, I was given my first policy bureau posting in the Labour and Welfare Bureau, overseeing policy matters relating to the social welfare subvention system and social work training and manpower planning in Hong Kong. It was no easy job as the social welfare portfolio itself is complicated and full of dynamics, for it is highly relevant to all walks of life. How to strike a balance between the interests of different parties while maintaining the policy objective is a lesson for life. Despite the challenges, it was highly fulfilling to be part of the team on some important tasks, in particular the review of the Lump Sum Grant Subvention System.
With all the skills acquired and experiences earned, my AO story continues in the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau where I am mainly responsible for the Basic Law promotion and coordination of the government’s input to the National Five-Year Plans.
For the simple reason to make my home a better place.
While the successful implementation of the many tasks under my subject purview is truly memorable, I would regard the experiences gained and the friendships earned in the process of completing the tasks as the most valuable takeaway in my AO journey. After all, you may not remember clearly the details of your work over the years, but you will always recall the process and the people whom you have worked hand-in-hand with in delivering the tasks and solving the problems.
As both the job and the assessment process are largely based on social issues, be curious about current events, but do not limit your attention to those major news that may seem to be likely topics to be raised at the interviews. Cast your net wide and learn about as much that is happening in Hong Kong and elsewhere as possible. As first impressions matter, be polite during the interviews. That said, you should also be prepared to defend your viewpoints in a confident manner while taking into account others’ views and feedback. You are only competing with yourself, so there is no need to be over defensive or offensive. Just be yourself and do your best. Do not worry too much as you have nothing to lose.