With the corporate theme of 'work and family life balance' for HKCSS in Year 2006, we have invited three business leaders to share their views during the ceremony. The invited guests included Mr. C K Chow, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation, Mr. Vincent Cheng, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, and Mr. Raymond Kwok, Vice-chairman and Managing Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties. They all pointed out that it is of equal importance to care about the enhancement of quality family relationship for employees as to care about their working environment.

Mr. C K Chow, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation mentioned that it would be important for staff consultation before any new policy to be implemented. It would help create better working relationship.. As for social responsibility, he encouraged the employees and their families to participate in volunteer work together.

Mr. Vincent Cheng, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited quoted the comprehensive employee friendly facilities of the Bank such as the child-care service and other community activities that family members can join. He also mentioned the importance of caring for the mental health and family life of employees.

Mr. Raymond Kwok, Vice-chairman and Managing Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties believed that 'families' are our source of relieving stress and regaining energy. He emphasized that 'homes are our fundamentals' and 'build homes with heart'. He nurture the corporate culture with his strong sense of family ties. When facing pressure, he believed that one should think about four important things: health, family, friends and wealth go the last.

Ms. Christine Fang, the Chief Executive of HKCSS believed that harmonious working environment supports a lot to the employees and their families. In return, an organization would also be benefited by having more energetic employees. Many social service organizations also offered supportive programmes such as mental health, stress management and care for parents that would assist employees to establish family friendly working environment.

The Hon Bernard Chan, Chairperson of HKCSS, concluded that corporate social responsibility has become a common trend as people from different sectors become more aware of it. He encouraged more businesses to act out corporate social responsibility by starting to care for their employees so as to make a difference to the society.

(The Chinese text published in page A29, Ming Pao Newspaper on 28 February 2006)

Mr. C K Chow, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation

Mr. Vincent Cheng, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Mr. Raymond Kwok, Vice-chairman and Managing Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited

Ms. Christine Fang, the Chief Executive of HKCSS

The Hon Bernard Chan, Chairperson of HKCSS