Mr Edward Yau is appointed as Secretary for the Environment on July 1, 2007.
His portfolio covers environmental protection, nature conservation, energy and sustainable development. He is responsible for formulating policies, promoting public awareness as well as encouraging community participation regarding his portfolio areas. He also oversees plans and programmes implemented by the Environmental Protection Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Drainage Services Department for his policy portfolio with a view to achieving and maintaining a healthy and pleasant environment for the Hong Kong people.
Before taking up the current position, Mr Yau was the Director of Information Services. He joined the civil service as an Administrative Officer in 1981. During his long career in the Hong Kong Government, he has taken up various positions including Deputy Director-General of Trade (later renamed Deputy Director-General of Trade and Industry), Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, and Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower.
Mr Yau, 48, graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 1981. He received further education at Oxford University in 1983 and at Harvard University in Spring 2000.
