Ex-police spokesman to lead HK's PR department

Hong Kong has named John Tse Chun-chung (pictured) as director of information services, effective immediately, following an open-cum-in-service recruitment exercise.

In his new role, Tse will be tasked at advising the government on all public relations, news, publicity, and publication matters. Notably, he is the first director of information services since the 1997 handover to be appointed from outside the administrative officer (AO) grade.

Tse joined the government in 1999 and served in various positions both at frontline department and policy bureau. He was seconded to the chief executive's office under civil service appointment terms to serve as the communications secretary in August 2022, and has been serving as information co-ordinator since June 2024.

In February 2026, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau conducted a selection process, including an open-cum-in-service recruitment exercise, for the post of director of information services. Following the selection process, Tse has been identified as the most suitable candidate.

Commenting on the appointment, the secretary for the civil service, Ingrid Yeung, said, "Tse has extensive experience in public administration, is highly skilled in handling media and public relations, and possesses outstanding leadership and management capabilities. I am confident that under his leadership, the Information Services Department will strive to promote public understanding of government policies and positions, and tell the world about the good stories of Hong Kong."

The appointment comes as the government intensifies efforts to bolster the city's international and mainland image. To support the Brand Hong Kong initiative, the government is currently seeking digital media agencies to manage promotion for a 12-month period from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027.

Under the tender, one agency will be appointed to manage digital media planning, buying and campaign coordination across mainland China, while a separate agency will handle international markets.

According to the official tender documents, submissions close at noon on 2 June 2026. 

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