11 Facts About Matthew Cheung

Matthew Cheung was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal by the Hong Kong SAR Government in 2017.

Matthew Cheung graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 1972, then became an Information Officer for British colonial government.

Matthew Cheung was transferred to the Administrative Service in September 1979 and has served in various bureaus and departments in the government.

Matthew Cheung was promoted to Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower, Commissioner for Labour, Director of Education, and Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labour.

Matthew Cheung was promoted to Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 in September 2004.

Matthew Cheung was known for his hardworking style, having taken less than three weeks off in the five years leading up to his retirement in March 2007 as Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labour.

Matthew Cheung tackled issues such as the Old Age Living Allowance, standard working hours and paternity leave, all of which are still fiercely debated over by unionists and employers with opposing views.

Matthew Cheung was criticised for his low profile during the 2013 Hong Kong dock strike.

Matthew Cheung was criticised for only taking orders from his superiors and not taking responsibility for decisions.

In October 2020, Matthew Cheung stated that the government will not allow schools to become "breeding grounds" for Hong Kong independence, and that the Education Bureau must protect students from those "twisted and illegal" ideas.

On 17 January 2021, Matthew Cheung wrote a blog post justifying the requirement that civil servants sign an oath to pledge loyalty to the government, stating that it would make the civil servants demonstrate their loyalties and commitments.