Staff Training and Development

We fully appreciate the importance of providing diverse training programmes to enhance the professional knowledge and skills of both new and existing employees. We held 600 training activities during the reporting year, including in-house training sessions and duty visits. The average number of training hours per capita in the year under review was 34 hours, which was about three hours more than the average recorded between 2010-11 and 2018-19.

In-house training

To continuously enhance the knowledge and skills, the DSD organised a wide range of in-house training for our management and staff in the year under review, covering topics such as implementation of New Engineering Contract, sewage treatment technologies and ecological assessment for the projects, etc. In addition, four induction courses were held for more than 191 new hires to help them understand the Department's operation and performance pledges.

Duty Visits

In addition to providing local training programmes, we also arrange overseas visits for our colleagues, so that they can exchange, learn and draw successful experiences and cutting-edge technologies from overseas experts. These activities are especially conducive to optimising our services and efficiency.

2019 Second International Conference on Smart Sensing and Intelligent Systems

In April 2019, our colleagues attended the 2019 Second International Conference on Smart Sensing and Intelligent Systems held in Shanghai. A number of featured topics were closely related to the concepts of smart drainage systems, smart sewage treatment and smart city in Hong Kong. Our delegates visited the Headquarters of Shanghai SIIC-LongChuang Smarter Energy Technology Co., Ltd during the conference where they gained insight into the management and safe operation of large-scale intelligent systems, as well as the latest smart sensor application.

The 16th World Conference on Anaerobic Digestion

In June 2019, our colleagues attended the 16th International Water Association World Conference on Anaerobic Digestion held in the Netherlands. During the four-day event, participants from different regions shared and exchanged information on the latest development and technologies in anaerobic digestion and related processes. Our colleagues reinforced and broadened their knowledge in managing and enhancing the anaerobic digestion process in sewage treatment plants.

The 1st Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Water Congress cum the 13th Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao Water Supply Academic Seminar

In September 2019, our colleagues attended the 1st Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Water Congress cum the 13th Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao Water Supply Academic Seminar in Zhuhai and visited an underground wastewater treatment plant in Qianshan, Zhuhai. The three-day event was jointly initiated and organised by water authorities of 11 cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It aimed at providing a platform for exchanges and discussions on various topics, including mutual assistance and emergency rescue, policy and regulation support, control of management cost, enhancement of service quality, technology development and management.

Nordic Wastewater Conference 2019

In September 2019, our colleagues attended the Nordic Wastewater Conference 2019 held in Finland to understand the development of sustainable wastewater treatment, adaptation to the changing climate and sustainable stormwater management solutions in the Nordic countries. The conference provided opportunities to exchange and share experience with peers overseas. The host also arranged a technical tour to Viikinmäki Wastewater Treatment Plant for the participants.

The 4th Asia Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development

In November 2019, a DSD delegation attended the 4th Asia Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development in Yokohama, Japan and visited the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Ibaraki Prefecture. The two-day conference offered an opportunity for our colleagues to exchange ideas and experience with scholars, researchers and practitioners on environmental sciences and technologies in the Asian region, so as to drive cutting-edge technologies and enhance knowledge in waste management, renewable energy, climate change and sustainable development.