HONG KONG: Director of Social Welfare Stephen Frederick Fisher hopes to move into education after he retires next month.

At the last meeting of the Legislative Council's (LegCo) welfare services panel during Fisher's term of office yesterday, lawmakers paid tribute to his contributions over the past 29 years.

"What I admire is that Fisher adopted an open manner in handling problems. He is also willing and proactive in meeting the public," said panel chairman Albert Chan Wai-yip. "Under his leadership, local welfare issue has been improved a lot."

Lee Cheuk-yan, lawmaker from the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, expressed regret over the retirement of Fisher. Lee praised him as a government servant who listens respectfully and shows commitment to the public.

"Fisher has the courage to face the community, like in the meeting with Tung Chung residents. I hope his successor can have the same attitude as he," Wong Kwok-hing from the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions said.

Meanwhile, Fisher expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement of legislators despite their sometimes intense discussions in the LegCo chamber.

The 59-year-old civil servant worked in the former Health and Welfare Branch, the former Chief Secretary's Office, and as Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs. He was appointed as the Director of Social Welfare in July 2007.

Serving in government for almost three decades, Fisher now hopes to realize his dream to be a teacher.

"I will be 60 by next month. I will take this as another start in my life. After leaving the government, I will see if there is a chance to bring my thoughts into play in teaching," he told reporters after the panel meeting.

He doesn't want to be a full-time instructor, but to teach just one or two hours per month.

"I am also pleased to work as a volunteer," he said, adding that he would like to contribute to the society with his past experience in the government.

Fisher's post will be taken up by Patrick Nip Tak-kuen, the current Deputy Secretary for Food and Health (Health), starting from August 15.

(HK Edition 07/30/2009 page1)