Newsletter No. 1

To All Members

1.   Welcome you all to HKFISSA.  This newsletter gives you some background information as to how HKFISSA has come about, its objectives and vision, who the members are serving on its Executive Committee and what activities are normally organized in the year for the common pleasure of its members.

I.  How HKFISSA has come about

Initial Preparation Work.

2.       As far back as in March 2000, an innovative idea erupted among a small group of retired and/or ex-Immigration staff suggesting that “formation of an association of some sort” be considered to embrace on a voluntary basis individual retired and/or ex-Immigration staff members, who wish to maintain and promote mutual relationships among fellow former colleagues.  Subsequently, this idea was widely supported by those concerned thereby leading to the formation in the same year of a preparatory committee with all the ground work unearthed and duly completed.  It was initially suggested that perhaps “the association”, if and when formed, should operate on the module of a charitable organization, but finally this thought was given up after weighing carefully such factors as (a) there were complicated charitable regulations or pre-requisite criteria to be met; (b) there appeared to be no precedent cases on record of other similar staff associations registered likewise; and (c) that associations for the same matter existing in other forms were seen to be able to do well in serving their members’ interest no less effectively.

 The First Preparatory Committee

3.       The first meeting of the First Preparatory Committee was held in July 2004 with Mr Pang Kue-chuen Patrick as the convenor.  Other members who were present in that meeting included the following, namely : Chan Yee-wai Vincent, Chu Hak-kong Victor, Chow Yuk-kwan, Hui Hung-shun, Law Yiu-tung Tony, Leung Ka-ching, Lo Hin-cheung Elaine, Lui Kwai-hung, Mak Look-chiu, Ng Lin-kuen Nancy, Ng Sue-ping, Ting Wing-chuen, Tse Chor-kin Freddy, Wong Kwong-chung and Wong Shiu-pui John.  The committee officials elected were as follows : 

Registration of HKFISSA

4.   After thorough consideration, the Preparatory Committee decided to have ‘the association’ registered under the Companies Ordinance as a limited entity instead of under the Society Ordinance, in order to ensure that all members would not be held financially liable to a ceiling exceeding HK$10.  On this basis, the association was eventually registered and officially known as “The Hong Kong Former Immigration Service Staff Association” (HKFISSA).

II.  FISSA Objectives

5.   The primary objectives of FISSA are to promote the welfare and well being of members; to strengthen communication and to enhance mutual help among members; to organize various recreational and/or cultural activities for the enjoyment of members; and to liaise with other staff associations of the Immigration Department; and to support them in all matters that are relevant to the interests of immigration staff, past and present.

III.  Members of the Executive Committee

6.       At the first Executive Committee Meeting held in January 2005, the following Committee Official list was endorsed unanimously to facilitate the discharge of FISSA business : 

 IV.  FISSA activities and Vision

 7.       For the time being, the following recreational facilities have been arranged for members’ convenience :

(a)         On all Tuesdays (from 10am to noon) and Fridays (from 11am to 1pm), badminton courts have been reserved for members’ use at the Disciplined Services Sports & Recreation Club, Causeway Bay.  Those who are interested please contact Mr Wong Shiu-pui John on 9196 8303.

(b)         Lunch service is provided on all Tuesdays starting from 12:30 pm at the Chinese restaurant of the above mentioned Club for those who wish to meet with old friends and colleagues over some delicious dishes.

8.       Other than organizing recreational, cultural and outdoor activities, FISSA would in future attempt to organize health forums and volunteering services or even seeking customers privileges from various shops or retail outlets.  So far, the following four retail outlets have agreed to offer discounts for purchases to customers who are HKFISSA members :

(a)         Ching Mei Records Company;

(b)         Janfield Records Company;

(c)         Happy Sound Music Limited; and

(d)         Wines Unlimited.

V.      How to Contac us

 9.        Members who wish to make enquiries or comments may contact us by :

l           mailing to P. O. Box 25823, Harbour Building Post Office;

l           faxing to (852) 2367 1671; or

l           emailing to [email protected].

         A FISSA website will be made available soon for members’ viewing and for facilitating multi-way communication.

Patrick Pang Kue-chuen

President

HKFISSA

February 2005