Biography:

Edward Yau has a long and distinguished career in the Government of Hong Kong, China.  He served as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Secretary for Environment (2007-2012), Director of the Chief Executive’s Office (2012-2017), and Secretary of Commerce (2017-2022).  Preceding his political appointments, he served 26 years in various Government positions including Director-General of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC, Director of Information Services, Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower. 

As Hong Kong SAR’s Commerce Secretary, Yau has successfully accomplished a record number of Free Trade and Investment Protection Agreements between Hong Kong and major partners including ASEAN, Australia, and Georgia.  He also represented Hong Kong, China at various international forum including the UN Climate Conference, World Trade Organisation and APEC Ministerial Meetings. During his tenure, Yau strives to uphold Hong Kong’s longstanding free trade reputation and promotes barrier free trade through bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations.  He led business delegations calling on major trading partners especially those along the ‘Belt and Road’ that connect with China through Hong Kong.  He is a frequent speaker in international media as well as university forum on trade, global economy and international relations.

After retiring from Government, Mr Yau has taken up charity and academic work including being the Chairman of Hong Chi Association, a Non-Government Organisation providing educational and welfare services for people with intellectual disabilities; and being the Distinguished Non-resident Fellow of HKU’s Centre on Contemporary China and the World.  He has been conferred Honorary Professorship by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.