It has been an open secret for some time that the chair of the Education Commission, left vacant by Antony Leung Kam-chung's appointment as financial secretary, would go to Rosanna Wong Yick-ming.
The appointment marks the resurgence of a respected official, after she relinquished her post as Housing Authority chairwoman last summer following a series of piling scandals. The resignation was a rare example of an official accepting political accountability for the failures of her department. But even those who felt she had to go agreed she was a rare talent.
Miss Wong now takes on the toughest job on the Government's agenda - stepping into the shoes of a man whose commitment to education reform was the guiding force behind a programme of radical and visionary changes. The task will test her leadership skills to the utmost. But her standing as an Executive Council member gives her the power to deal with officials, legislators, education chiefs and teaching unions. Her social welfare background, specialising in youth work, gives her real insight into the social problems that beset many schools. She has the confidence of Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa. With his backing, she should be able to steer through the challenging times ahead.
One of the concerns of Mr Leung's departure has been that without his authority, the reforms might run out of steam. That must not happen, because without change, the SAR cannot hope to produce the educated workforce it needs. If she has the right approach, Miss Wong's lack of experience in education will not be a drawback. It means no conflict of interest issues are involved. An outsider is more likely to start off without preconceived ideas, able to listen to all sides with equal detachment and be fair-minded. But she must be equally firm in pressing ahead with changes that challenge old practices and will be strongly resisted.
The special significance of this appointment is in demonstrating the fluctuations of political fortune. Fear of failure deters some people from public service. Here is proof that one setback does not finish a career.