Mr Cheung joined the Hong Kong Government in July 1972 after graduating from The University of Hong Kong.

He first served as an Information Officer with the Government Information Services. He transferred to the Administrative Service in September 1979 and had since held a wide spectrum of positions in the policy-making and strategic management stream. Amongst his earlier postings were Assistant Private Secretary to the Governor; District Officer (North); Administrative Assistant to the Financial Secretary, and Assistant Director-General of Trade.

As a senior directorate officer, Mr Cheung served as Deputy Judiciary Administrator; Deputy Head, Central Policy Unit; Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower; Commissioner for Labour; Director of Education; and Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labour.

Mr Cheung has assumed the position of Secretary for Labour and Welfare since July 2007.