Reflecting on his three years in leadership, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasized that he would rather be a reformer than settle for stagnation amid a challenging external environment.
Following a video posted on Saturday (Jun 28) to commemorate his third anniversary as the city's leader, which used the metaphor of a butterfly's metamorphosis to illustrate the city's development and need for transformation, Lee released another video this morning.
In his latest post, Lee highlighted the key to "breaking from the cocoon" lies in embracing reform and innovation, stressing the city's role in connecting the mainland and the world to seize national and international opportunities, thus opening up new markets.
Expressing his commitment to steering Hong Kong toward better and more stable development, Lee ensured the government would continue to advance during challenging times.
"We prefer to be reformers rather than settle for stagnation, prioritizing citizens' interests while pursuing innovation and change," Lee asserted.
With confidence in the wisdom and experience of Hongkongers, Lee believed that the city would once again reach new heights through innovation, advancing from stability to prosperity.
Northern Metropolis - A new engine to drive economic growth
In the latest video, Lee engaged in a discussion with his special assistant, Jenny Wong Tsz-yuen, during which he described the Northern Metropolis as a new engine for Hong Kong's economic development.
With over 60,000 housing units—including approximately 10 new public housing estates—expected to be completed within the next five years, Lee remarked that ongoing efforts are beginning to yield results.
While the San Tin Technopole Phase 1 land will be released to the market, Lee reported that the North District Hospital is undergoing expansion, and the new Huanggang Port building -- which will apply the "co-location arrangement -- is expected to be finished by the end of this year.
After improvements to the transportation infrastructure in the area, Lee expressed optimism that the Northern Metropolis would significantly boost Hong Kong's economic development and enhance living conditions.
Referencing the city's recent achievement of reclaiming third place in the 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking report by the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland, Lee underlined the importance of securing a position on the global stage.
Taking advantage of the city's five universities ranked among the world's top institutions, Lee noted Hong Kong is actively developing as an international hub.
Lee also mentioned the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation headquarters, which is expected to enhance the city's economic, political, cultural, and international influence, further strengthening its role as a bridge between internal and external connections.
Separately, Lee and senior government officials will attend a flag-raising ceremony and a reception on Tuesday (Jul 1) to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.
The flag-raising ceremony will be held at Golden Bauhinia Square at 8 am. Community leaders and members of uniformed groups will attend the ceremony. No public viewing area will be set up.
The Police Band will perform at the ceremony and a choir from Clementi Secondary School will sing the national anthem under the lead of two singers, tenor Chen Yong and soprano Song Yuanming, followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services.
The celebration reception, led by Lee, will also be held at the Grand Hall on Level 3 of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre after the flag-raising ceremony.
(Updated at 4.26pm)
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