As the new year begins, everything feels refreshed. I wish everyone a happy and successful year. May 2026 bring prosperity, unity, and boundless vitality to our home.
This year’s New Year’s Eve countdown was truly fresh. Instead of traditional fireworks, we had a three-minute immersive light show. At first, it felt unfamiliar, as fireworks have long been our signature tradition. But after all, I found this “quiet splendor” elegant and stylish. Both locals and visitors raved about it, gathering early and filling the streets with festive cheer that rivaled past celebrations.
The performer lineup offered a delightful “time-travel” surprise. The Hong Kong Tourism Board arranged the legendary duo Air Supply, evoking youthful memories for my generation with their classic hits. Younger audiences may have found them less familiar, but the music and atmosphere captivated everyone. Local rising stars Jay Fung and Cloud Wan Ho-ying then took the stage, pushing the energy to new heights. This cross-generational fusion created real magic, and the Tourism Board’s creative approach was spot-on.
I know the Board faced immense pressure and a tight timeline, yet they successfully blended international classics with local talents and boldly replaced fireworks with a light show. They delivered a “fast, beautiful, and perfect” celebration for Hong Kong residents and visitors alike. This adaptability – embracing both tradition and innovation – captures our city’s true spirit.
From the countdown event, I see Hong Kong’s enduring vitality and flexibility. As times change, our openness to experimentation and new possibilities remains.
In the year ahead, let’s continue with this open, agile, and joyful mindset to tackle challenges and seize opportunities, creating more surprises and achievements together.
Cheers!
The Honorable Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung is a non-official member of the Executive Council and chairman of the Vocational Training Council.
