Celebrating 60 Years: Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong Commemorated with Rowing Competition and Events.

Rowing competition for 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to HK concludes

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong. To commemorate and celebrate this remarkable milestone, a series of celebration events have been held under the theme "Dongjiang River - An Inseparable Bond, Our Blessed Origin" in phases since September last year. Following the running competition held in November last year, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) today (September 6) held a rowing competition at the Jockey Club Sha Tin Rowing Centre to commemorate six decades of Dongjiang water supply. The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, officiated at the event and presented the award to the overall champion of the rowing competition in the company of the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong.

Speaking at the event, Mr Lau said that rowing emphasises the importance of teamwork and the spirit of persistence, which is a vivid portrayal of the journey of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong. Over the past 60 years, numerous project builders and construction workers from Guangdong and Hong Kong have made selfless contributions to the project and overcome many difficulties through concerted effort, echoing the spirit of unity and resilience demonstrated in the water supply collaboration. He urged everyone to reflect on how to cherish water resources - whether through conserving water or exploiting new water resources - to help Hong Kong move toward a sustainable future without water shortages.

Mr Wong remarked that, with a view to deepening the public's understanding of the history of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong and its significance, the Development Bureau and the WSD have organised a number of celebration and commemoration events since September last year. Various commemoration events will also be taken forward. He pointed out that the "An Inseparable Bond, Our Blessed Origin: 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong" exhibition, co-organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the WSD, is now open for free visits at the Hong Kong Museum of History. Other celebration events include the Good Water Good Fish Logo Design Competition, the WSD's Fun Day, and the publication of a commemorative book for the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong, which will be rolled out one after another.

The rowing competition is jointly organised by the WSD and the Hong Kong, China Rowing Association. The competition comprised flat water and indoor rowing. Flat water rowing includes 1 000m coxed quadruple sculls, 1 000m mixed coxed eight and 250m single board rowing (single - open group). Indoor rowing includes 4x500m team relay, 60-minute team relay and one-minute challenge (single - open group). The event attracted over 250 enrolments from 18works departments, public service organisations,consultancy firms and universities to participate.

Rowing competition for 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to HK concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Rowing competition for 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to HK concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Rowing competition for 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to HK concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Rowing competition for 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to HK concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Rowing competition for 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to HK concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images