John Lee's Chinese New Year Message: Embrace New Beginnings in the Year of the Horse

2026-02-16 12:00 Last Updated At：15:53

CE delivers Chinese New Year message

Following is the translation of the Chinese New Year message delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (February 16):

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The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his Chinese New Year message today (February 16). Mr Lee and Mrs Lee wished for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE delivers Chinese New Year message (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his Chinese New Year message today (February 16). Mr Lee and Mrs Lee wished for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE delivers Chinese New Year message (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Chinese New Year is the festival we eagerly anticipate, a time when every household decorates and prepares to welcome new beginnings.

As the spirited steed gallops forward, leaving the old year behind, we stand united to embark on a new journey.

The horse, symbolising speed and stamina, boldly charges ahead, covering vast distances every day. It embodies the tenacity and resilience of Hong Kong people.

As we step into the Year of the Horse, let us continue to move with agility and steadiness, seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and propelling Hong Kong forward.

My wife and I wish for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all.

(The message is available on the website of the Chief Executive's Office: www.ceo.gov.hk/cny-message/26/en/)

Health Department Investigates Shops for Illegal Hair Growth Procedures Without Licenses in Hong Kong

DH steps up inspections to premises offering RGA hair growth or platelet-rich plasma services to safeguard public health

In light of the recent investigation by the Department of Health (DH) that some shops are suspected of performing Regenera Activa hair growth (an autologous cell transplant medical procedure, referred as RGA) or platelet-rich plasma injections, contravening the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633) (the Ordinance) which prohibits operating a day procedure centre (DPC) without a licence, the DH today (February 16) visited over 30 shops in Hong Kong which claimed to offer similar services in their websites and conducted investigations if the shops involved illegal acts of operating a DPC without a licence to safeguard public health.

During the operation, no RGA or platelet-rich plasma medical procedures were found to be conducted at the shops. Some of the shops would arrange customers to undergo the relevant medical procedures at licensed DPCs. Nevertheless, the DH has reminded the responsible persons of the shops that, according to the Ordinance, transplantation of any cells, tissues or organs, including autograft, allograft, xenograft, processed tissue or blood products (such as platelet-rich plasma) and skin flap, are scheduled medical procedures stipulated in the Ordinance. Such procedures, when performed in an ambulatory setting, must take place in a licensed DPC. The DH has also issued a letter to remind all registered doctors and dentists of the abovementioned legal requirements. Any person operating a DPC without a licence commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for three years.

The DH announced last week that a shop in Mongkok offering RGA hair growth services and platelet-rich plasma injections was suspected of operating a DPC without a licence, the relevant investigation and evidence collection are still ongoing. The DH will seriously follow up on the case, and take appropriate actions against the shop and its responsible persons in accordance with the relevant ordinances.

The DH reminded doctors that before performing RGA, platelet-rich plasma injection or other scheduled medical procedures stipulated in the Ordinance, they must verify that the premises holds a suitable licence, so as to ensure the best interests of patients and adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct.

Meanwhile, the DH urged the public that before receiving RGA or platelet-rich plasma injection or other scheduled medical procedures stipulated in the Ordinance, they should find out if the premises providing the services had obtained a DPC licence in accordance with the Ordinance. To assist the public in identifying licensed or exempted facilities, the DH has established thePrivate Healthcare Facilities Register, which lists all private healthcare facilities with valid licences and exemptions. DPCs must display their licence in a conspicuous place. Each licence bears a QR code that can be scanned using the eHealth app to verify its validity. For more information, please visit the DH's Office for Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilitieswebpage.

John Lee's Chinese New Year Message: Embrace New Beginnings in the Year of the Horse

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