Remarks by Acting SCMA at media session
Following are the remarks by the Acting Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs (SCMA), Mr Clement Woo, at a media session today (February 17) after attending the blessing lantern lighting ceremony of the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival 2026 at Lam Tsuen, Tai Po:
Reporter: Since the Chief Executive has said, the SCMA is a key person to lead the initiatives to formulate Hong Kong's own Five-year plan. Can you give us an update on the timetable and the details of the plan and how would the CMAB (Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau) approach the Five-year plan without a formal SCMA? Thank you.
Acting Secretary for Constitutional and Mainlnd Affairs: As I have said before, I'm the Acting SCMA at the moment, and we, the CMAB will take the lead to co-ordinate the formulation of the plan. After the Two Sessions, probably from March, every bureau or department will come to the public to have a public consultation. And then we aim to complete the plan within this year. Thank you very much.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
The Acting Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs (SCMA), Mr Clement Woo, Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Release
Speech by CE at 2026 International Chinese New Year Night Parade
Following is the English version of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at 2026 International Chinese New Year Night Parade today (February 17):
Let me say a few words in English now, ladies and gentlemen, to welcome our friends from around the world.
It's wonderful to have you in Hong Kong for the annual International Chinese New Year Night Parade, celebrating with us the first fantastic day of the Year of the Horse.
This year's parade, themed "Best Fortune · World Party", features nearly 60 floats and performing groups. They're here to sing, dance and revel in the festive joy of this magnificent Hong Kong street party – your world party.
You can enjoy the floats at Kai Tak Sports Park and other landmarks after tonight. The parade is just the beginning of our Chinese New Year celebrations.
Tomorrow night, a dazzling fireworks display will illuminate both sides of Victoria Harbour, filling the sky with shimmering colour, explosive sound and the surging symbols of renewal, joy and abundance.
There's no better way to celebrate the Year of the Horse than by taking in the "Year of the Horse Raceday" on Thursday. And on Saturday, don't miss the Chinese New Year Cup – a long standing football tradition.
These are just a few highlights. You'll discover Chinese New Year festivities throughout Hong Kong – Asia’s capital for culture, entertainment, sports and mega-events.
In Chinese culture, horses symbolise vitality, courage and progress. In this Year of the Horse, I wish you and your families health, happiness and prosperity.
Enjoy Hong Kong! Thank you all.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the 2026 International Chinese New Year Night Parade tonight (February 17). Photo shows (from third right, back row) the Chief Executive Officer of the Cathay Pacific Group, Mr Ronald Lam; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; Mr Lee and his wife; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam; and the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, with the performance groups. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the 2026 International Chinese New Year Night Parade tonight (February 17). Photo shows (from left) the Chief Executive Officer of the Cathay Pacific Group, Mr Ronald Lam; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam; Mr Lee and his wife; and the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, officiating at the kick-off ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, speaks at the 2026 International Chinese New Year Night Parade tonight (February 17). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, speaks at the 2026 International Chinese New Year Night Parade tonight (February 17). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
