John Lee Welcomes Guests to 2026 International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Hong Kong

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

Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstorms

As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

The Labour Department (LD), Photo source: reference image

A spokesman for the LD said today (April 4) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (such as electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the "Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and 'Extreme Conditions'" and the "Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather" issued by the LD.

Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by a rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent an electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:

(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;

(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm that it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;

(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;

(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and

(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.

In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).

Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.

Photo source: reference image