Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of New Premises of Law Society of Hong Kong
Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Opening Ceremony of the New Premises of the Law Society of Hong Kong today (April 8):
Mr Roden Tong (President of the Law Society of Hong Kong), Council members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to join you today at the Opening Ceremony of the New Premises of the Law Society of Hong Kong. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Law Society of Hong Kong, on the opening of your new premises, as well as the 119th anniversary of your incorporation.
Since its establishment in 1907, the Law Society of Hong Kong has carried the important mission of regulating and promoting the development of solicitors in Hong Kong. A new home for the Law Society symbolises more than just a change of address or enhanced facilities. It represents the vitality, the growth, as well as the enduring strength of Hong Kong's legal sector. It is a milestone for the remarkable commitment of the Law Society, and the impact its over 13 500 members make in our community.
As the self-regulatory body of solicitors in Hong Kong, the Law Society has, for many years, made indispensable contributions to upholding professional standards, ensuring proper administration of justice, promoting greater access to legal services, and nurturing legal talent. These efforts are instrumental in enhancing public confidence in the rule of law.
The rule of law and our legal system are the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success. Under the unique "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys unparalleled connectivity with both the Mainland and the world. We are the only common law jurisdiction within China, our country. Our common law legal system is similar to that in many global financial hubs, and is the only one that has a bilingual legal framework in both the Chinese and English languages. Our courts exercise independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Our legal professionals are known around the world for their integrity, versatility and professionalism.
These are not just features of our system. They give us the distinctive advantage in connecting our country with the world, and are the bedrock of our success as an international financial, shipping and trade centre. Our legal profession, the membership of the Law Society very much included, plays an indispensable role in maintaining this system. You advise businesses, protect individual rights, facilitate transactions and uphold justice. Your work ensures that Hong Kong continues to thrive as a world city where contracts are honoured, disputes are resolved fairly, and the rule of law prevails.
Last month, the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress approved the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Plan affirms the country's upholding of the "one country, two systems" principle, supporting Hong Kong's proactive integration into and service of the overall national development. It also supports Hong Kong in deepening its development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre.
We have already made significant progress in this direction. The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) formally opened its headquarters in Hong Kong last year. This puts Hong Kong at the heart of global dispute resolution. The IOMed enhances our status as a premier venue for mediation, arbitration and legal services, and opens new opportunities for our legal professionals to engage with the international community.
I am pleased to note that the Law Society has been active in assisting Mainland enterprises in going global, while providing professional support for international investors coming to Hong Kong. I encourage all legal professionals here to continue your efforts in showing the world Hong Kong’s strengths in its internationalised, high-standard, and highly credible legal and dispute resolution services.
I look forward to the legal profession's proactive alignment with the 15th Five-Year Plan, which will bring about boundless opportunities for the industry. For members of the Law Society, I am confident that you will continue to uphold your professionalism, seize the vast opportunities in our country's development strategies, and contribute to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.
Once again, my congratulations to the Law Society. I wish the Law Society of Hong Kong continued success and growth in the new premises, scaling new heights in the service of justice and the community. Thank you very much.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, Photo source: Screenshot of the speech video
Film Archive's "Restored Treasures - Film Marathon" to present multiple legendary classics
The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present a film programme titled "Restored Treasures - Film Marathon". Five digitally restored classics will be screened at the Hall of the East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC) on May 16 and 17, taking audiences on a journey through a century of cinematic history to experience the timeless allure of film. The screening programme is part of the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the HKFA and the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2026.
Directed by Wu Yonggang, the opening film "The Goddess" (1934) (4K Digitally Restored Version) tells the tragic story of the protagonist, played by Ruan Lingyu, who resorts to streetwalking in order to raise her son alone. Ruan’s fine performance, together with Wu’s expressive visual style, imbues the film with a strong sense of human compassion while portraying the resilience of women, and firmly established both Ruan and early Chinese cinema on the world stage. This screening features the China Film Archive's new 4K digital restoration, accompanied by a score by renowned composer Zou Ye, bringing to the audience a fully enhanced immersive experience.
"Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" (1927) (2K Digitally Restored Version) is an epic masterpiece directed by German expressionism master FW Murnau, marking his first Hollywood production. The story follows a farmer, who had originally planned to join his lover in the city after scheming to murder his wife, and is later overcome by guilt and remorse, revealing a tale of the good and evil in human nature, and of love and redemption. With its innovative use of an unchained camera technique and synchronised sound-on-film technology, the film is widely recognised as a perfect artistic gem of the silent era.
Directed by Stanley Kwan and starring Maggie Cheung as Ruan Lingyu, "Center Stage" (1992) (4K Restored, Director’s Cut) brings the life story of the legendary icon to the screen. Through Cheung’s convincing performance, interwoven with archival footage of Ruan and interviews with cast members reflecting on their roles, the film uses an intricate structure that vividly evokes the glamour of the film industry in the 1930s. The film is not merely a homage to Ruan, but also a profound dialogue on the pressures faced by women in the public eye.
Acclaimed as a canonical treasure and one of the greatest films, "The Godfather" (1972) (4K Digitally Restored Version), directed by Francis Ford Coppola, tells the story of the transfer of power across generations in a crime family, exploring the ideas of family, loyalty and betrayal. With its sophisticated narrative structure and masterful use of light and shadow, the film unveils the moral darkness and the operations of power at the heart of the underground world. This screening will feature the restored version supervised by the director for the film’s 50th anniversary, presenting the film in a way that is closer to his original vision.
Directed by Lung Kong, "The Story of a Discharged Prisoner" (1967) (4K Digitally Restored Version) is a realism classic of Hong Kong cinema. It portrays the arduous journey of an ex-convict, played by Patrick Tse, reintegrating into society after his release. Centred on the theme of brotherhood, the film offers a powerful portrayal of the issues of rehabilitation and social acceptance of former prisoners, laying the foundation for Hong Kong’s own heroic gangster films later on. To let more viewers witness the artistic brilliance of this local classic, the HKFA has specially arranged for the restoration and the Hong Kong premiere of the restored version.
Pre- or post-screening talks will be held for each screening. Guest speakers include representatives from the China Film Archive; director Stanley Kwan; Mrs Claudia Lung, the wife of director Lung Kong; and film critics Joyce Yang and Thomas Shin, etc.
Tickets priced at $70 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from April 10 (Friday). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. Museum Pass holders can enjoy a 20 per cent discount on standard tickets for this screening when purchasing at URBTIX. A 20 per cent discount is also available for every purchase of two or more regular-priced tickets of this screening programme.
Two free screenings will also be held as a fringe activity at the Cinema of the HKFA on May 25. Two documentaries about early film pioneers the Lumière brothers, "Lumière! The Adventure Begins" (2016) and "Lumière! The Adventure Continues" (2024), will be screened to bring audiences to the very origins of cinema and back to the contemporary cinematic legends.
Admission by ticket is required for the free screenings. Ticket holders for the above screenings on May 16 and 17 can collect one ticket for the free screenings by presenting the stubs of their tickets outside the Hall of the EKCC after each screening on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last. Limited walk-in seats will also be available on the day of the free screenings. Members of the public are welcome to queue up at the 1/F Foyer of the HKFA 45 minutes before the screening begins. Each person can register for one ticket while stocks last.
For programme details, please visit www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2026/film-marathon/pe-event-2026-film-marathon.htmlor call 2739 2139.
With "Beyond Fantasy" as this year's theme, the LCSD presents the fourth Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival. Over the years, Hong Kong pop culture has continued to evolve through music, images and text, as well as stage and cross-media creations. Shaped by the interplay of inheritance, circulation, fusion and breakthroughs, it has distilled a style that is uniquely Hong Kong. The Festival will continue to join audiences and local creators in crossing boundaries within everyday rhythms, and create warm, resonant and moving works while inspiring the limitless possibilities of pop culture. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en.
Film Archive's "Restored Treasures - Film Marathon" to present multiple legendary classics Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film Archive's "Restored Treasures - Film Marathon" to present multiple legendary classics Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film Archive's "Restored Treasures - Film Marathon" to present multiple legendary classics Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film Archive's "Restored Treasures - Film Marathon" to present multiple legendary classics Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film Archive's "Restored Treasures - Film Marathon" to present multiple legendary classics Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film Archive's "Restored Treasures - Film Marathon" to present multiple legendary classics Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film Archive's "Restored Treasures - Film Marathon" to present multiple legendary classics Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
