Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of New Premises of Law Society of Hong Kong (with video)
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.
Source: AI-found images
"New Vision Cantonese Opera: 'To Be or Not To Be'" brings together Hong Kong and Shenzhen artists in June to reimagine classic legend
"New Vision Cantonese Opera: 'To Be or Not To Be' - The Legendary Story of Lu Wenlong", jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe, will be staged in Hong Kong this June. With renowned Hong Kong director Fredric Mao serving as artistic director, director and co-playwright, the production brings together talented performers and creative elites from Hong Kong and Shenzhen and reinterprets the classic story of "double-spear general" Lu Wenlong from a contemporary perspective. Peng Qinghua, winner of the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award and the Head of the Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe, will lead a group of outstanding performers from the troupe to perform in Hong Kong, demonstrating the collaborative achievement in a high-quality cultural creation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
"To Be or Not To Be" is co-produced by the LCSD of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Shenzhen Association for International Culture Exchanges, the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, and the Shenzhen Bao'an District People's Government. This production not only showcases the dedication of the Hong Kong and Shenzhen governments to foster arts, cultural development and talent exchanges in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), but also encourages innovation in Cantonese opera and promotes Chinese culture. With this premise, Mao has innovatively defined this epic opera with the concept of "new vision, new approach, new audience" - using more creative approaches to preserve the artistic essence of traditional Cantonese opera and bring it into a new era.
Mao selected the newly adapted story of Lu Wenlong, a legendary figure from the Qing dynasty novel "The Story of Yue Fei". The narrative unfolds after the Jingkang Incident, where the Song general Lu Deng and his wife die in the name of their country, leaving their infant son Lu Wenlong. He is adopted by Jin prince Wuzhu, and raised to become a formidable warrior. Upon learning the truth of his origins, Wenlong is torn between national loyalty and the bond of his upbringing. "To Be or Not To Be" explores this classic story through a contemporary narrative approach. By refining the script, developing characters and pursuing the truth, it brings a modern flair to a Cantonese opera classic while preserving the traditional essence.
The creative team of "To Be or Not To Be" boasts exceptional talent. Alongside Mao, it features local young Chinese opera performing arts creator Jason Kong as co-playwright; seasoned Cantonese opera music designer Sunny Li for vocal and music design; lighting designer of the National Theatre of China Han Jiang for lighting design; with set and costume design by veteran Hong Kong artists Ricky Chan and Mandy Tam respectively.
Leading the cast, Peng, who received the title of "Leading Talent in Sheng Roles in Chinese Traditional Theatre", will take on the role of Lu Wenlong. Lin Haitao, a fifth-generation inheritor of the Southern School of Cantonese opera, will portray Jin Wuzhu. Other key performers from the Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe include Bu Meiling and Huang Hui, alongside outstanding young artist Lin Feng.
The collaborative creation on "To Be or Not To Be" fully leverages the complementary strengths of artistic elites from Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Building upon the legacy of traditional Cantonese opera, it infuses modern aesthetics and values, providing a platform to nurture young Cantonese opera talent, as well as enhancing the cohesion and expressive power of culture within the GBA.
The two Hong Kong performances will be held at 8pm on June 12 and 13 (Friday and Saturday) at the Auditorium of Kwai Tsing Theatre. Tickets priced at $180, $280, $380 and $480 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. A 30 per cent early bird discount will be offered from now until April 21 for purchasing standard programme tickets. Additionally, a 30 per cent family package discount on standard tickets will be offered for each purchase of two standard tickets and one student or senior citizen concessionary ticket. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2734 2930 or visit www.cxlo.gov.hk/en/gba/page-1712.html.
This programme features two sharing sessions (in Cantonese). The first session, titled "Defining Heroes on Stage: The Challenges of Chinese Opera Adaptation", will be held at 7.30pm on May 5 (Tuesday) at Function Room AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The speakers will be Mao and Kong. The second session, titled "Beyond Fan Culture: Promotion Strategies for Performing Arts in Hong Kong and Shenzhen", will be held at 3.30pm on May 17 (Sunday), at Bar Lemna, Lemna of the Alchemist, G/F, Restaurant Block, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The speakers will be Mao and the artistic producer of Actors' Family, Mandy Yiu. The General Manager of the International Association of Theatre Critics (Hong Kong), Ms Bernice Chan, will serve as the moderator of both sessions. Admission is free, while online registration (www.iatc.com.hk/doc/107849) is required on a first-come, first-served basis. For the second session, a minimum purchase of one drink per participant is required.
Two Shenzhen performances of "To Be or Not To Be" will be held at 8pm on May 23 and 24 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Shenzhen Grand Theatre. Please visit the above-mentioned programme web pagefor more information.
"New Vision Cantonese Opera: 'To Be or Not To Be'" brings together Hong Kong and Shenzhen artists in June to reimagine classic legend Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"New Vision Cantonese Opera: 'To Be or Not To Be'" brings together Hong Kong and Shenzhen artists in June to reimagine classic legend Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"New Vision Cantonese Opera: 'To Be or Not To Be'" brings together Hong Kong and Shenzhen artists in June to reimagine classic legend Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
