Speech by SJ at Opening Ceremony of New Premises of Law Society of Hong Kong
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the Opening Ceremony of the New Premises of the Law Society of Hong Kong today (April 8):
President Roden Tong (President of the Law Society of HongKong), Council members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is a great honour to join you today to officiate the opening of the new premises of the Law Society of Hong Kong at The Center and to celebrate the 119th anniversary of the Law Society's incorporation. This is a momentous occasion, not just for the Law Society, but for the legal community of Hong Kong. It is a celebration of heritage, of progress and of our shared commitment to the rule of law.
For over a century, the Law Society has stood as a steadfast pillar of Hong Kong's legal system. From the early days of this city's development to its current status as a leading international financial, shipping and trading centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent, generation after generation of solicitors have been the custodians of professional standards, the advocates for access to justice and the trusted advisors to individuals, business and the community at large.
Reaching such a historic milestone is a testament to the vision of your predecessors and the dedication of your current leadership and members. The legal landscape of HongKong has transformed dramatically over these 119 years and even more so recently given the rapid technological development and increasing globalisation. However, the core values of integrity, professionalism and service upheld and embodied by the Law Society have remained constant, guiding the profession through times of change and challenge.
Today, however, we are not just looking back at a rich history; we are looking forward to a bright future. In an era characterised by rapid technological advancement and evolving legal landscapes, the need for a strong, united and forward-looking professional body is greater than ever. Against this backdrop, the opening of the new premises is timely and symbolic of the Law Society's commitment to nurturing young legal talent, as well as generating innovative ideas through fruitful collaborations.
As Hong Kong further consolidates its role as a leading centre for international legal and dispute resolution services as supported by the National 15th Five-Year Plan approved last month, the Department of Justice (DoJ) is itself embarking on an exciting project to develop a new HongKong International Legal Service Building next to the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation in Wan Chai.
The construction of this new international legal hub reflects the Government's firm commitment to provide enhanced infrastructure for our legal and dispute resolution communities. Just as the Law Society's new premises will serve as a focal point for the solicitors' profession, the new international legal hub will stand as another landmark for Hong Kong's legal services sector as a whole. I also look forward to even closer collaboration between the Law Society and the DoJ in advancing the cause of justice and the rule of law, as well as to harnessing our unique legal system under the principle of "one country, two systems" to contribute to our country.
Once again, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Law Society, to its presidents past and present, and to all its members. May these new premises be a place where professional excellence, integrity and a deep commitment to justice continue to flourish. I am confident that this new chapter for the Law Society will be defined by continued excellence and an even stronger commitment to serve both its members and the people of Hong Kong. Thank you.
The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, speaks at the Opening Ceremony of New Premises of the Law Society of Hong Kong today (April 8). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
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
