2016 is a year of many unexpected changes for global politics and economy, like the Brexit decision in early summer and businessman Donald Trump being elected as the President of the United States. These changes have told us that the world as a whole is at a critical juncture to shape our future together. To promote technological innovation and enhance Hong Kong’s capability for sustainable development, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) organised the EMSD Summit 2016 at the Hong Kong Science Park last month. The Summit attracted more than 300 overseas and local experts from various sectors to exchange experience and ideas, so as to spark our imagination and put forward innovative proposals to develop Hong Kong into a sustainable and regenerative smart city……

In view of the intensely competitive environment due to global economic integration, the Government attaches great importance to enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness to ensure the sound development of our economy in the long run. One of our major tasks is to promote various infrastructure works, which will not only enhance our competitiveness, but also boost our economic growth and create a better living environment for the community. With the commencement of the new legislative session, the Public Works Subcommittee (PWSC) held its first meeting to scrutinise works projects in early December. At the meeting, the Government gave notice that 39 new works projects worth about $90 billion will be submitted to the Legislative Council (LegCo) in this legislative session……

While the current term of the Government is drawing to a close, we have never slackened our efforts for the long-term development of Hong Kong. It has been over a month since we launched the public engagement on “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” (“Hong Kong 2030+”), and I am pleased that the public and various groups are expressing their views actively through different channels. Public discussion mainly focuses on the need for continued land development, particularly the two proposed strategic growth areas (SGAs) in the East Lantau Metropolis (ELM) and the New Territories North (NTN). Today I would like to share with you the planning concepts underlying the proposals and clarify some misconceptions about the need for land development……

Development and conservation are not mutually exclusive. We have all along been striving to strike a balance between sustainable development and heritage conservation. Hong Kong has many buildings of historic value that need us to conserve, revitalise and put to good use. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you the latest batch, i.e. Batch V, of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme (Revitalisation Scheme) announced earlier. The four historic buildings selected are Roberts Block, Old Victoria Barracks in Central; Luen Wo Market in Fanling; the Former Lau Fau Shan Police Station in Yuen Long; and Watervale House, Former Gordon Hard Camp in Tuen Mun. Since each historic building has its own distinctive features and value, interested non-profit-making organisations (NPOs) are welcome to submit revitalisation proposals to give these historic buildings a new lease of life for public enjoyment……

The Wenchuan earthquake eight years ago caused substantial casualties and serious damage in Sichuan Province and its neighbouring areas, resulting in the collapse of buildings, broken and damaged roads and bridges, as well as the suspension of water and power supply. The victims were badly in need of our assistance. Subscribing to the notions of “when one place suffers misfortune, aids come from all sides” and “blood is thicker than water”, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) actively participated in the relief and post-quake reconstruction work under the leadership of the Central Government with the full support of the Sichuan Government. Eight years later, thanks to the concerted efforts of Sichuan and Hong Kong, all the post-quake reconstruction projects have now been completed……