Govt to work alongside all sectors to embrace exciting and colorful 2025: Eric Chan

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki delivered a New Year message on social media on Jan. 1, 2025, summarizing the past year's work.

Chan stated that 2024 was a transitional year filled with opportunities and challenges. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government made progress and breakthroughs in several key areas, including creating a safe and stable development environment, enhancing Hong Kong's core competitiveness, and improving the living standards of grassroots citizens.

He hoped to review the past year's achievements through four "comprehensive" approaches.

First, the authorities comprehensively safeguarded national security and promoted patriotic education. Over the past year, the HKSAR government completed the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, further strengthening the legal framework for national security. Since the establishment of the "Working Group on Patriotic Education," numerous activities combining patriotic education have been organized to embed this education in the community and resonate with the public.

Second, the authorities comprehensively attracted talent and intelligence, promoting the gathering of international high-end talent in Hong Kong. By the end of November last year, various talent admission schemes had received approximately 420,000 applications and approved about 260,000. Around 175,000 talents came to Hong Kong with their families during this period, expanding the local talent pool.

The authorities also implemented top-level coordination comprehensively, accelerating the implementation of important policies and measures. Chan pointed out that one of the most important tasks for the coming year is to ensure the smooth opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park. The official opening of the park is imminent, with various venues conducting test events of different types and sizes, which will certainly attract more international large-scale events to Hong Kong.

Furthermore, the authorities comprehensively cared for grassroots citizens and established a mutually supportive and inclusive society. The "Community Living Room" initiative has received overwhelming praise since its launch, serving approximately 270,000 people throughout the year.

Chan concluded that 2025 will undoubtedly be an exciting year.

"The SAR government will continue to work alongside all sectors of society, daring to seek change and bravely breaking through innovations, as they join hands to embrace a vibrant and challenging new year."

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