Not every city is defined by its size or location. Some are defined by their spirit. Hong Kong, shaped by the sea and steeled by history, has always stood at the confluence of change. In the face of uncertainty, it moves not with fear, but with collective strength and quiet determination.
In 2025, the world unraveled many of the things we once relied on—relationships, expectations, and even certainties. Yet Hongkongers, true to their spirit, did not retreat. Instead, they picked up the broken pieces and began assembling a new hope.
Typhoons and black rainstorms came with increasing frequency. But by the next morning, people were back at work, as if nothing had happened. Why? Because of early warning systems. This success is primarily due to the implementation of intelligent infrastructure. However, the most significant factor is something deeper—love and a profound sense of responsibility.
What technology cannot do, the people of Hong Kong can. In moments of crisis, it is their instinct to step forward, to protect, to rebuild.
Today, we are no longer obsessed with perfection. We no longer feel the need to gaze up at traditional "authority." The Chinese story is becoming a universe of its own—diverse, honest, and self-defined. In that cosmos, Hong Kong, under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, shines as a uniquely brilliant star.
Even events that seem far away—wildfires, wars, disasters, political upheavals—somehow find their way to us. Not because they knock on our door directly, but because Hong Kong is an open city, deeply attuned to the tremors of the world, and capable of sending out ripples in return.
In 2025, Hong Kong not only participated in global conversations—it helped lead them. From the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation to hosting the Belt and Road Summit and Hong Kong Legal Week, the city reaffirmed its role as a connector between East and West, tradition and innovation, and policy and people. Its voice on the international stage has grown not only louder but also more meaningful.
But every year carries both light and shadow. A devastating fire late in the year reminded us that progress must be matched by vigilance. The fire exposed vulnerabilities in our urban fabric, but more importantly, it revealed the deep compassion and courage of our people. Firefighters, residents, workers, and domestic helpers acted without hesitation to protect lives. Government departments responded swiftly and in concert. Volunteers stepped up. Aid arrived from all directions. And in long lines of mourners offering flowers, we saw a city grieving and standing together.
These moments ask us not only to remember but also to reflect. We must honor the lives affected by transforming sorrow into action. We must acknowledge that resilience encompasses not only endurance but also improvement, compassion, and collective healing.
The residents of Wang Fuk Court are not alone on the long road ahead. This city walks with them. Even during times of grief, life must continue. And it does—not because we forget, but because we carry forward the lessons learned.
The 1.31 million voters who cast their ballots in the Legislative Council Election demonstrated this same spirit of forward motion. In an era when cynicism often drowns out hope, their participation was a powerful reminder that democracy is not a destination but a commitment—one that Hong Kong continues to uphold with quiet determination.
Hong Kong has endured numerous challenges; despite the world's doubts about the city's future, Hongkongers consistently opted for resolve over fear. Not retreat, but action.
Because this city understands a profound truth: we don't wait for certainty to move forward—we move forward, and in doing so, we create the path ahead.
As 2026 unfolds, may we continue to walk together—with steady footsteps and shared purpose—through every headwind, across every wave.
From resilience to renewal, from stability to prosperity—let us continue writing Hong Kong's extraordinary story, hand in hand.
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