Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu urged residents to embrace the Year of the Horse with "agility and steadiness" to seize opportunities and overcome challenges, delivering the message in a Lunar New Year video broadcast on Monday.
In the one-minute address, Lee admired ceramic paintings featuring horses, some of which were created by his wife, Janet Lee Lam Lai-sim. The video, filmed on the eve of the Lunar New Year, highlighted the horse as a powerful symbol in Chinese culture.
Lee described the horse as embodying "speed and stamina," noting that it "boldly charges ahead and covered vast distances each day." Dressed in a traditional red Chinese suit, he called on Hongkongers to channel this spirit for progress.
"As we step into the Year of the Horse, let us move with agility and steadiness, seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges and propelling Hong Kong forward," Lee said in the televised message.
For the first time, the Lees filmed their annual Lunar New Year greetings outside Government House. The video captured the couple leading a horse on a leisurely stroll, adding a personal touch to the official address.
The message comes as Hong Kong marks the start of the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign associated with energy and perseverance, resonating with the city's aspirations amid ongoing economic and social dynamics.
Lee's words underscore a theme of resilience, encouraging the population to draw inspiration from the horse's enduring qualities to navigate the year ahead.
