John Lee to Release Policy Address and Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan Simultaneously on September 16

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu visited Un Chau Estate in Sham Shui Po to gather public views for his upcoming Policy Address and the city’s inaugural Five-Year Plan. During his visit, Lee announced that both policy documents will be delivered simultaneously during a special session at the Legislative Council on September 16. He explained that releasing the two blueprints together will provide a unified perspective, helping the public clearly understand how specific policies carry out long-term developmental goals. Comparing the process to Chinese painting, Lee described the Five-Year Plan as dotting the eyes of the dragon, while the Policy Address paints its body.

Accompanying Lee were several key cabinet members, including Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau and Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak. The delegation visited localized facilities, including an elderly center, to observe neighborhood dynamics firsthand. Engaging warmly with senior residents, Lee discussed local living environments, morning exercise routines, and access to nearby medical care, expressing comfort in seeing elderly citizens thriving. He reiterated the administration's commitment to aging in place, noting that the Working Group on Strategies for Aging Society will submit a targeted proposal later this year to support silver economy initiatives and refine elderly care.

Lee also engaged with local youth at a outdoor fitness site, testing exercise equipment and stressing the government's push to make sports accessible throughout the community. Refined public administration was another key theme of the visit. Lee emphasized the ongoing digital transformation within the public healthcare sector, as well as the mandate given to the Digital Policy Office to integrate artificial intelligence into the 1823 hotline service to boost operational efficiency.

Touching upon broader policy challenges during a post-visit press briefing, the Chief Executive covered several urgent community topics. Regarding municipal governance, Lee noted that comprehensive reviews are underway to tighten regulations on dangerous dogs and heighten penalties for irresponsible owners. Addressing structural labor issues at Hongkong Post, he reaffirmed that comprehensive reform is necessary to adapt its self-financing trading fund model to changing market conditions. Furthermore, Lee outlined core policy directions under consideration for the upcoming release, which include establishing independent bodies to oversee building maintenance, accelerating urban renewal, and leveraging emerging tech sectors like quantum computing and aerospace to drive local job creation.