With the approach of warmer weather recently, myriad flowers are blossoming quietly. People are drawn to take and tag their photos at various locations. As the saying goes, “One generation plants the tree in whose shade another generation rests.” All along, the Government has spared no efforts in promoting district greening. Many years ago, it has started developing the Greening Master Plans (GMPs) for implementing greening works in urban districts, so as to improve and enhance people’s living environment and help reduce carbon emissions. This time, I have invited a Landscape Architect o the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) t introduce our work o urban greening and take you t see the Tabebuia chrysantha (Yellow Pui), which only blossoms i spring……

The beautiful Victoria Harbour is an unique icon of Hong Kong. From the Central Harbourfront, we can see the stunning view of ferries passing by, which is set against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s towering skyline and beautiful ridgelines, with the Peak and the Lion Rock overlooking each other on both sides of the harbour. In recent years, much vibrancy has been added to the Central Harbourfront, examples include the green lawn of Tamar Park and the various events that attracted both local residents and tourists, to name a few. Our harbour has been cherished by Hong Kong as a precious asset. It is our aspiration to enhance the harbourfront areas and achieve the common vision of creating an attractive, vibrant, accessible and sustainable world-class harbourfront......

The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (HKCH) in Kai Tak is the first children’s hospital that specialises in paediatric medical services in Hong Kong’s public healthcare system. The hospital commenced construction in 2013 and will come into operation by phases in the fourth quarter of this year. Unlike conventional hospitals which give one a sense of solemnity, the HKCH is designed to create a personalised, non-institutional, child-friendly, comfortable and home-like environment that provides the best clinical care by taking a patient-centred approach. The hospital is also committed to incorporating environmental-friendly elements, such as the wide application of sustainable design concepts and energy saving installations, as well as increasing green coverage. Recently, accompanied by the Director of Architectural Services, Mrs LAM YU Ka-Wai, Sylvia, and colleagues of the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD), I have visited the new hospital building and learned more about the architectural features of the hospital......

Distinguished sinologist Professor Jao Tsung-I passed away last month at the old age of 101. Professor Jao was very learned in matters of the ancient and modern worlds, and equally if not more talented in both the academic field and fine arts. His remarkable achievements in academia and arts and his contributions towards promoting traditional Chinese culture have won our deepest respect. Today I meet up with the Director of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole of The University of Hong Kong, Professor Lee Chack-fan, at the Jao Tsung-I Academy, an historic building revitalisation project. We pay tribute to Professor Jao and look at some of the Academy’s precious collection……

In his latest budget, the Financial Secretary said that the Government will make good use of resources and invest for the future to enhance people’s quality of life, with a view to building Hong Kong into a better place for living and working. The Development Bureau will spare no efforts in this respect. Last year, the Chief Executive announced in the Policy Address that the Government will earmark $3 billion for “Operation Building Bright 2.0” (OBB 2.0) in the hope of facilitating proper and timely maintenance and repairs to enhance building safety, extend the useful life of buildings, slow down urban decay and improve the living conditions of the community. I would like to introduce details of the operation here......