(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive-elect John Lee today pledged to start a new chapter for Hong Kong with every citizen and build a caring, open and vibrant city full of hope, opportunities and harmony.

Speaking after being elected as the sixth-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Lee said: “I have been accorded the honour of serving our country, serving Hong Kong and serving our people for the next five years. This is an honour that I accept with humility and sincere gratitude.

“With loyalty and perseverance, I shall undertake this historic mission and shoulder this responsibility to unite and lead the 7.4 million Hong Kong people to start a new chapter together.”

He noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR and that it must continue to ensure the comprehensive, accurate and firm implementation of the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy.

The new-term Government will safeguard the constitutional order enshrined by the country's Constitution and the Basic Law, while the Chief Executive shall be responsible to the Central People's Government and the Hong Kong SAR.

“We will continue to uphold the rule of law, which is a core pillar of our sound governance and tackle future challenges with absolute confidence.

“Safeguarding our country's sovereignty, national security and development interests, protecting Hong Kong from internal and external threats and ensuring its stability will continue to be of paramount importance.”

Mr Lee also emphasised that ensuring people's well-being will always be his key objective, adding the next term of government will adopt a result-oriented approach and nurture a new governance culture of bold thinking and strong teamwork.

“Coming into the position with the readiness for change, I shall look to tackle the most pressing issues we have.

“The Government shall apply our best efforts to provide more housing and better living environments by streamlining administrative and legal procedures, and adopting innovative measures. We shall improve our healthcare system to provide better healthcare to our people, especially the elderly. We shall also build a caring and inclusive society and enhance upward mobility for our youths.”

Apart from maximising its strengths under “one country, two systems”, Mr Lee pointed out that the Hong Kong SAR should also proactively integrate into the national development, seize opportunities offered by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as all the benefits available through the nation's rapid developments.

Moreover, the city has to make good use of its status as an international metropolis which upholds the values of inclusion, diversity and openness, expand its international connectivity and establish a more favourable business environment while increasing the overall competitiveness.

Hong Kong's role as the gateway and the bridge between the world and the country should also be further strengthened, Mr Lee noted.

To implement his policy goals, the Chief Executive-elect said he will invite able and experienced people who have the passion and commitment to join his governing team shortly.

“Under the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong', my administration will work in concert with the Legislative Council to raise Hong Kong's governance capability, foster positive interaction between the administration and the legislature, and strengthen dialogue and communications between officials and legislators to jointly solve problems,” he added.