Chief Executive John Lee highlighted that key goals in his 2024 Policy Address include working hard to fully and faithfully implement the principle of “one country, two systems” and strengthening governance.

While pointing out that the institutional advantages of “one country, two systems” are numerous, he made it clear that Hong Kong will fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy.

“We will continue to fully leverage the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” for sustaining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, contributing to China’s building into a great country and realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”

When it comes to safeguarding national security, Mr Lee noted that security and development work together like the two wings of a bird, stating that development requires a safe social environment. 

“It is of utmost importance that our people safeguard national security of their own accord. Since opening in August, the National Security Exhibition Gallery has been well‑received by the public. 

“We will train up tutors at district level for promotion of national security education in the community. Thematic exhibitions will be rolled out by the gallery to dovetail with the 10th National Security Education Day next year. The Education Bureau (EDB) will also update the Curriculum Framework of National Security Education.”

As for fostering patriotic education, Mr Lee said that the Working Group on Patriotic Education has formulated promotion strategies and measures for supporting the organisation of more activities such that the spirit of patriotism can take root in society.   

He shared that as part of the Government’s plans to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance, it will host commemorative activities to strengthen the sense of patriotism. 

“The EDB will organise a range of joint school and cross‑sectoral activities under the ‘Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country 3.0’ series, continue to enhance Chinese history and national geography education in primary and secondary schools, and enrich patriotism and history elements in Mainland exchange programmes.”

Since taking office, Mr Lee said that the current‑term Government has taken forward various reforms on cross‑disciplinary co‑ordination and governance culture so as to strengthen governance systems.

The Government will enhance the leadership and cross‑bureau co‑ordination mechanisms, and fully leverage the leading and co‑ordinating functions of the secretaries and deputy secretaries leading such departments.

Consequently, the Government will establish the Committee on Education, Technology & Talents, the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy, the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots and the Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy. The first two bodies are led by the Chief Secretary and the Deputy Financial Secretary respectively while the latter two are led by the Deputy Chief Secretary.

Concerning its objective to strengthen governance capabilities of the civil service, Mr Lee stated that the Government will review regulations on civil service management and discipline, launch the Governance Talents Development Programme and collaborate with Mainland cities to launch mutual civil service exchange.

While outlining another policy initiative, he specified that his administration will actively promote the application of artificial intelligence in the Government and the public sector to speed up the digital transformation of public services.

“The Digital Policy Office (DPO) will endeavour to fortify information systems of the Government and public organisations. The DPO will also spearhead the pilot use of a locally developed generative artificial intelligence (AI) document processing copilot application in government departments. 

“About 20 digital government and smart city initiatives will also be launched this year, including using blockchain technology for issuing electronic certificates for designated civil service examinations and electronic licensing by the Fire Services Department, as well as the use of AI for handling public enquiries.”

On top of that, the Chief Executive described plans to bolster security of computer systems of critical infrastructure.

“The Government will require critical infrastructure operators to undertake obligations to protect their computer systems, so as to reinforce their resilience against cybersecurity challenges. A bill will be introduced later this year.”