Hong Kong people have become more optimistic about the future, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says, pledging to devote more time to meet more people to learn about community sentiments.

In his Letter to Hong Kong radio broadcast today, the first anniversary of his swearing-in as Chief Executive, Mr Tsang said the job means more responsibility and more power.

"The higher one's position in society, the more power one commands. The danger of this is that you can become locked within your own world, and detached from ordinary people. So I truly understand the importance of stepping out of Government House," he said.

Noting rational thinking is just one aspect of the policy-making process, Mr Tsang said it is necessary to have the heart to feel and learn about community sentiments.

"If we can empathise, we will appreciate the needs of the community with a heart and balance the interests of all the various stakeholders to formulate polices rationally to achieve our long-term goals."

Meaningful encounters

Mr Tsang said brief encounters like district visits, dropping by a food stall, taking a stroll in the market or chatting with passers-by can help him get a good feel for people's concerns.

"A political leader should never assume an air of superiority, or consider themselves part of a ruling elite, by taking a condescending attitude towards the people. In my meetings with members of the public over the past year, I feel they have become more optimistic about the future and that confidence has returned. They are now more ready to joke with me and welcome me with smiles.

"In the coming year, I shall devote more time to my walkabouts, to meeting more people and to learning your faces by heart."