Bangkok--4 Jan--Francom Asia
On 31 December, the last 10 seconds of 2010 marked an intense moment in Hong Kong — following in unison the numbers 10 to one created by pyrotechnics on the rooftops of Two ifc and nine other buildings on Hong Kong Island, local residents and visitors on both sides of Victoria Harbour joined in a mega countdown to welcome 2011 together.
The world’s attention was drawn to Victoria Harbour once again tonight by the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Mr Donald Tsang and Mrs Tsang, in the company of HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Mrs Rita Lau, Chairman of Henderson Land Group Dr Lee Shau-kee, and Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited Mr Thomas Chan, launched a massive pyrotechnic show lasting for four and a half minutes.
Mr James Tien said at the celebratory event: “The Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations programme has become a signature event in Hong Kong on New Year’s Eve. Tonight, making use of the satellite, the HKTB will instantly provide images of the spectacle to more than 200 television stations worldwide, including such famous networks as CNN, BBC, CCTV and Phoenix TV, showcasing to the world the excitement in Hong Kong and reinforcing the city’s image as an international metropolis. We also hope that the splendid pyrotechnic show tonight will bring blessings to everyone in Hong Kong, and continuous prosperity for the Hong Kong economy and various sectors in the New Year.”
For the fourth straight year, Henderson Land Group and Sun Hung Kai Properties sponsor the whole cost of the pyrotechnic show.
Dr Lee Shau-kee, Chairman of Henderson Land Group, said: “Henderson Land is delighted to sponsor Hong Kong’s New Year Countdown Celebrations again this year, bringing enjoyment to Hong Kong citizens. May I wish Hong Kong continuous prosperity, and the economy flourishing as the dazzling pyrotechnics atop Two ifc.”
Mr Thomas Chan, Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties, said: “We were delighted to sponsor this major event again and stage a dazzling pyrotechnic show from ifc over Victoria Harbour to welcome the New Year. Coincidentally, Sun Hung Kai Properties began a Group Undergraduate Scholarship scheme this year to provide full support for talented children of employees in university studies, so we invited the students and their families to the countdown to make it even more special. I hope everyone enjoys the show and I would like to wish Hong Kong great prosperity in the New Year!”
As the clock struck midnight, the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations pyrotechnic show commenced, while LED display of “2011” flashed on the fa?ade of Two ifc. Amid the theme melody created by famed composer Mr Peter Kam, pyrotechnics were launched from 10 designated buildings on Hong Kong Island. Headed by the display on the top and both sides of Two ifc, the other nine buildings joined in the synchronised show, as pyrotechnics lit up the Victoria Harbour, symbolising a colourful dragon to spread blessings to everyone in Hong Kong.
To share the spectacle with the world, the HKTB provided satellite feed to major global news media. This helped make Hong Kong one of the spotlight cities for New Year countdown celebrations around the globe, increasing its international exposure. The HKTB has also worked closely with the travel trade in both Hong Kong and visitor source markets to devise a wide range of tourism products featuring the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations, so as to lure more visitors to Hong Kong for a first-hand experience of the fantastic countdown event.
Photo Caption 1
Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Mr Donald Tsang and Mrs Tsang are joined by HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Mrs Rita Lau, Chairman of Henderson Land Group Dr Lee Shau-kee, and Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited Mr Thomas Chan to perform the officiating ceremony of the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations.
Photo Caption 2
Entering 2011, choreographed pyrotechnic displays begin on the top of Two ifc and nine other buildings on Hong Kong Island to celebrate the New Year with visitors and local residents.