Hong Kong should temper optimism with caution in Year of the Horse

The stick, one of 96 drawn from a bamboo cylinder at Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin, read: “Do not get close to a wooden man; judge people by their good and evil deeds. Never forget righteousness when seeing benefits and beware of non-benevolence in the midst of benevolence.”

Lau offered an interpretation as he called on the city to remain vigilant amid complex geopolitical tensions. “We need to be more meticulous and careful in our work,” he said. “We can only achieve good results by thinking with our hearts.” He urged the city to embrace innovation, particularly in the Northern Metropolis megaproject. Lau also stressed the need for prudence.