Time flies. Another year is gone. Are we having the same memories of it?
01.01.2007 - Smokers can no longer survive in offices, restaurants, karaoke, bars & etc. The new ordinance is supposed to promote public health by restricting smoking in public areas. However, the outcome is that fume producers migrate from the indoors to the outdoors. Air quality on street gets even worse, especially near the ashtray bins.
25.03.2007 - After some two years in the position of Chief Executive after Tung Chee Hwa's resignation, Donald Tsang was challenged by Alan Leong in the third CE election. His campaign slogan "I'll get the job done!" incurred criticism from publicists. Despite so, he won 649 votes from the 800-member Election Committee and remained as the leading employee of the government.
11.06.2007 - Only 9 months after the opening, a cable car of Ngong Ping Skyrail fell 50 meters to the ground after the ride had closed on a normal operation day. The service was subsequently suspended while investigation went on. EMSD's report indicated that the rail was not run as instructed in the operation handbook. The new management team forecast that the ride will carry the public again in early 2008.
01.07.2007 - It's been 10 years since Hong Kong people wave farewell to British rule. Fears of economic recession and interfered freedoms gradually die away. People are living their lives as usual. The government, together with a few groups and organizations, is celebrating the 'memorable' year and a programme of celebrations is mapped out. But, are you concerned?
Hang Seng Index set many records in the forth quarter:
- the highest transaction amount of 209.8 billion was recorded on 3 Oct
- HSI first passed the milestone of 30,000 on 26 Oct
- HSI first closed above 30,000 at 30,405.22 on 26 Oct
- HSI hit the historical high of 31,958.41 on 30 Oct
- HSI recorded the highest closing of 31,638.22 on 30 Oct
- the biggest one-day points plunge was recorded on 5 Nov
The market has been so hot. Did you contribute to it too? Look out!
02.12.2007 - After years of discussion and planning, KCR (Kowloon-Canton Railway) and MTR finally merged to become Hong Kong's only railway service provider under the name of Mass Transit Railway Corp. MTRC now operates some 240km of track, covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories and the Lantau. It also runs to major cities in Mainland China. This safe & reliable railway is truly an honor of Hong Kong!
10.03.2007 - Fashion giant H&M opened its first store in Asia at the former location of Lane Crawford in Central. Over 1,000 queue up to have a glimpse of Madonna and be the first to own a piece from the adorable brand.
06.07.2007 - More than 2,000 people queue up at The Landmark and Lee Gardens to buy a limited and trendy 'I'm not a plastic bag' by Anya Hindmarch. Anger bursted and police was called for help when some people failed to get one.
'Collective memory' is definitely one of the most used terms in media throughout the year. Following the Star Ferry Pier episode in late 2006, people now are more concerned and attuned to heritage preservation and redevelopment. Debates on demolition of Queen's Pier and King Yin Lane, redevelopment of Graham Street, Fa Yuen Street (also known as 'Sport Shoes Street') and Central Police Office and more goes on vibrantly.
In 2007, there were goods and bads. We hope the goods are staying while the bads fade out. Look forward! A brand new, prosperous, fruitful year is ahead!
