It is a great pleasure to be here today for the opening ceremony of the Buddhist Li Chong Yuet-Ming Nursing Home. I wish to thank you all for taking time out from your busy schedules to attend this ceremony.

The Heung Hoi Ching Kok Lin Association, which is founded and led by Reverend Kok Kong, has been helping the poor, the sick and the elderly in Hong Kong for over 50 years. The Association's many significant contributions to the welfare of our community are truly admirable.

The Buddhist Li Chong Yuet-Ming Nursing Home is the fourth major home for the elderly established under the Association. Initiated by Reverend Kok Kong in 1994 in response to the Government's call for expanded elderly services, this is also the first nursing home to become operational in Hong Kong. I was very pleased to be able to provide the funding and to participate in this project, and some of our staff were also seconded to assist in the construction. I am deeply grateful that the Association has named the nursing home after my late beloved wife. This nursing home will provide a comfortable living environment and specialized medical services for those elderly who require full-time attention. I have also provided extra funding that will help make hospice services available for those who are terminally ill, so that they may live out the remainder of their lives in comfort.

I believe the SAR Government has established long-term policies to improve elderly welfare. Taking care of the elderly is society's responsibility. As the number of elderly people in Hong Kong increases, I hope that besides the Government, more and more people will also show their concern for elderly welfare.

Education and medical care are the two major pillars of society. I am happy to devote my time, energy and resources and support their continuing development. The success of this nursing home will depend on the medical professionals and staff here who are whole-heartedly dedicated to serving the elderly and contributing to society. I take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the supporters of this project and to all the medical staff. Thank you.

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