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Labour Day Reception 2026

The Labour Department (LD) organised the Labour Day Reception 2026 on 30 April 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The reception of this year held special historical significance.  In addition to honoring the contributions of workforce in Hong Kong, the event marked a milestone by celebrating the 80th anniversary of the LD and the tripartism of the Labour Advisory Board (LAB).

In addition to the traditional toasting ceremony, the reception featured several additional highlights, including on-stage interactive sessions, the premiere of the LD’s 80th Anniversary Video (Chinese only), and a thematic exhibition showcasing its 80 years of development.  These elements added fresh appeal and renewed vitality to the event.

The reception opened with a speech by the Honourable John KC LEE, the Chief Executive (full speech in Chinese only).

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, speaks at the Labour Day Reception 2026

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, speaks at the Labour Day Reception 2026

Following the speech, the Chief Executive, accompanied by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau; and the Commissioner for Labour, Mr Sam Hui, proposed a toast.  They expressed heartfelt gratitude to the workforce for its invaluable contributions to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right); the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun (second left); the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau (first right); and the Commissioner for Labour, Mr Sam Hui (first left), propose a toast at the reception

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right); the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun (second left); the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau (first right); and the Commissioner for Labour, Mr Sam Hui (first left), propose a toast at the reception

Following the speech, 12 members of the LAB joined the four officiating guests on stage for the kick-off ceremony of the 80th anniversary. Sixteen symbolic buttons, each representing a core mission of LD, were displayed on a large LED wall.  Guided by the Master of Ceremonies, the guests simultaneously pressed the buttons to unveil a digital "time tunnel" filled with precious historical images of the LD.  The 80th-anniversary slogan then lit up brilliantly across the screen, symbolising the shared commitment of the LD and the LAB and their strong will to advance together towards an even brighter future.

The LAB members join the officiating guests on stage, for the kick-off ceremony of the 80th anniversary

The LAB members join the officiating guests on stage, for the kick-off ceremony of the 80th anniversary

The reception then proceeded to a special session honouring outstanding employees across various sectors.  The results of the “2026 Industry Role Model Stars Award” – organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, co-organised by major labour organisations, employer associations and other related institutions, and fully supported by the Government – had just been announced. Eight of the top-honor awardees were invited on stage to take a commemorative photo with the four officiating guests.

Photo shows the four officiating guests, with the eight awardees of the

Photo shows the four officiating guests, with the eight awardees of the "2026 Industry Role Model Stars Award"

The LD’s 80th Anniversary Video (Chinese only) was also premiered during the reception to enable guests to gain a deeper understanding of LD’s development and significant contributions over the decades, while further strengthening public trust and recognition of its vital role in Hong Kong society.

The premiere of LD’s 80th Anniversary Video is held at the reception1

The premiere of LD’s 80th Anniversary Video is held at the reception2

The premiere of LD’s 80th Anniversary Video is held at the reception

A thematic exhibition was also set up to showcase LD’s history, providing a comprehensive overview of its remarkable journey — spanning from the enactment of the Employers and Servants Ordinance in 1902, to the strengthening of the trade union regulatory regime to safeguard national security in 2026.

A thematic exhibition is set up to showcase the LD’s 80-year development

A thematic exhibition is set up to showcase the LD’s 80-year development

Furthermore, the LD prepared an exquisite souvenir, which was an 80th-anniversary commemorative stamp pack.  The souvenirs were distributed to guests upon departure, enabling everyone to share in the joy of this historic milestone.

A commemorative stamp pack marking the LD’s 80th Anniversary is specially prepared as a souvenir for guests1

A commemorative stamp pack marking the LD’s 80th Anniversary is specially prepared as a souvenir for guests2

A commemorative stamp pack marking the LD’s 80th Anniversary is specially prepared as a souvenir for guests

The Labour Day Reception 2026 concluded successfully. The event was not only a grand celebration marking the 80th anniversary of the LD and the tripartism of the LAB, but also a heartfelt tribute to the workforce in Hong Kong, in recognition of their relentless dedication and outstanding contributions to the prosperity and progress of Hong Kong. Looking ahead, the LD will continue to work together with both employers and employees to foster a safer, fairer, and more dynamic working environment for all Hong Kong citizens, and strive to be a leading labour administrator in the region.