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Hong Kong Tramways 120th Anniversary
On 30 July 2024, Hong Kong Tramways Limited (“Tramways”) held its 120th Anniversary Ceremony at the Queen's College in Causeway Bay with the attendance of over 200 guests, including government officials, business partners and leaders from various sectors. Since its inaugural service in 1904, Tramways has been committed to preserving the cultural and historical assets and keep telling Hong Kong stories through the adorable “Ding Ding”. Tramways is also striving for the best in providing affordable, reliable and convenient transportation services to the public and tourists.
The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Lam Sai-hung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Transport & Logistics (First row, fourth from the right); Hon Frankie Yick Chi-ming, GBS, JP, Legislative Council Member (Functional Constituency - Transport) (First row, second from the right); Ms. Mable Chan, JP, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics (First row, second from the left); Ms. Lee Chung-yan, Angela, JP, Commissioner for Transport (First row, first from the left); Dr. Pang Yiukai, GBS, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board (First row, third from the right); Mr. Mehdi Sinaceur, Member of the Executive Board, Deputy CEO and Senior VP - International, RATP Dev (First row, third from the left); Mr. Henri Pottier, Asia Pacific CEO, RATP Dev (First row, first from the right); and Mr. Paul Tirvaudey, Managing Director of Hong Kong Tramways (First row, first from the left). All guests together unveiled the exciting activities of the 120th Anniversary of Hong Kong Tramways.
The "Ding Ding x McDull" animation was played to kick off the ceremony and recall everyone’s beautiful memories of taking trams. Mr. Paul Tirvaudey, Managing Director of Hong Kong Tramways, gave the opening remarks, “This Anniversary is a tribute to all the people who have supported Ding Ding for the past 120 years. More than a heritage, we aim to be a 120-year-old startup, part of an international group, serving Hong Kong community and residents, and bringing a positive contribution to this extraordinary city! You can rely on all my team to do our best everyday for this purpose.”
As the representative of the parent company of Tramways, Mr. Mehdi Sinaceur, Member of the Executive Board, Deputy CEO and Senior VP - International, RATP Dev, delivered a welcome speech for the ceremony, “Ding Ding is one-of-akind. It’s been around for ever, it keeps changing its colors, companies advertise their products through Free Ride Days and body advertisement, it features on many photos of the island [city] and ferries both residents and tourists. It is of respectable age and eternally young. It contributes to the vibrancy of the city. It is a partner to HK’s vision, history, ambition, and distinctiveness.” Mr. Mehdi Sinaceur also congratulated Hong Kong athletes for their outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics.
Mr. Lam Sai-hung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Transport & Logistics thanked “Ding Ding” for serving Hong Kong in the past 120 years and said, “Ding Ding is many of the ‘firsts’ in Hong Kong public transport and has not fallen out of the picture since, but the Tramways does not just dwell on its legacy in this fast-changing world. It continues to check the boxes for qualities that are just as, if not more, sought-after and relevant in today’s world as ever. I note that the Hong Kong Tramways is launching a citywide celebration campaign, aiming to create memorable journeys for families and tourists and bring the joy to everyone in the city. I would like to, again, congratulate Hong Kong Tramways on its 120th ‘birthday’ and invite everyone to join the celebration. I am sure the Tramways will continue to thrive and inspire us for years to come.”
Dr. PANG Yiu-kai, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board, was looking forward to the celebrating activities and said, “In the past 120 years, our iconic trams have made a living, breathing connection to the people, culture, and our Eastmeets-West heritage of this extraordinary city. I encourage everyone, locals and visitors alike, to hop aboard and explore the hidden corners of our streets and markets, living out the idea that 'Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong'.”
The officiating guests brightened up the “Ding Ding 120th Anniversary” signage board, signifying that Tramways will continue to be innovative, provide up-to-date services and create more joyful memories. “McDull” and “Ding Ding” also joined the guests to activate a series of celebration activities.
St. Paul’s Co-ed Summer Portal Choir has composed a theme song dedicated to HK Tramways. Through their beautiful voices, all guests could feel the energy and sincerity of the kids, recalling their countless childhood memory with Tramways. As of 30 July 2024, public can enjoy various Tramways 120th anniversary promotions under the theme of “Moved by Our Every Journey”, crossing-over the iconic local animation character, McDull. Ding Ding is an integral part of the live of Hong Kong people. It frequently appears in McDull's animations and accompanies the growth of Hong Kong citizens. As McDull’s pure image and humorous dialogues have been deeply rooted in our heart, bringing us endless joy and warmth, the Tramways wishes that the collaboration can remind the public the curiosity and sincerity of Ding Ding as well as energising the city and letting overseas tourists to feel the positive energy of Hong Kong.
