Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree Elected Banyan Tree of Hong Kong People

（15 January 2008, Hong Kong）“Banyan Tree of Hong Kong People” Election, the first major activity of the HK．Love．Trees project co-organized by NWS Holdings Charities Foundation Limited and Green Power, was proved a great success. With 2,286 votes received in three-month voting period, the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree in Tai Po was elected the “Banyan Tree of Hong Kong People”. From mid September to 16 December 2007, over 10,900 people voted for the Hong Kong banyan that best carries the collective memory of Hong Kong people. Yuen Long Kam Tin Tree House and Chinese Banyans along Nathan Road came second and third with 2,104 and 1,916 votes, respectively (Detailed results of “Banyan Tree of Hong Kong People” Election, please refer to the appendix).

The programme has selected 12 groups of banyan trees to let Hong Kong people vote for their most memorable one. The newly elected “Banyan Tree of Hong Kong People” – Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree – grows at Fong Ma Po Tsuen, Lam Tsuen Valley, Tai Po. For over a century, people made wishes by writing on the “Treasure Plates” and tossed them up to the branches. “The election victory by the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree reflects the unique emotions people have towards trees in Hong Kong,” said Ms Maria Cheung, Senior Manager – Corporate Communication, NWS Holdings Limited. “The Wishing Tree carries both natural and cultural characteristics. Making a wish at the tree is not only a Hong Kong tradition, but also attracts many overseas tourists to visit the tree. Besides, the damage to the tree by Treasure Plates also led to vigorous discussions on conservation of old trees in Hong Kong. We organized HK．Love．Trees enabling the public to share their memories and appreciation of trees, and promoting tree conservation.”

After the branches of Wishing Tree broke off in February 2005, the government introduced measures to rescue it, including prohibiting visitors to throw Treasure Plates onto the tree, supporting unstable branches with pillars and letting the tree rest and recover. Dr Cheng Luk Ki, Division Head of Scientific Research & Conservation of Green Power, estimated that if conditions continue to improve, the Wishing Tree could eventually recover. New buds and green leaves are emerging as well as there are new aerial roots.

HK．Love．Trees is the first large-scale, sustainable tree conservation project in Hong Kong, which encourages people to share precious collective memories about local trees. Following “Banyan Tree of Hong Kong People” Election and “Moving Banyan Tree” Bus Body Design Competition, “Memories Under Banyan Tree” Writing Competition is now proceeding while “Our Banyan Tree” Photo Competition and “Journey of Trees” Teachers’ Workshop will be coming soon. Members of the public, teachers and students are welcome to participate in these activities.

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This press release is also available on the Group’s website ( www.nws.com.hk).

NWS Holdings Charities Foundation Limited

NWS Holdings Charities Foundation Limited (“NWS Charities Foundation”) was established by NWS Holdings Limited ("NWS Holdings" or the "Group"; Hong Kong stock code: 659) in November 2006. As a responsible corporate citizen, NWS Holdings is committed to making corporate social responsibility an integral part of its corporate culture and enhancing the quality of life for the community. Through NWS Charities Foundation, the Group aims to deepen its community engagement and remunerate the society using the Group's resources.

NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS Holdings”, Hong Kong stock code: 659), the infrastructure and service flagship of New World Development Company Limited (Hong Kong stock code: 17), embraces a diversified range of businesses in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Macau. Its Infrastructure portfolio includes Roads, Energy, Water and Ports projects. Its Service & Rental division comprises Facilities Rental (the management of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and ATL Logistics Centre), Contracting (Hip Hing Construction and NWS Engineering), Financial Services (Taifook Securities and New World Insurance) and Other Services (New World First Bus, Citybus and New World First Ferry)

Green Power

Green Power is dedicated to environmental education. We encourage the public to learn about rich natural resources and hence protect the environment in Hong Kong. Following programmes focused on butterflies and rivers, we have now launched programmes to conserve trees. We conduct diverse, sustainable community education activities, through which members of the public can learn more about trees and participate in tree conservation and environmental protection.

HK．Love．Trees

HK．Love．Trees was established in September 2007, which is the first large-scale, sustainable tree conservation project in Hong Kong. As well as covering ecology, the project spans historical and cultural aspects of trees for the first time in Hong Kong, and encourage people to share precious collective memories about local trees. We hope that, by learning about and making friends with trees, we can better protect and preserve these treasures of our earth.

The official website www.hk-love-trees.net adopts a “sentimental” approach, introducing trees in Hong Kong, the relationship between trees and humans, ecology, and threats trees face. There is also detailed information about banyan trees – the theme of the first year programme, such as characteristics, species and precious photos. A series of activities held for the public included “Banyan Tree of Hong Kong People” election, “Moving Banyan Tree” Bus Body Design Competition, “Memories Under Banyan Tree” Writing Competition, “Our Banyan Tree” Photo Competition and “Journey of Trees” Teachers’ Guidebook and Workshop.