Carrie Lam sworn in as new Hong Kong chief executive

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Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor was sworn in as the new chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday in front of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lam becomes the first female chief executive of the HKSAR and will have a five-year term.

President Xi administered the oath of office at the ceremony, which was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center as part of celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China.

The 60-year-old has served in the Hong Kong government since 1980. Starting out as an administrative officer, she occupied over 20 different posts in a host of sectors, from health to finance and social welfare.

On March 26, Lam was elected as new chief executive of the HKSAR, receiving 777 votes from the 1,194-strong committee.

"When I received the appointment, I felt the heavy burden on my shoulders and we still have a long way to go," said the veteran politician.

"My expectation for Hong Kong's future is to offer its citizens a place where they can live with satisfaction," Lam told CGTN in a recent interview.

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