As Hong Kong was ringing in the New Year with champagne and fireworks, one couple saw their hopes given life in the first two minutes of 1997.
Computer engineer Joseph Kwong Chi-hang and nurse Esther Ng Siu-chun welcomed their new daughter - the territory's first baby of the year - at Evangel Hospital in Kowloon City.
'This is just what we wanted for New Year,' smiled Mr Kwong, 31. 'We wanted our baby born strong and healthy, but we are also happy that she's the first baby for 1997. We also get free medical care from the hospital.' The girl, weighing 3.08 kilograms, is the second daughter for the couple, who married four years ago.
The new arrival would complete their family, Ms Ng said.
The couple decided to name the girl Wing-ka, because their 18-month-old first child is called Ka-wing.
'We want to remind ourselves that we'll treat them fairly and equally. And they sound good, don't they?' Mr Kwong said.
