Gone was the tycoon who stepped almost reluctantly into the job of Chief Executive at the end of last year. After three months in office, Tung Chee-hwa demonstrated yesterday that he has evolved into a figure whose vision stretches well beyond the business sector as he seeks to embrace the practical aspirations of the whole community.
His basic philosophy has not changed, although it was spelled out in more detail than ever before. As has been clear since last December, politics is to take second place to the search for a consensus round key livelihood issues. At the same time, Hong Kong's Chinese nature is to be stressed at every opportunity, from Mr Tung's calls for a greater sense of belonging to the mainland to the repeated compliments paid to the leadership in Beijing.
This emphasis on talking about the 'one country' concept is designed to maximise the freedom to act in a way which reflects the 'two systems' principle - and so preserve Hong Kong's way of life. For instance, this made it easier for him to stress the importance of press freedom and an independent judiciary during his speech.
While sticking to his fundamental beliefs, Mr Tung showed a refreshing willingness to rethink specific policies in the light of experience. Scepticism about the sewage disposal strategy was swept aside. There was more on environmental protection than had been forecast. The interventionist industrial policy for which some Executive Councillors have been pushing was notable by its absence. The Consumer Council was urged to probe monopolistic practices in the business sector.
Even on labour importation, Mr Tung trod more cautiously than expected. While recognising the need to streamline application procedures and perhaps to bring in more workers for specific projects, he showed no sympathy for calls for a massive influx.
Aside from the continuing differences over political reform, Mr Tung's vision for Hong Kong's future is one which most of the community will share. His focus for the administration was clearly directed to specific goals. In particular, the thrust was to meet the housing aspirations of a more prosperous society while ensuring that the next generation is equipped to meet the challenges of a more competitive era, and that the elderly can retire with dignity.