The first baby of 1998 was not only a new year gift for new mother Wong Siu Yuen-ping, but also the best birthday present she has ever received.
Mrs Wong's daughter was delivered by caesarean section at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital as the clock struck midnight.
'What a coincidence! I was born on the same day 33 years ago in Sha Tin,' she said.
'I did not expect this. The baby should have arrived on Christmas Day. She came a bit late. She surprised us as she was one of the first babies of 1998. We can celebrate our birthdays together.' Father Wong Hing-man, 35, a technician, joked that the double birthday would save money: 'I'll only have to buy one cake!' Mr Wong shrugged off concern over the bird flu crisis in naming his daughter Wai-yin, which means 'wise swallow'.
'We hope she will grow up as healthy, talented and gentle as a little swallow,' Mr Wong said.
Another baby girl was also born at Tuen Mun Hospital and a boy in St Paul's Hospital at midnight.
