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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Setting-up Ceremony of the Dragon Foundation today (Saturday):

Ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to join you at the Setting-up Ceremony of the Dragon Foundation. The Dragon Foundation is a body that works towards the well-being of the Chinese people who are said to be the descendants of the dragon according to the Chinese legend. As I was told by the Chairmen, the Dragon Foundation aims at fostering a sense of unity and boosting patriotic sentiments among Chinese youth from all over the world. It is meaningful for the young people to get together for interflow and exchanges which would help them to have a better understanding of the country and foster team spirit. It is hoped that they would develop a sense of responsibility towards the country and society, shoulder responsibilities for the well being of the whole country and achieve new heights for all the Chinese people in the new millennium.

As Chinese descendants, we should have a good knowledge of the Chinese culture. We all know that the Chinese civilisation has a long history of over five thousand years and has never ceased progressing. The remarkable achievements made by the Chinese people in economic, cultural, scientific as well as artistic spheres have added much glory to our history. We may ask ourselves these questions: How can the Chinese civilisation survive five thousand years and continue to flourish? But why was our country lagging behind others in contemporary history? How could our country make substantial and remarkable progress after five decades of struggle and hard work, especially the past twenty years of reforms and opening-up? The young people should think deeply on these questions. With a correct vision, you will understand that our country is moving ahead towards the lofty goal of revitalising the Chinese civilisation, and know what contribution we can make towards this end.

All young people, like a rising sun, have a promising future. In the family, they are the younger generation. In society, they are the pillars of tomorrow. It is therefore the most important responsibility of every one of us to help the young people to develop. The Dragon Foundation is one of the possible channels through which we can play a part. I earnestly hope that all members of our community will contribute to the development of our youth in one way or another. We should encourage them to have thorough understanding of our country, love our country, quest for new knowledge, acquire scientific technology and work hard. Their personal achievements will help the Chinese civilisation to thrive further.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who have contributed to the Dragon Foundation and wish the Dragon at the Great Wall Project every success. May I call upon the Chinese youth from various parts of the world to take an active part in the exchange programmes organised by the Dragon Foundation to make the whole project a tremendous success.

Thank you.

Photo:The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, attended the setting-up ceremony of the Dragon Foundation which aims to train Chinese youth leaders through activities. Picture shows Mr Tung delivering a speech at the ceremony.

End/Saturday, February 12, 2000

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