Press Release

 

 

Speech by Chief Secretary for Administration at City University of Hong Kong

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The following is the speech delivered by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, at the City University of Hong Kong Student Hostels Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony today (September 29):

Mr Leung, Professor Chang, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, and students,

I am truly delighted to officiate at the Student Hostels Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of the City University of Hong Kong. Construction of these student hostels marks another milestone in the University's history and is a very big step towards realising the University's five-year strategic plan up to the year 2002.

Despite its relatively short history, City University has made, and continues to make, remarkable progress in its pursuit of academic excellence and service to the community. I understand that in September 1997, the University introduced a credit unit system which increases flexibility in students' choices across disciplines and provides more opportunities for a broad-based education. The growing diversity in curriculum helps to broaden students' perspectives and prepares them for the challenges posed by today's dynamic and fast changing world.

In February this year, City University established four Applied Strategic Development Centres. This initiative bears eloquent testimony to the University's commitment to promoting research and development and stimulating new ideas and innovations. With such an enviable training environment and level of support, I am sure that research will thrive within the campus walls.

More than anything else, the quality of education that we provide to our younger generations today will determine the quality of our leaders tomorrow. University education is an important component of that overall education. But university education would not be complete without the experience of hostel life. Although a long way back now, I remember fondly my own hostel days on the campus of Hong Kong University. For the first time I tasted real freedom away from home. I became master or mistress, at least for myself, of my own daily schedules, when to begin it when to end it. I remember particularly the late night snacks, the discussions well into the night; and of course, burning the midnight oil. But most of all, I remember the sense of sharing and belonging to a small closely knit family where giving was as important as taking. In other words, a first taste of what life in the wider community is all about.

I am very glad to know that upon completion of the eleven student residential blocks in about five years' time, all full time undergraduates of the City University will have the opportunity to live in student hostels during at least one year of their studies. I commend the university management for their hard work and commitment towards achieving this goal. I have no doubt that all students will benefit richly from this experience.

I would like to thank you again for inviting me to be part of this wonderful initiative. I am sure that the University management will see to it that the hostels are completed on schedule, and I look forward to its completion. But more than anything else, I look forward to seeing the students moving into the hostels, for it is ultimately the students that will bring life to these buildings.

Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.

End/ Friday, September 29, 2000

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The Chief Secretary for Administration toured the campus of the City University of Hong Kong and gave a media session after delivering a speech at the Student Hostels Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony.Broadband / 56K

Photo: The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, officiated at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new student hostels at the City University of Hong Kong. The hostels, which will be completed in four phases, will provide accommodation for 3,500 students. Looking on was the Council Chairman of the City University of Hong Kong, Mr Norman Leung.