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Following is the translation of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the award-presentation ceremony of the Caring Company Scheme this (February 3) afternoon:
Hon Bernard Chan, Ms Christine Fang, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to join you at this Caring Company Scheme award presentation, which recognises the achievements of those dedicated to serving the community through the collaboration between the welfare and corporate sectors.
Globalisation has brought rapid changes to our social environment, with some groups and individuals finding it difficult to adjust. At the same time, we also face the problems and challenges brought about by an ageing population. We need to develop a new strategy that endeavours to provide an ideal environment allowing each person in Hong Kong to realise his or her goals in life through individual effort. For those who face setbacks or encounter adversity, we should provide the support necessary to help them enhance their capacity and to realise their full potential. While education and training are important for self-advancement, welfare, medical and other public health services play key supporting roles. We need to ensure that the services provided by Government encourage self-help and mutual assistance so as to promote self-reliance and development of individual potential. Globalisation has aggravated poverty in many places around the world and we are no exception. We provide a safety net under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme to ensure a basic standard of living. We encourage individuals who can work to enhance their capacity for self-reliance and self-betterment. We will further examine how to help poor people elevate themselves through sharing the opportunities that arise from social development.
However, Government efforts alone have never been and can never be adequate in achieving this mission. We must also use our "social capital" to build an inclusive society and to provide the right environment for individuals to develop. "Social capital" refers to the links and respect between people, their willingness to work together and sacrifice self-interest for the common good; the strength of our family and community support networks; collaboration and cohesion among different sectors and strata. This will help to maximise the potential of individuals; to promote mutual care and trust; to increase commitment to Hong Kong and our sense of belonging. It will strengthen social solidarity.
The social welfare sector has been encouraging volunteerism, and has proposed ways to involve the business community in community affairs. At the government level, we established the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund in 2002. These initiatives have sown the seeds for a tri-partite partnership between government, the business community and the third sector (the not-for-profit sector). The Caring Company Scheme run by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service over the past two years is an excellent example of social partnership. Through its perseverance and hard work, the council has successfully forged a strategic partnership between non-governmental organisations and businesses to work towards the common community good. Such cross-sectoral partnerships epitomise the spirit of "social-capital" building. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed.
In closing, I would like to congratulate all 500 recipients of the Caring Company Logos, in particular the recipients of the Outstanding Partnership Awards. I urge others in the business community to examine their social responsibilities and to take a more active role in the social arena. After all, what is good for the community is also good for business.
Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, February 3, 2004
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