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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the opening ceremony of "Spirit of a Nation: Mix-media Kung Fu Exhibition" at the Hong Kong Arts Centre this evening (July 23):
Cissy (Pao Watari), Hing (Chao), Professor Ma (Ming-da), Mr Li (Ji-yi), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.
It is my pleasure to join you this evening. First of all, congratulations on organising this "Spirit of a Nation" exhibition.
Not only is the exhibition a celebration of one of our national treasures during the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, it is also a celebration of our city's contribution to our nation.
People who know about martial arts will be familiar with places such as Shaolin, Wudong and Fushan on the Mainland.
Even more people around the world know the names of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, John Woo. These are some of the people who have made Hong Kong synonymous with kung fu, and helped to promote our national treasure globally.
For Hong Kong people, kung fu is a source of cultural pride and national identity.
On a personal note, during my younger days living in the US, I gained great pleasure and comfort in practising kung fu, not to mention that it also got me out of a few tight spots!
I was in the US around the time that the so-called "kung-fu mania" was sweeping the country, and Bruce Lee was a household name, at least in my neighbourhood. I was then learning the Hung Gar Tiger Crane style from renowned Master Kwong Tit-fu.
It gave me confidence and determination to succeed and, at the same time, it provided me with a welcome and familiar connection to where I came from.
Kung fu requires as well as nurtures concentration, patience and focus. It also promotes respect, discipline and healthy living. All the qualities and values of kung fu served me well in my younger days, and they continue to play an important part in my life.
But why should a relatively small city, such as ours have such a large reputation for kung fu?
Throughout our history, Hong Kong people have come to embrace cultures, learn new things and add new dimensions to our lives. The story of kung fu and its journey to the west reflects the spirit of our city – Asia's world city.
In Government, we are determined to maintain an environment where creativity leads and where people from all backgrounds can be inspired to fulfill their dreams and potential. This requires a commitment from all of us to be free thinking and open-minded. Creative thinking also requires concentration, patience, determination and confidence to succeed.
This exhibition reminds us that kung fu reflects not only the qualities of Hong Kong people but also the spirit of our nation, which has made such huge strides in the past six decades. As we celebrate China's 60th anniversary, I am confident that Hong Kong will continue to punch above its weight as an international city, and as the Mainland's premier gateway to the rest of the world.
I encourage everyone to come see this exhibition. I hope visitors will be inspired by the spirit of kung fu and embrace the values that it lends. That way, kung fu will continue to enrich our city and enrich the lives of each one of us.
Thank you.
Ends/Thursday, July 23, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:37
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