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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the opening of "Make a Difference" Youth Forum at Kwai Tsing Theatre this evening (January 22):
Hello everybody. Welcome to MaD 2010.
Some of you may be wondering why there is a freight container behind me. I was also a bit surprised when I was told about this. But just think about it, this is actually quite a suitable object to be displayed here because we are just a stone's throw away from one of the world's greatest container ports.
You all know that Hong Kong is famous for our excellent connectivity. Our container terminal is one of the largest and busiest in the world, with links to almost every part of the globe. Everyday you will find goods assembled here for shipping to different places around the world.
This is similar to what MaD 2010 aims to achieve. The event is dedicated to connecting thought leaders and change makers from around the world with young people from Hong Kong, the Mainland and other places in the Asia-Pacific Region. Here we have assembled a group of people with brilliant minds and fascinating ideas, and we will put them all together in the same container, mix them up and see what chemical reaction that will produce. I look forward to seeing what is going to happen.
All the thought leaders and change makers are fully geared to give our audience their best. The series of inspiring talks, workshops and activities will enrich our experience and broaden our horizons. With such a good line-up of speakers and activities, I see MaD 2010 as a truly thought-provoking occasion for all participants – the speakers and the audience alike.
No matter whether you are from the post-50 generation, like me, or post-80, like many of you, we should always keep an open mind, and be ready to embrace new ideas and new concepts, even some old ideas and old concepts that have remained sound. I encourage you to take the opportunity over the next few days to make new friends, and listen to their views just as you would hope that they listen to yours.
Chances are that those you will meet and things you will learn in these few days could have a profound impact on your understanding of the world around you. And please remember to share what you have learnt and experienced here with people whom you know after this event. That way the reach of MaD can go beyond these walls to people and places near and far.
This is the first time Hong Kong has hosted such an event. It is a ground-breaking attempt. We look forward to MaD developing into an annual event to be held in Hong Kong for all those in the Asia-Pacific region who want to really Make a Difference.
So let's get prepared to go MaD! Thank you.
Ends/Friday, January 22, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:40
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