Speech by FS at Gratia Christian College Graduation Ceremony (English only)
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Mr Yuen (The Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Gratia Christian College, Mr Yuen Shu-wah), Reverend Dr Yung (The Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Gratia Christian College, Dr Yung Tse-you), Dr Chui (The President of the Gratia Christian College, Dr Chui Hong-sheung), distinguished guests, teachers, parents, graduates, ladies and gentlemen,
Shalom and good evening. It's a great pleasure to be with you today, here to honour the graduates of Gratia Christian College. A particular pleasure in that we are applauding not just this year's graduates but the College's first four graduating classes.
That's a consequence of the pandemic, which has, for nearly three years, affected just about every aspect of Hong Kong and our day-to-day lives.
But that reality has also given us this auspicious day: four years of graduates, here this evening, from an inspiring, private Christian College barely seven years old.
And my special congratulations to graduates from the Christian Ministry High Diploma programme, which is specifically designed for students aspiring to serve in Christian-related organisations upon graduation. The programme is the first of its kind in Hong Kong.
Alongside you are the teachers and support staff so central to your education and whole-person development. Here too, are family and friends, and the many others who have played a vital part in the realisation of your education. And this outstanding day.
I know that many of you are now working, embarking on a career in a wide variety of fields and interests, ranging from business organisations to education institutes, NGOs, and many other different sectors.
Well, let me say this: we need you. Hong Kong needs you right now. We'll be counting on you, and your unique gifts, long down this 21st century of boundless promise and, no doubt, continuing challenges.
Indeed, our young people, like you all, represent what our future holds. As President Xi said, speaking in Hong Kong in July, during our 25th anniversary celebrations: "Hong Kong will prosper only when its young people thrive." This is why we must strive to invest more in education, help with young people's personal development, employment, career and other needs, and let them have hope about what they can and will achieve in Hong Kong, this great city of ours.
The Chief Executive's maiden Policy Address has devoted an entire chapter to youth, and this signifies the importance attached to our next generation. We will roll out a Youth Development Blueprint within this year, the very first attempt of the Government in outlining a roadmap of our work on youth development. We want to nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for our country and Hong Kong, equipped with global perspectives. We seek to provide an enabling environment for them so that they could develop and unleash their full potential. And we will take forward initiatives that help them overcome difficulties in life.
There are many more reasons to be hopeful about our young people's future. One of them is the vivid economic prospects of Hong Kong. Indeed, the Government has transformed our philosophy of governance – striving to be a proactive government serving an efficient market, thereby creating strong impetus for economic growth.
Our economic development will no longer just eye on financial and professional services, or the real estate sector. With the Government's proactive role, our innovation and technology (I&T) sector is thriving. In particular, an entire city, namely the Northern Metropolis, will soon rise, serving as the heart of Hong Kong's I&T collaboration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the GBA.
Yes, consider the GBA – with a population of 86 million and size of an economy like Canada and Australia – our hinterland where tremendous development opportunities are bound to emerge.
Also look at the 14th National Five-Year Plan which has given Hong Kong roles well beyond our traditional ones. One of them is East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, a role that fits Hong Kong best in light of our "melting pot" nature. Over the years, we have increased investments in arts and culture. We now own world-class cultural infrastructure and performing art groups. For nurturing arts and cultural talent, the Government is also working to enhance support for young artists, by providing financial support to arts groups, large and small, and launching arts and cultural internship programmes.
In short, Hong Kong and our country are presenting many unique and diversified opportunities for our young people, for you and your future. Do explore them. And remember to get yourselves fully equipped and prepared for the opportunities, because if you don't grasp them, someone else will!
But after all, I have good confidence in you, for Gratia's core Christian values – commitment, humility, resilience, integrity, service and teamwork – have instilled in you a depth of character, of servant leadership, that will make all the difference for you.
Talking of servant leadership, I wish to share a message from the Bible which offers valuable insight. As Matthew, Chapter 5, Verse 13 says, "You are the salt of the earth." So tiny and inconspicuous is salt, but it seasons the food and brings out the taste. And don't forget that at ancient times, salt was also used to preserve food from rotting. Verses 14 to 16 go on and say, "You are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven." I hope you will all be salt and light. Those who possess virtues and merits are bound to influence people.
Never underestimate yourselves and the great work you may achieve some day; and never forget that the small things you do every day can be impactful. As someone says, "Great things tell people who we are. Small things tell people what we are." Please, do let the blessings that you have received become blessings to others.
My congratulations, again, to each and every one of you. And whatever you decide to do in your career and life choices, I wish you all the very best.
Thank you.
Ends/Friday, November 4, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:33
Issued at HKT 20:33
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