Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 2006

The 63rd Congregation 31 like Elizabeth Taylor andMaggie Smith were Oscar winners and the Beatles and the Rolling Stoneswere the fashion of the day. HongKong was a colony with an appointed legislature. Our economy was based on manufacturing and our currency was pegged to the pound sterling. The Lion Rock Tunnel was only open in 1967 followed by the Hunghom Cross- Harbour Tunnel in 1972. Those somewhat idyllic times are long past. The last three decades have seen the most momentous changes in the world. We have seenmassive and themost amazing advances in science, technology and medicine and in every field of human endeavour. And there have been sea changes in the geopolitical landscape. The Cold War is over. The Soviet and Eastern Bloc has disintegrated. European Union is growing. Asia has become an area of strong growth. Our motherland, China, has emerged as amodern and strong nation. And our homeland, Hong Kong, now an inter- national financial centre, has been re-unified with her. Youth is the trustee of posterity. By the time the graduating students of today reach my stage of life, wewill be in the 2040’s.What will the world be like then? What does the future hold? Looking into the future, we can only be certain of one thing. The pace of change in all fields is likely to accelerate. So, how can we, particularly our young people, prepare ourselves for the exciting challenges ahead? First, wemust believe in and practise learning for life, so as to ensure that we would have the knowledge and skills required from time to time. Success, and indeed survival, would depend on the life-long pursuit of education in all respects. Things taught at schools and universities are not an education but only a means to an education and there are no limits and boundaries to learning. And we must be keen to continue to learn from experience in the university of life. Secondly, creativity and innovationwill be of pivotal importance to human progress. We must approach all things with an inquisitive and open mind. We must always ask ‘why’ and explore new answers and solutions. The world will be increasingly globalized. But of even greater importance than globalization in terms of trade and services is the global market place of ideas, which has no boundaries and will continue to thrive. We must challenge orthodoxy and must never take things for granted. We must be flexible and must be prepared to try out new ideas. Thirdly and most importantly, amongst rapid and accelerating changes, it is of fundamental importance that our values and principles should remain constant and that we should have the strength of character to live by them: Abide always by the enduring values of honesty and integrity. Strive always for excellence. Make no compromises with mediocrity. Seize every opportunity for it may well not knock again. Have faith and courage to tackle what life throws at you.As youprogress through life’s journey, there will bemany ups and downs. Sometimes, the sunwill shine on you. But at other times, life can be stormy. Sometimes, the sailing will be plain. At other times, the territory will be rugged. It is important always to move on, with the determination toovercome adversity. ‘For sweet are theuses of adversity’ as Shakespeare pointed out. Remember that we make a living by what we get. But we make a life by what we give. Be generous and ready to share with others and have the welfare of the under- privileged in mind. Ships are safe anchored in the harbour. But this is not what ships are made for. With the excellent education you have received here, graduates of this distinguished university are well prepared to continue on life’s journey and to face life’s many challenges. I wish you every success and happiness. Thank you. Good health and good fortune to you all. • • • •