Bulletin Number One 1985

political and cultural development of society as a whole. To exert such influence can be said to be the most fundamental responsibility of an intellectual, and to create the conditions in which the intellectual can exert this influence can also be said to be the most pressing task facing a country which seeks to modernize. China has now reversed the previous tendency of relegating the educated class to a minor role. She has, in fact, affirmed the value of intellectua l labour and recognized the crucial role of education and knowledge in the process of modernization. Furthermore, the devolution of power, the separation of state leadership from enterprise management, and the drive for bringing in a younger and better educated leadership have now all been given high priority as part of an overall reform. These changes have been set in motion only relatively recently and as yet cannot be expected to show significant results, especially since entrenched practice as well as sheer inertia are providing considerable resistance. Still there is no dispute that the role of the intellectual is now on the rise, and thei r views and opinions are being given much greater attention than before. And it is reasonable to expect that they will shoulder even greater responsibilities in more areas and at many different levels in future. There have always been very many well educated people in Hong Kong whose heart lies with China. They frequently contribute their views and comments on major developments of China, either through publication in academic journals, magazines o r newspapers, or otherwise through talks, interviews and personal contacts of various sorts when they make visits to the Mainland. And I might say that their voice has now earned attention and respect. Undoubtedly they are highly conscious of their unusual responsibility as Chinese intellectuals at this particular juncture, and I am sure they would spare no effort in sharpening their own intellect and striving for ever greater depth and substance in what they can contribute towards the modernization of China. I am also hopeful that more university graduates and professionals in Hong Kong would now choose to adopt a longer view and wider perspective of the world around them, and realize they too have responsibilities beyond the advancement of their personal careers. Indeed I would think it is only thus tha t Hong Kong can hope to have long-term prospects in its future. In saying all this, I have not for amoment lost sight of the fact that Hong Kong is but a minute speck of sand in the ocean that is China. On the other hand, we must not forget, either, that throughout history a new idea or a wind of change often starts in a small, imperceptible way, then it gradually builds up its strength and eventually turns into a prevalent, irresistible movemnet which surprises us with its magnitude. Now that major changes in pursuit of modernization have already been set in motion in China, should not the people of Hong Kong, who have such a nose for following the wind ahead of the entire world, also rise to the occasion and contribute their share of zeal and spark? These are the thoughts that I wish to share with you, my colleagues and students, when this momentous year of 1984 is drawing to a close. 4 NEWS