DR LI KA-SHING
Mr Chancellor, Mr Chairman, Mr President, Members of the Council, Members of the faculty, Guests, and Graduates:
I am very happy to be here again today. This is my third visit to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The first two times were very memorable. Many of the students had asked to have their pictures taken with me, and I can still recall their enthusiasm and their radiant smiles. Today, I am very pleased and honored to be here to receive an Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences Degree conferred upon me by the University, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude.
Rapidly Establishing an Excellent Reputation and Firm Foundation
The people I most admire are those who have devoted their lives to education. The first meeting of the University’s Planning Committee was held in September
1986.
Then in August 1991, the University’s first phase was completed and the first group of students was admitted. In just a few short years, the University has already established itself as an internationally renowned institute of higher education. This is an extremely rare accomplish- ment since, traditionally, it takes a new university many years to establish its academic reputation. This rapid achievement is most admirable and I’m sure everyone here at the University is very proud of it. Under the leadership of Sir S.Y., the LJniversity Council is very well organized, and able to provide the University with valuable guidance. The IJniversity is building on a firm foundation, with well thought-out plans for further improvement in teachers’ credentials, intake of students, and teaching facilities in the coming years. In June this year, the Research Grants Committee announced in a grants report that the [Jniversity of Science and Technology had been granted the highest number of projects, and had also received the most research funding among all the universities in Hong Kong. These various achievements can be attributed to the devoted efforts of an internationally distinguished faculty from around the world, as well as President Woo’s outstanding leadership and dedication in furthering the University’s interests and raising its profile both locally and overseas to establish a good reputation and firm foundation. University officials are leading the school towards a better, brighter future, and I wish to congrdulate the [Jniversity on having such a fine leadership and outstanding faculty and to express my highest regard to the entire staff. Of course, the LJniversity is also blessed with an excellent student body, and I believe you will all excel in your academic endeavors as aTell as your professional careers.Integrating New Technology into the Economy
Hong Kong is a vibrant city. After many years of hard work, it has become a centre of trade, finance, shipping, communications, tourism and service industries. In August, the Government announced foreign exchange reserves of HK$418 billion, placing Hong Kong seventh in the world for overall foreign exchange reserves and second per capita. Hong Kong’s robust economy and rapid development are dependent on its free economy and loa taxation policy as well as our industry professionals, hard-working attitude and ability to adapt. During these final years of the transitional period, an era dominated by technology has begun. As the manufacturing and other labour-intensive industries continue to shift their operations to the mainland, and competition in the overall economy intensifies, Hong Kong has been transformed into an economy primarily based on trade and services. We should continue to develop economic activities that rely on new technologies. To face the new challenges that lie ahead, we need to establish a basis for the exploitation of new technology and efficient international corporate management. In the 21st century, AsiLl Pacific economies will grow even more robust, and external trade will continue to flourish. As Hong Kong reverts to the mainland and economic reforms continue, the link between the two economies will grow stronger. Hong Kong enjoys a strategic location in the Asia Pacific region, and with the strong backing of the mainland, it is in a position to take advantage of economii- opportunities which will greatly increase the demand for ;I quality work force.
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Compared with the mainland, Hong Kong’s academic institutions have had longer contact and more frequent exchanges with their Western counterparts. In this respect, the IJniversity can take advantage of many more opportunities to benefit from Western scientific research and improve upon it fLirther. For example, at present the United States is the most technologically advanced nation in the world, but often, its technology is adapted and improved upon by other countries for the betterment of mankind. The Hong Kong economy, in its transitional stage, should rely more heavily on the development and utilization of technology, and successful integration of technology into the economy is dependent on a quality labour force. Naturally, the University’s contribution to this development will take on a veiy important role.
A History of Chinese Scientific Achievements
China has an ancient civilization steeped in the arts and humanities. Her accomplish- ments in the fields of literature, history, and philosophy have long been admired by different cultures around the world, and her scientific contributions to humankind have proven equally impressive. The Chinese invented the compass, gunpowder, paper and printing - creations which have had a great impact on the world even to this day. Prior to the Ming Dynasty, China was considered the most technologically advanced nation on Earth. The ancient Chinese made tremendous breakthroughs in astronomy, the natural sciences, physics, and pharma- cology as well as all types of engineering construction. And in the 20th century, outstanding scientists of Chinese descent have continued to emerge. We can all be proud of these noteworthy scientific achievements. Speaking at the First International Conference on Frontiers of Physics at Shantou University, world-renowned physicist and Nobel prize winner Dr. Lee Tsung-dao said it is entirely possible that the next century would see the Chinese making major scientific contributions to humankind. He also envisioned China as a world leader in scientific research in the 21st century. A few months ago, during a scie’nce and technology conference held in China, it was suggested that China should move its economy and society forward by making advances in technology and improving the quality of the wqrk force. I have absolute confidence in China’s technological prowess in the next century and in her policy of moving forward through education and science.
The Important Role of the University of Science and Technology
The 21st century will be a great era. The University of Science and Technology is a leading-edge institution which focuses on science, engineering, and management and stays in step with the progress of our society. I know that the LJniversity has always kept in close contact with the outside world to ensure that it can come up with new ideas and new ways to meet our community’s practical needs. This close exchange will be vital in maintaining our competitiveness and further economic expansion in the future. For Hong Kong, as well as the entire Chinese race to be strong, technological advancement and human capital are extremely important factors. Economists have pointed out that scientific progress has an enormous impact on economic growth, and that advanced technology not only improves the quality of life, but also affects a countiy’s fate.
History’s Calling
Graduates of the Ilniversity, your future achievements could play a significant role in leading the Chinese onto the world scientific stage. Your futures are bright as you face this historic handover period. Let’s hope that you can develop to your full potential, take up this important mission, and contribute your knowledge to society for the benefit of Hong Kong, China, and humanity. Seeking knowledge is not a guarantee of fame and fortune, but it is one of the ways in which you can contribute to society and to mankind, and nurture an indomitable spirit to seek out the truth. Work hard today, and you can enjoy the fruits of your labour tomorrow.
Receiving this honor today is truly an unforgettable experience. I hope the University can maintain its present rapid rate of progress, and that it will become one of the world’s most reputable IJniversities within the shortest possible time.
Thank you.
2nd Nov. 1995