2023 Hong Kong Chu Hai College Opening Ceremony

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, esteemed faculty members, and beloved students,

On this momentous occasion of the 2023 Hong Kong Chu Hai College Opening Ceremony, I extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you. As the President of Hong Kong Chu Hai College, it is an honor to address the incoming students, their families, and our dedicated faculty members.

At the outset, I would like to express my sincere congratulations and heartfelt gratitude to all the parents, teachers, relatives, and friends who have played a significant role in nurturing and supporting our students throughout their educational journey. Your unwavering care and encouragement have undoubtedly contributed to their growth and development.

Today, we gather here amidst the warmth of the summer and glorious sunshine, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Hong Kong Chu Hai College. With a rich legacy spanning 76 years, our institution stands as a testament to the enduring pursuit of knowledge and the spirit of progress. It is with immense pleasure that we welcome the newest members of our college community, the young individuals who hold the promise of shaping our institution's future.

As we stand at this juncture of history, it is crucial for each of you to develop a profound understanding of the land upon which we tread. Hong Kong, with its rich history and boundless potential, serves as the backdrop for your academic journey. Embrace the heritage and aspirations that this land embodies.

For 76 years, our college has upheld the spirit of " Embrace the wisdom within, tread steadfastly towards distant horizons (智珠在握，行穩致遠)."From our humble beginnings in Guangzhou to our relocation to Hong Kong, our campus has traversed various locations, finally finding its serene abode nestled amidst mountains and overlooking the bay. Despite the changes in our surroundings, the core values and spirit of Hong Kong Chu Hai College have endured, providing us with a precious reservoir of wisdom and inspiring generations of Chu Hai students to strive for greatness.

For 76 years, we have passed the torch and continued on this longlasting journey. As the oldest private institution of higher education in Hong Kong, we have nurtured over 15,000 talented individuals who have made significant contributions to Hong Kong and the world. Our alumni include distinguished academics from prestigious institutions, renowned entrepreneurs, influential cultural figures, and pioneering educators. Generation after generation of Chu Hai scholars have embraced righteousness, innovation, and continuous growth, aligning their aspirations with the future of humanity, and contributing to the well-being of all through practical endeavors.

Dear students, while we cherish the traditions and history that define our college, we must also acknowledge the necessity of embracing change for sustained development and vitality. In recent years, Hong Kong Chu Hai College has faced unprecedented challenges. However, with the unwavering support of our Board of Directors, dedicated alumni, and valued stakeholders, we have embraced change and seized new opportunities for growth. We are now boldly advancing towards our goal of becoming a university in near future. This year marks a period of immense potential, rebirth, and the commencement of a new chapter for our institution.

I am delighted to announce that this academic year, our student population has exceeded 1800, surpassing the requirement set by the Legislative Council for university upgrading. This milestone not only injects vitality and optimism into our campus but also reflects the trust you have placed in Hong Kong Chu Hai College. Many of you, as the first cohort of Mainland students admitted through the unified national college entrance examination, represent a bridge of cultural exchange and academic excellence. I extend my deep appreciation for choosing our college as your educational home. Your youthful energy will invigorate our institution, and in return, we will provide you with a comprehensive education that empowers and enlightens. From today onwards, you will become members of Hong Kong Chu Hai College.

Dear students, although I am the President of Hong Kong Chu Hai College, today I would like to share with you three realizations about university life from the perspective of someone who has experienced it, as a student who is only slightly older than all of you.

First and foremost, I encourage you to be deeply invested in the destiny of our nation and its people, as well as the welfare of human society. Embrace a global perspective and nurture ambitious aspirations. Remember that aiming high doesn't necessarily mean achieving monumental feats; it lies in the small actions of our everyday lives. I hope you will start by diligently mastering each course, and continuously building a strong foundation of knowledge. Take pride in completing tasks with excellence, consistently enhancing your overall capabilities. Begin by taking the initiative to maintain cleanliness in your living spaces, tidying up classrooms, actively contributing to the campus environment, and participating in community service activities. By doing so, you will develop a strong sense of responsibility and civic duty.

Secondly, I emphasize the importance of cultivating strength in both body and mind. Just as a tree stands tall with a sturdy trunk, a person's principles and boundaries shape their character. Make cultivating good moral values your top priority. Respect yourself and others, and embrace gratitude and compassion. Appreciate the efforts of others, the warmth of life, the present moment, and the encounters that shape us. Maintain a constant sense of gratitude and recognize the abundant blessings that surround us. Remember that without dedicated study, intellectual growth and skill development are unattainable. Without unwavering goals, true accomplishments remain elusive. Strive diligently in your studies to expand your knowledge through academic pursuits and engage in various physical activities that strengthen both body and mind.

Thirdly, I encourage you to focus on personal growth and becoming well-rounded individuals. As Confucius once said, "A benevolent person desires to establish themselves and then others; desires to attain themselves and then others (夫仁者，己欲立而立人，己欲達而達人。)" Although an individual's influence may seem insignificant, empowering others is also a way of empowering oneself. I encourage you to remain steadfast in your pursuit of excellence, refusing to settle for mediocrity in even the most ordinary tasks. Seek inspiration from those who demonstrate wisdom, but avoid becoming caught up in unhealthy competition. Always strive to maintain a clear mind, distinguish right from wrong, and approach situations with rational thinking and calm judgment. Foster independence without isolation and rely on others without dependence. Embrace a spirit of positivity and vitality, radiating warmth not only to yourself but also to those around you. I firmly believe that by starting from the present moment, paying attention to the details, and committing to a grounded and unwavering effort, you will emerge as outstanding individuals with exemplary character in this new era of university life.

Dear students, I have full confidence that the upcoming four years will be transformative and fruitful for each of you. During your time at Chu Hai College, you will acquire extensive knowledge, gain life-enriching experiences, and perhaps even cultivate meaningful relationships. Embrace this opportunity to embark on a new chapter in your life.

Thank you, everyone!