************************************************************
00Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the closing session of the "Make a Difference 2012" Youth Forum at Kwai Tsing Theatre today (January 8):
00Hello everyone.
00
00It is my great pleasure to join you again for this, the MaD-est event of the New Year.
00I hope that you have all had an enjoyable and fruitful time.
00Our world is changing fast. Our city, our nation and our region are experiencing tremendous changes on all fronts. Rapidly-evolving technology is transforming the way we live, the way we learn and the way we work. How should we position ourselves in the face of such challenges? How should young people equip themselves with the skills and mindset to meet the challenges ahead?
00These are just some of the issues addressed during this gathering.
00A few moments ago, I had the great pleasure of meeting this year﷿s MaD Award finalists and some members of our audience. What impressed me most is their passion and their determination to make a difference.
00A strong desire to make a difference breeds innovation and change. However, success is not always immediate or guaranteed. Ultimate success often requires that we first learn from our mistakes and failings.
00Winston Churchill, Former British Prime Minister, once said, and I quote: 䩕Success is never found. Failure is never fatal. Courage is the only thing.蒅 End quote.
00We should embrace change and we must be willing to take on challenges with courage and fortitude.
00The theme of this year﷿s MaD is: 䩕Explore the present, find your place and shape our time蒅. We should know our strengths and weaknesses, find our own positioning, and get prepared for the challenges ahead.
00Among the MaD Award finalists this year, we have young people from across Asia who have set clear goals and worked hard to achieve them.
00We have a 䩕green蒅 company which 䩕upcycles蒅 waste materials for construction, medical and industrial uses. We have a social venture that encompasses the concepts of healthy food, vibrant labour force and happy earth to tackle chronic poverty. We also have a consultancy providing training and research on volunteerism in Mainland China.
00One thing these MaD Award finalists have in common is that they are driven by young change makers. Successful change makers always have a dream and put their heart and soul into making it come true.
00Over the past three years, MaD has been inspiring participants to make a difference ﷿ to think differently and to create positive changes.
00I am delighted that MaD has expanded its activities in the build-up to this year﷿s annual forum. I am also pleased to see a growing number of high-profile speakers sharing their insights on issues that represent the most pressing challenges of our time.
00The MaD Award has quickly developed into one of the most sought-after awards for young entrepreneurs striving for positive change in Asia.
00I wish to congratulate Ada, Rachel and their team for bringing such a meaningful event to young people from Hong Kong and around the world. No doubt the young MaDees will have consumed much food for thought during the three-day programme. Let us continue to dream big; let us continue to think outside the box and let us continue to have the courage to make a difference.
00Thank you very much and Happy New Year.
Ends/Sunday, January 8, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:05
NNNN
Windows Media format
Flash format