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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, at the 162nd Graduation Ceremony of St Paul's College today (December 5):
Mr Pong, Dr Kennard, honourable guests, parents, teachers and graduates,
Thank you for inviting me to join the 162nd Anniversary Speech Day of your school. I am honoured to be here to witness the remarkable achievements made by the school over the years with the concerted effort from the St Paul's College Council, the School Supervisor, the Principal, all the teachers, parents and graduates who have contributed their unfailing support to the College. Tonight we gather together to share the joyfulness with all the graduates on this memorable occasion.
St Paul's College is committed to offering to local youths modern and liberal education as professed by the Sheng Kung Hui. Over the years, the school aims at developing the students into responsible and useful citizens of the community with respect for human rights, freedom and justice. It has been remarkable that many graduates from St Paul's College have taken up leading roles in the society, serving Hong Kong in all walks of life. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the school's commendable effort in offering quality education to the students over the years and nurturing them as responsible citizens and outstanding leaders of Hong Kong.
Indeed, the world is flat and youngsters who are our future leaders need to acquire global perspectives and skills to face the challenges of globalisation and to thrive in a multicultural environment. As you may have read in the news yesterday, the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) international study showed that Hong Kong students' reading, mathematical and scientific literacy continued to be among the very best in the world. Among students from the 65 countries or regions participating in the study, Hong Kong students ranked second in both reading and scientific literacy, and third in mathematical literacy. The outstanding performance of Hong Kong students in PISA once again validates that Hong Kong education is heading towards the right direction, and we are able to make sure our students are well-equipped to face various challenges in an increasingly competitive world. Besides, Hong Kong has been actively promoting student exchange. Students can learn from each other through better understanding of the historical, cultural, economic and educational developments. In the past months, I have visited many countries to establish closer education ties with them, in particular provision of post-secondary educational opportunities for students. I hope that our next generation will seize every learning opportunity to widen their horizons.
To strive towards the goal to be one of the best schools for the education of boys recognised both locally and internationally, I know that St Paul's College has undergone the process of "Reflect, Review and Refine" with future emphasis on academic excellence, leadership and self-discipline and the development of global citizenship. Reflection and review definitely shed light on the refinement of future planning. This "3R" process copes well with our need to equip students to meet challenges posed by globalisation.
Undoubtedly, St Paul's College is also one of the pioneers in widening students' horizons and nurturing leaders with global perspectives through educational programmes and overseas visits. Since 2002, the "Global Classroom Programme" has been implemented to provide students to learn beyond their own borders. Student exchange programmes have been arranged with twin schools (sister schools) overseas and in China. St Paul's College has taken the opportunity of curriculum reform under the New Academic Structure to enrich students' Other Learning Experiences through programmes like "UNESCO Peace for All Youth Programme", "ORBIS Ambassador Programme", etc. Besides, as a member school of the International Boys' Schools Coalition, endeavours have been made by the school to strengthen the network of local and overseas schools with a view to widening students' international perspective.
Dear graduates, you should be grateful to your alma mater who has provided ample opportunities to groom you to be future leaders. Good leaders are made but not born. Apart from academic achievement, I am sure you must have benefited from the many other invaluable learning experiences to acquire knowledge, perspectives and competencies necessary for becoming citizens of the world. All these would not have been possible without the enlightenment, support and guidance of parents and teachers.
William Shakespeare said, and I quote, "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves." Without doubt, our world is one full of all sorts of challenges, but also one that has immense opportunities. I sincerely hope you will adhere to the "3R" process, i.e. reflect, review and refine to strive for the best in pursuit of further study or career.
John F Kennedy said, and I quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." In times of rapid changes and uncertainties, Hong Kong needs dedicated individuals who will not only contribute their knowledge and skills but also their time and passion to build a society with justice. I call upon all the graduates to be positive, constructive and innovative to serve the community and to make a difference in all arenas of life.
In front of us, the recent public consultation documents on population policy and universal suffrage are important to the future of Hong Kong. I encourage you all to give views, opinions, ideas and suggestions to make our future better for Hong Kong.
Dedicated to the present success and mindful of responsibility to uphold the valuable College traditions, I look forward to seeing the school climbing to a new height in the forthcoming future.
When I arrived at this school, I was given to understand that some of the students have a bit concern and care about students in Hong Kong who are from poor families on how to deal with the challenges and continue education. Let me assure you it is our unfailing policy that no student should be deprived of education opportunities because of a lack of economic means. And that is very important.
You are all our future leaders and our future is in your hands. I look forward to your continued dedication and participation in Hong Kong in which my retirement will depend on!
Last but not least, let me give my best wishes to you all. Thank you!
Ends/Thursday, December 5, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:58
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