Speech by Permanent Secretary for Education at Tung Wah College The 12th Graduation Ceremony

Ms Mandy Tang, Mr York Tseng, Professor Sally Chan, Honourable Guests, Parents, Graduates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

   Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to join you all here today at the Graduation Ceremony of Tung Wah College.  On this joyous occasion, may I extend my warmest congratulations to all graduates on your accomplishments.  Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have brought you here today.  It marks a significant milestone not just in your academic pursuit, but also in your personal growth as you turn a new page in your life journey.

2.   I would also like to express my gratitude to Tung Wah College, which has nurtured over 5 800 young talents over the past decade. Guided by the selfless caring spirit of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the College distinguishes itself as a post-secondary institution with a clear mission, sharp focus and a deep sense of compassion to make valuable contributions to our society, country, and the world at large.  With a short span of time, the College has earned academic reputation in its niche area of medical and healthcare education, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Board of Governors and staff to grooming high-calibre graduates.  The graduates are not only skilled professionals, but also socially and globally responsible citizens with integrity and commitment to serving the community and humankind.  I am confident that each graduate present today will carry forward the finest qualities of their predecessors, and shine brightly in their own futures.

3.   The College is a shining example among the self-financing institutions, which complement the publicly-funded sector by providing flexible pathways for young people and responding quickly to meet the ever-changing manpower needs of Hong Kong. The College is a staunch partner of the Government in promoting vocational and professional education and training (VPET), supporting our efforts in expanding the talent pool to meet the evolving manpower demands of various sectors in the community.  We are pleased to welcome the College as one of the founding associate members of the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) launched earlier this month.  With its solid track record in operating VPET-oriented and applied degree programmes, the College is showing much promise for developing along the direction of a UAS.  The Government has allocated a startup fund of $100 million for the Alliance and I am confident that the College will join hands with other UAS and aspiring institutions to embark on joint promotions with industries and stakeholders, with a view to scaling new heights for our emerging UAS sector and elevating the status of VPET in our society.

4.   Talent is the key to the future of Hong Kong. As announced by the Chief Executive in his 2024 Policy Address, we will promote Hong Kong as an international talent hub.  In the education arena, we will step up our efforts in enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international post-secondary education hub.  Specifically, we will promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and showcase our distinctive advantages to prospective students from around the globe.  I am glad to witness the College’s increasing collaboration and exchanges with the Mainland and overseas counterparts.  I trust that the College will continue to proactively broaden the global perspectives of its students and contribute to Hong Kong’s development into an international education hub.

5.   Graduation is indeed an important milestone. Today, I am excited to meet a group of well-equipped and enthusiastic young people ready to embark on a new phase of your lives.  Over the past few years, the College has served as a nurturing ground where you have developed your resilience to navigate adversity, empowered yourself to seize opportunities, and ignited your passion for community betterment.  As you chart a new course, utilise all your unique strengths, including knowledge, experience, confidence, determination, and most importantly, the heart to serve others.  All these assets will guide you towards holistic growth and ultimate success, whether in career pursuit, life-long learning, or personal development.  Let us pause for a moment to go back to basics.  We all learned “ABCD” in kindergartens.  In the digital era, “ABCD” carries new meanings --- AI, Block Chain, Cloud Computing and Big Data.  In life and at work, ABCD also reminds us of important recipes for success.  For instance, A can stand for Attitude and Accountability. There is a saying that "It's your attitude, not your aptitude that will determine your altitude".  B for Balance.  We have to balance the pros and cons, and the interest of different stakeholders in decision-making.  Have a balanced diet.  Maintain work-life balance as far as practicable.  C is communication and collaboration.  Most of us work in team settings.  Communication, collaboration and the win-win mindset are instrumental to our success.  D is Discipline and Determination.  The transition to the workplace requires discipline in self-management, time management, etc.  Drive and determination are important to endure setbacks along the way.  Vulnerability sometimes makes us more human, and adversity strengthens our mind.  Remember, whether facing adversity and vulnerability, always carry the flame of hope within, and harness the power to live your life to its fullest.  I am sure everyone can create a future that shines brightly for yourselves, for Hong Kong, and for our country.

6.   In closing, I wish to express my congratulations to all graduates once again on your outstanding achievements. May I also wish Tung Wah College continued success in the days to come, and everyone here good health and happiness.  Thank you.