Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr John Lee Ka-Chiu delivers a speech to UIC graduates
President Tang Tao (President of Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College), Dr Clement Chen (Chairman of the Council and Court of Hong Kong Baptist University), President Alexander Wai (President and Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University), Professor Pan Jianwei (Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences), distinguished guests, teachers and students,
It is with great pleasure that I join you virtually at the 15th Graduation Ceremony of Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC). First and foremost, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations and sincere wishes to all graduates.
Co-founded in Zhuhai by Beijing Normal University and Hong Kong Baptist University in 2005, UIC was the first full-scale co-operation in higher education between universities in the Mainland and Hong Kong. As a pioneer in higher education exchanges and co-operation between the two places, UIC adopts Hong Kong's educational model as well as teaching evaluation system in its undergraduate programmes, setting an exemplar for joint education ventures by the Mainland and Hong Kong.
Since its inception, UIC has upheld the philosophy of liberal arts education, preparing students for a new era by equipping them with professional expertise and general competencies while cultivating in them an affection for our country and a global perspective. For nearly two decades, UIC has nurtured countless talents. I wholeheartedly appreciate UIC's endeavours.
The past few years have been challenging for those of you who had to manage your studies and examinations amidst the epidemic. Despite this, you have persevered and demonstrated remarkable resilience. Your unwavering spirit has enabled you to accomplish a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. This is truly worthy of celebration and recognition.
Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong is bestowed with the unique advantage of having the strong support of national strategies while maintaining excellent connectivity with the world. Hong Kong is dedicated to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a talents hub. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has relaxed the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, and expanded the scope of the arrangements to cover those who graduated from the GBA campus of a Hong Kong university on a pilot basis, in order to attract outstanding talents to work in Hong Kong.
Dear students, I encourage you to come to Hong Kong to pursue your professional and entrepreneurial endeavours after completing your studies, and continue to shine on the arena of the GBA and contribute to the high-quality development of the country.
At the same time, you should continue to strive for self-improvement, actively engage in lifelong learning, and make meaningful contributions to our country's path towards a prosperous future in your pursuit for personal ideal.
In closing, I would like to extend my congratulations to all UIC graduates. May all of you achieve every success with courage and determination and have a bright future. Thank you.
