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The 6th China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth Commissioning Ceremony

The 6th China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth
Commissioning Ceremony


10:30 am, 12 July 2005 (Tuesday)
University of Hong Kong

Welcoming Speech by Dr Alice Lam,
Chairman of University Grants Committee

Chief Executive, ladies and gentlemen, students,

May I first say what a pleasure it is to have our new Chief Executive here today gracing this event. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to welcome almost 200 delegates at this commissioning ceremony of the Sixth China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth, especially those of you who have traveled great distances from overseas countries, to join this adventure.

This year’s CSP will again not only be successful in imparting knowledge and an understanding of China and Chinese culture, but also in bringing together the hearts of young people to become close friends. You will both learn more about the current development of China and also about who you are as a Chinese, where you have come from and who you want to be.

Two hundred years ago, Napoleon Bonaparte remarked that “China is a sleeping giant, the world will look in awe when she awakes.” In the next two weeks, CSP will open your eyes to what has already been achieved – along with the great challenges that still remain. From the skyscrapers of Shanghai to the glamour of Hong Kong, the future of China is as bright as the glories of the past.

In a fleeting two and a half weeks, you will walk through five thousand years of Chinese history, immerse yourselves in the vibrancy and wonder of modern China and take a glimpse at its sparkling, promising future. You will gain insights, form opinions, create personal perspectives, and, through interactions with other delegates, discover much more about yourself.

The Programme will give you a unique opportunity to put actual faces on the people – the rural villagers, the professors and students from various universities in China and Hong Kong, the many officials who will cordially welcome the delegation along the trip, and most importantly, the outstanding CSP delegates from all around the world.

The greatest treasure of the trip will be the friendship with other delegates. You will have fun and overcome problems together, and create a lasting network of camaraderie amongst ethnic Chinese youths from all over the world. To gain the most from the journey, be open with your hosts and your fellow delegates. Learning from each other is the best part of the trip. Your life experiences from where you live and where you are educated can help people from different backgrounds understand each other for more useful alliances in the future.

Lastly, let me thank all the sponsors and the Organizing Committee for organizing this meaningful programme. CSP has been highly successful in achieving its objectives and aims and I am sure that CSP6 will maintain that high standard and enrich your lives immeasurably.

Thank you.

UGC Secretariat
6 July 2005