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Embrace Change and Move Forward with Imagination and Perseverance

This Wednesday, the results of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) examination will be released. More than 50,000 candidates will not only return to their schools that morning to collect their result slips but also receive their results on their mobile phones via SMS from the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (#HKEAA). For students, public examinations are undoubtedly a significant challenge in life. As the results of their years of hard work and study are about to be revealed, they must consider their future academic subjects and make preparations for their future. Inevitably, they will feel anxious and nervous. Earlier, I attended the graduation ceremony of a secondary school and talked to graduating students. I particularly felt their reluctance to part with their classmates, teachers and campus, as well as their aspirations for their future studies and career development.

Earlier, I attended a graduation ceremony of a secondary school and talked to the graduating students.

Even though public examination results might reflect past efforts, they certainly cannot dictate one’s future. Despite stellar results, pride and complacency can impose limitations on oneself. Conversely, no matter how poor one's results are, creativity and persistence can still bring boundless opportunities. Outstanding athletes, successful entrepreneurs, and excellent artists are all passionate about and relentless in pursuing their ideals and goals. Ups and downs are inevitable in life, but if we can develop a positive attitude and perseverance through successes and failures, they will serve us for life.

The economy and society are rapidly evolving with the swift development of technology. We cannot expect success in the future simply by replicating past patterns. We must continue to adapt to new circumstances and dare to innovate. Maintaining flexibility in learning and thinking is essential in this process. Engaging in lifelong learning and continuous education is a necessity rather than an option.

Earlier, I attended a graduation ceremony of a secondary school and talked to the graduating students.

We have been making great strides to promote innovation and technology (I&T) development in Hong Kong as well as diversify our economic structure. This seeks to strengthen the momentum and resilience of development, provide more quality employment opportunities for our young people, and allow people with different aspirations and abilities to realise their potentials. Building on Hong Kong’s comparative advantages, including its strong capability in basic scientific research, convergence of global data and talent, and robust financial services, we are focusing our efforts on promoting technological innovation in a number of fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, life and health technology, fintech, new energy and new materials, so as to accelerate the development of “new quality productive forces” according to local conditions.

In addition to investing ample resources and providing policy support to universities and research institutes, we attach great importance to popular science enlightenment and education in primary and secondary schools. In previous Budgets, I increased resource allocation to encourage schools to promote popular science education. Initiatives range from subsidising secondary schools for the procurement of technology equipment to enhancing programmes that foster primary school students’ interest in information technology. These efforts aim to nurture students from an early age and strengthen the talent base needed for Hong Kong’s I&T development. This year's Budget earmarked over $130 million for related popular science education in primary schools. Each publicly-funded primary school will receive subsidies up to $300,000 in the next two school years.

In fact, Hong Kong has been performing well in mathematics and science education. According to the findings of the Programme for International Student Assessment 2022, our students ranked 4th in mathematical literacy and 7th in scientific literacy among 81 participating economies. Hong Kong’s overall performance was better than the international average. Through interacting with students of different ages, including those not studying mathematics and science, I was particularly impressed by their growing awareness of and interest in I&T, as well as their recognition of the importance of its development.

Enabling young people to build their interest in I&T and develop interdisciplinary skills is a key aspect of our future I&T development. Earlier, during my visit to the Hong Kong Science Park, I met the founders and persons in charge of several AI and robotics start-ups. They included young individuals from both the medical and engineering sectors.

This Friday, the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC) will kick-start collaboration with a company specialising in the research and development of general-purpose AI large language model robots at a forum on AI. This company will be the third strategic partner announced by HKIC. One key element of this forum is nurturing young talent. A group of secondary school students will be invited to the event and exchange with forum guests. They will also be able to interact with robots newly developed by the company.

Today, innovative technologies are reshaping industries worldwide and the way we live. Young people can surely open up new horizons for their future if they embrace change, dare to dream, keep learning, and persevere through difficulties.

July 14, 2024