Welcoming Remarks by the Permanent Secretary for Education at the Tea Gathering of Belt and Road Scholarship (Myanmar)

Welcoming Remarks by the Permanent Secretary for Education at the

Tea Gathering of Belt and Road Scholarship (Myanmar)

22 April 2024 (Monday)

Dr Jonathan Choi, Consul General, distinguished guests, scholars and students, ladies and gentlemen,

   It gives me great pleasure to join you today at the tea gathering to meet the bright talents from Myanmar and to thank all those who have contributed to the scholarship programmes. Dear scholars, the award of the Belt and Road scholarship not only acknowledges your outstanding academic achievements but also recognises your potential to make meaningful contributions to the your nation, Hong Kong and humankind.  We take immense pride in welcoming you to the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong.

2.   May I also take this opportunity to express my warmest gratitude to the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and CGCC (Foundation) Limited for their generous donation in support of the Belt and Road Scholarship (Myanmar).

3.   Hong Kong is blessed with distinctive advantages under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. We enjoy strong support of our motherland China, which is the growth engine of the world.  At the same time, we are a metropolitan city closely connected to the world.  Having direct access to the huge Mainland market and strong international connectivity at the same time, Hong Kong serves as a bridge and gateway between the Mainland and the rest of the world.  Key national strategies, including the 14th Five-Year Plan, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the Belt and Road Initiative provide Hong Kong with unlimited opportunities.

4.   The Belt and Road Initiative, as we all know, is more than just an economic project. It is a visionary pathway that seeks to enhance global cooperation, improve cultural exchanges, and strengthen mutual understanding among nations.  The Belt and Road Initiative was advocated by President Xi Jinping 10 years ago.  At the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in October last year, President Xi announced eight major steps that China will take to support high-quality Belt and Road co-operation; emphasis was placed on China’s commitment to fostering people-to-people exchanges.  The Belt and Road Scholarship echoes this theme by fostering people-to-people bond through encouraging students from different countries and economies along the Belt and Road to study in Hong Kong.

5.   Being a global education centre with brilliant and talented students, as well as distinguished academics from across the globe, Hong Kong is the nurturing ground for future talents. We are acclaimed to be the only city with five universities in the world’s top 100.  By fostering a conducive environment for learning, innovation, and cultural exchange, we aspire to position ourselves as a premier destination for education and research. 

6.   In the 2023 Policy Address, our Chief Executive put emphasis on developing Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub, announcing a host of measures to be implemented in the coming years. One notable initiative is the doubling of the non-local student quota to 40%.  In addition, the annual quota under the Belt and Road Scholarships will be increased by 50%, attracting more talents from Belt and Road countries to study in Hong Kong.  We will also take forward the initiative of developing a Northern Metropolis University Town where post-secondary institutions are encouraged to strengthen co-operation with renowned overseas institutions, and create synergy by sharing resources and enhancing collaboration with the industry sector.  Extra resources are injected through the Funding Scheme for Mainland and Global Engagement and Student Learning Experience to encourage universities to provide more exchange and learning opportunities outside Hong Kong, and to promote a diversified and inclusive international learning environment.

7.   Hong Kong is a cradle for future talents where individuals with remarkable abilities and potential converge, grow and thrive. Under the Immigration Arrangement for Non-local Graduate (IANG), non-local students can stay in Hong Kong for two years without other conditions upon graduation to seek for job and other development opportunities in our city.  We certainly welcome all Belt and Road scholars to stay in Hong Kong after graduation to explore the boundless opportunities here.  But for those of you who choose to pursue your dreams elsewhere, I am sure you will be the ambassadors of Hong Kong, bridging Hong Kong with your own nations and the world.

8.   Dear scholars, the scholarship gives you an unparalleled opportunity not only to acquire prestigious academic qualifications but also gain invaluable global perspective, friendship and network. May I extend my heartfelt to you wishes for a rewarding and prosperous journey in Hong Kong. 

9.   Once again, I would like to express my sincere thanks to CGCC and CGCC(Foundation) for their generosity. Working in partnership, we can build a better Hong Kong and a better world.