President of NPRA, Supervisor’s Speech By Mr. Joseph Lee, SBS, JP

Dear Dr. Li, Professor Sung, Principal Yeung. Honorable Guests, teachers, parents and students,

It is my honour to be able to share my thoughts again at our school’s 22nd Speech Day where we celebrate the achievement of our students, undoubtedly only made possible through hardwork, persistence, and support of their teachers and parents. This year we were given a solemn reminder of life’s fragility and transient nature when tragedy struck at the heart of our school when we were faced with the sudden loss of our beloved teacher 諸老師. As a community we mourned together, counted our blessings, and commit to carrying on his legacy in our lives. I am proud and grateful for the gracefulness of our students and how each of them braved the day with renewed hope and strength despite such shock.

In situations as these, how do we respond? How do we prepare for life’s uncertainties? Even for the many setbacks or challenges that we “undeservedly” meet. As many youngsters may feel uncertain about their future despite their high level of education received, as your School Supervisor I would remind our students our school motto of “Persist with Virtuousness and Perseverance.” Starting with improving and respecting oneself, we are to be responsible and committed to extending this care to enhancing our community. This belief is aligned with the three major values promoted by the Committee on Promotion of Civic Education of the Hong Kong government – “Respect”, “Responsibility”, and “Care.”

To bring values into action, I would like to share with you all the stories of two good men which demonstrate the above virtues and more. First of all, I’d like to introduce you Professor Joseph Sung, the guest of honor of our today’s ceremony. As the Head of Shaw College of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a prolific medical scientist in area of the Gastroenterology, he was awarded the Asian Hero Award of Time Magazine in 2003 for his contribution to the fight against SARS. Professor Sung has also accepted the appointment to be the next Vice-Chancellor of the University upon completion of his term as College Head. Not only did he demonstrate persistence and perseverance, but illustrated the educational aim of Shaw College as he exuded “Excellence with a Soul, Leadership with a Heart.” all for the respect of human dignity, immense sense of responsibility towards society, and the passion for life itself. To excel in your vocation is one thing, to be able to influence lives with your life is an entirely different story.
The other is our beloved teacher 諸老師. Not long ago, we said farewell to 諸老師, whose wife shared with us how they hope for their son to become a “good” person. To become the “good” person that his father was – a teacher who cared for his students, took upon his work seriously, and commanded the respect and reliance of his peers. In his own profession, 諸老師also exemplified the “excellence” and “heart” that is signatory of a “good” person. If we demanded excellence with purposefulness and heart in all that we do, I think these are all small steps to becoming a “good” and contributing member of Hong Kong.

Revisit our school motto which is truly the fruit of cumulative wisdom of our forebearers. I encourage us all to continue building our own capacity for commitment, responsibility and sustainable values, even beyond your days in our school. May you become the pride of our school, our society, and proud of being able to give back, and to be relied upon.

Lastly, I thank our teachers for their persistence and insistence to offer the best possible education for our students, under the passionate leadership of our Principal Mr. Yeung. I thank Professor Sung, Dr. Li and all other dignitaries of our Ningbo family for their continuous support of our school, and the development of our future generations. I wish everyone here good health, a joyous life, and a happy lunar new year.

Joseph Lee, SBS, JP, Supervisor