Born in China, my family and I have taken root in Hong Kong after settling in the territory many decades ago. We have always been involved in the development of Hong Kong’s industrial and commercial sectors, and have witnessed the cyclical changes since the 1960’s ? from prosperity to recession, and from recession back to prosperity. Driven by different factors, both internal and external, every economic cycle brings different changes. However the cycle of transformation has been shortening over the years, and the contributing factors are more difficult to anticipate and adapt to.

Over these years, I have come to a realization : Not only are cyclical economic changes getting rapid, but also the cyclical changes of the intellectual realm. Today, school curriculum fails to meet the needs of a knowledge-based society. While it is true that self-motivation on the part of students is important, what is school education supposed to offer?

To cope with the ever-changing situation, there have been heated discussions on educational reform in the past two years. However there has not been a consensus and this negative mood is wearing off people’s passion in education. We think that rather than having an endless argument over the matter, we ought to be devoting ourselves to the business of education, in particular, the implementation of school-based management. The Board of Directors will have to bear greater responsibilities, while education institution founders and educators could bring their aspiration and professional visions to full play.

Extending a family heritage of providing charitable education, I began to engage myself in the local education sector in 1997. I was appointed the Supervisor of「 順德大良羅定邦中學」 and Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si Primary School, and a Director of 「羅氏基金世德幼稚園」. Through supporting the good cause of providing school education, participating in the 「Directors Training Programme」 and seminars organized by the Education Department, I have gained a deeper understanding of the daily operations of schools. In the process, I have encountered difficulties that were far beyond my expectation. Also in the process, I had a chance to discuss issues pertaining Hong Kong’s younger generation with Social and Education Department officials. Our conversation focused on the problems in local rehabilitation centres for youths. It has reinforced my determination to continue devoting myself in education. I am committed to making contributions to society, and particularly in promoting the cause of preparing our youths for a bright future.

It is with this vision that we extend definite support to Yan Chai Hospital in its founding of Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si College, a new secondary school named after my late mother.

We have drafted a proposal in the past year, which was approved by the Education Department and School Approval Committee. I strongly believe that our principle is in accord with students’ needs and parents’ expectations, as well as setting a new direction for teachers and bringing new hope to society. To encourage comments from various professional sectors, we have documented the proposal in a publication titled 「迎接知識社會：我們的理念、計劃與實踐」. We hope that this publication can further our mission to provide education and enhance our services. Like the old Chinese saying, 「It takes ten years to grow trees, but a hundred to rear people」. Let us give our best to cultivate talents for our society!