Mr Kong Qingping

Chairman Yang, University Council Members, President Tong and Honoured Guests,

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has, over the years, nurtured talents and professionals for society, many of whom have become movers and shakers in their industries and professions. Today, it is indeed a great honour for me to receive this University Fellowship from PolyU.

Hong Kong is my second home. It has been 26 years since I left the Chinese mainland to work and settle in Hong Kong. I spent the best years of my life in China Overseas Land and Investment Limited (COLI), playing a part in almost 1000 local construction projects. These are scattered all over Hong Kong, and many of them have grown to become part of our lives and culture. Over the years, while COLI has established itself as a construction conglomerate, I have also witnessed the growth of Hong Kong's economy and its interaction with the Chinese mainland. It means a lot to me to be able to have such life experience. I have also developed a strong affection for this city.

There is a saying in the Confucian classic, the Book of Rites "Great learning teaches the display of illustrious virtue, the renewal of the people, and repose in the highest good". As manifested in its motto, "To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind", PolyU shares the same vision in education. The University has a long-established vision and tradition, and prides itself as a provider of all-round education, placing emphasis on nurturing students' professional and practical knowledge. I strongly agree with the University's vision in education, and hope that with the joint efforts of PolyU and the University Fellows, we can contribute our experience to the further enhancement of its education.

Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to members of COLI and my family for their support over the past decades, and I would like to share this honour with all of you here today. Thank you.

Mr Clifton Ko Chi-sum, MH

Professor Norman W.M. Ko

Mr Kong Qingping

Ir Tsui Tack-kong

Mrs Clara Weatherall

Mr Wong Tit-shing

(in alphabetical order of last name)