It was such a pleasure for me to attend
the graduation ceremony of the Open University last year. It impressed
upon me that the graduates on stage had achieved their goal with such
determination and will power. This is certainly not easy as we live
in a society that thrives on prosperity, where there is such a strong
emphasis on material gains, where seeing beyond the narrow ambit of
self-interest is not encouraged, and taking the short cut whenever
possible is justified. There is nothing wrong with striving for success,
wealth, physical luxuries or fame, but experience tells us that for
almost anything worthwhile, anything in which one can take pride,
a great deal of time, effort, will power, discipline, persistence,
and self-restraint is required. There is a vast difference between
unearned self-esteem and hard-earned self-respect.
The new century ushers in an era of immense changes, revolutionary,
dramatic and fundamental changes, globalization, and innovation. The
pace of new technological advances of information systems creates
new wealth, new economic cycles, and new lifestyles and societies.
Thus it is important for us as a society to embrace these changes,
not only through the financial market, but also through the manner
in which we prepare ourselves. In this new age, wealth is the product
of knowledge. It is a great personal asset and should be valued highly.
Not only just as a tool to enhance professional advances, but it should
also permeate our way of life, from how we educate our young to how
we judge economic activities.
That is why I was so eager to support this new proposed learning centre
of the Open University. I called Council Chairman Charles Lee after
the Open University Congregation and found out about this new initiative.
I immediately agreed to support this meaningful project, and I encourage
others to lend their support to projects and programmes that promote
life-long learning. I hope that the Government will provide more support
for life-long educational initiatives and divert more funds to focus
in this area so that everyone will have the opportunity to further
their studies should they wish to do so.
The Open University has been very successful in developing human capital,
and their efforts are highly commendable and praise-worthy. I am confident
that their graduates will not only enhance their own prospects but
also make a greater contribution to society. May I take this opportunity
to wish the Open University continued success in the years ahead.
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