Speeches and Transcripts

7pm, 24 September 2015

The Poolhouse, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

Dr. Rice, Prof. Yao, Prof. Yeh, family and friends,

Good evening.

Having addressed the ceremony in Cantonese this afternoon, and since I’m surrounded by close friends and family this evening, I would like to welcome you all here in English in order for everyone, especially those from abroad including Dr. Rice who travelled such a long distance for this, to hear from me directly and to celebrate this momentous occasion of the LUI Che Woo Prize launch.

Today is not just a remarkable day for the Prize but also an exceptional moment for me. Together with you, who are all close to my heart, I am seeing this long-awaited dream come true – a prize to recognise and honour accomplishments that promote world civilisation and human well-being is finally being unveiled to the world.

Rome was not built in one day, nor by one individual. This meaningful project would not have been accomplished without the tremendous and concerted effort of our Prize Council, Prize Recommendation Committee and our Board of Governors as well as every member of the working team, to whom we are extremely obliged. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Rice, Prof. Yao, Prof. Yeh, Prof. Lau, Prof. Ma and Dr. Cheng core members of this privileged group, and all other members who could not make it to Hong Kong this time. You have so generously offered your vision and devoted invaluable time and expertise to make all these happen and succeed. Thank you also for sharing the same vision which brought us all together in the first place, believing in the ultimate kindness of mankind that contribute to a peaceful place for everyone, and working towards encouraging others to exercise this inner beauty and kindness to bring meaningful and long-lasting benefits to one another.

Our society won’t change to a Brave New World immediately, but our Prize will sow the seeds for a better and more harmonious world. I hope the Prize and concept of harmony that it carries underneath will continue to inspire and guide us to building a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous world for our next generation.

Lastly, as we will all celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on Sunday, I wish you and your family good health and happiness.

Thank you.

(376 words; 3 mins)