The granting of the lease of the site on Chung Hau Street in Ho Man Tin by the HKSAR Government is a strong support and recognition of our unique role in providing quality higher education for all. The New College marks a new era for the OUHK, and looking ahead, the University will continue to move forward towards the objective of creating a realm of educational equity for the community.

In the past 22 years, the OUHK has been contributing to Hong Kong's growth as a knowledge society and playing a significant role in meeting various educational needs of our society. The establishment of the New College will enable the OUHK to further its development of full-time programmes based on the solid foundation of its distance-learning operations, making available more opportunities to those aspiring to learn.

The total capital cost of the New College is estimated to be about $709 million and the Government has granted $317 million as an interest-free loan. We were very much heartened by the enthusiastic support and contributions from philanthropists and organizations, among which are a major donation of $190 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, and donations from our students, alumni and staff members. I wish to take this opportunity to express my most sincere gratitude to the community for its generosity, and look forward to your continued support.

The New College will enhance campus facilities and will be able to enrol a total annual intake of 750 students and support a total student population of 2,400 at steady rate. New full-time programmes in cultural and creative arts, testing and certification, and medical services will be on offer to develop talents in line with the development of the six crucial industries promoted by the Government. Thanks to support from longstanding friends and supporters, in particular all the members of the OUHK family, the New College project has been kick-started and is on track. May I call upon all of you to continue to show your support for the project, and to partner with us to help more learners achieve their study goals.