Dr Li Ka-shing gave a speech in Chinese entitled 'Renewal' at the Naming Ceremony of the OUHK's Li Ka Shing Institute of Professional and Continuing Education on December 12 last year. He used the fable 'The Knight in Rusty Armour' by Robert Fisher to illustrate the importance of lifelong learning in this fast changing world. His words not only provide an invaluable lesson to adult learners, they also contain sobering thoughts on how Hong Kong can stay ahead in the increasingly competitive global market.

Here are some quotes from the speech. The full text is available at http://www.ouhk.edu.hk/news.html.

'Hong Kong's success over the years is the result of the hard work of many generations... (But our) past successes may not have any relevance to our present situation...We must utilize advanced technology to achieve breakthroughs...The next decade may be dominated by biotechnology and nanotechnology. The only thing that will keep us in step with the times is our eagerness to learn...Our past successes have given us considerable advantages...but to be able to adapt to new environments is an important factor in keeping our armour shiny. Like the knight in the story, we must identify our difficulties wisely and objectively, then muster the courage to face all kinds of challenges, and summon the willpower and determination to overcome all obstacles. We must encourage and support each other, continuously acquire new knowledge, evaluate our performances, and create a harmonious, healthy and valuable society. Together we will create a new Hong Kong miracle.'