President Prof. Tam Sheung-wai spoke on distance and open education at the HKU Convocation Luncheon Talk on 30 April.

As the celebration of the OUHK's tenth anniversary begins, I am happy to report the award of the first-ever ICDE Prize of Excellence for Institutions by the International Council for Open and Distance Education for 1999. This honour signifies once again the widespread recognition of the University's contribution to the international community of open and distance learning.

Over the past ten years, the University has developed at an extremely fast rate, sometimes in very challenging climates with tight resources. But all of that has strengthened our determination to excel in every area of our endeavours. By the end of this year we shall reach two notable landmarks -- the award of our 10,000th degree and the registration of the 100,000th student. Furthermore, we are hopeful that the Research Grants Council, after its scheduled visit in August, will give us the right to apply for funds for academic research projects on an equal footing with our counterparts in other local universities.

Indeed, there are many causes for us to remember and celebrate. Today, our students, staff, alumni, leaders and supporters can relish this rich history of remarkable progress with pride and satisfaction. This is not only a time for reflection and reminiscence, but also an opportunity to sow the seeds for tomorrow on the eve of a new millenium. May I invite all of you to join our activities, celebrate the maturing of open learning in Hong Kong, and help carry its success well into the next century and beyond.