I began my term as Council Chairman of the OUHK in June 2009, and since that date I have witnessed first-hand the University’s many achievements. In November 2011, we celebrated the OUHK’s 22nd anniversary and, from its inception, the University has single-mindedly adhered to its unique mission of making higher education available to all.

To achieve this goal, we have consistently offered Hong Kong people quality learning opportunities based on flexible study modes and full use of the latest technologies. This approach has allowed our students to realize their full potential, regardless of their other commitments and constraints on their time. Also, we have sought to ensure that the education we provide aligns and keeps pace with the changing needs of our society.

We are proud of the contributions the OUHK has made to Hong Kong and to the education sector over the years. For example, the total number of our graduates has now exceeded 70,000 and 160,000 people have participated in our learning programmes since 1989.

The OUHK is a self-financing tertiary institution and, in fact, has emerged as a successful and effective role model for the development of similar self-financing academic institutions in Hong Kong. Despite a constrained fiscal environment, we have continued to focus on the provision of innovative and quality study programmes to enhance our community and transform lives through the power of knowledge.

Part of the credit for the OUHK’s past successes is due to our readiness to embrace change. The coming months will see some exciting new developments. While they may also present us with fresh challenges, we will shoulder them enthusiastically, because we recognize the potential opportunities they open up.

	Members of the University Council

For instance, preparations for the New College in Ho Man Tin have moved into top gear during recent months. Scheduled for completion in late 2013, the new facility will have an innovative and environmentally conscious design. It will increase significantly the total space on our campus, thus easing the pressures that currently exist on our other facilities. Most important, it will mark the start of a new stage in the OUHK’s development as it will allow us to provide school leavers with more opportunities to pursue full-time programmes in the creative industries, testing and certification, and medical services.

More immediately, the new tertiary education system under the ‘3+3+4’ academic structure comes into effect in 2012. We have prepared ourselves fully for this fundamental reform by developing new entry criteria for our full-time undergraduate programmes, refining our curriculum structure and strengthening our general education courses.

Over the past year, we have also made progress in further enhancing many other aspects of our programmes, facilities and support we give to our students.

All these achievements have been made possible by the unstinting support that the OUHK receives from the Hong Kong SAR Government and many different quarters, such as business organizations, individuals and corporate philanthropists, charitable bodies, students, teachers, alumni and friends in the community. We are deeply grateful to all of them for the backing they give to the University’s long-term development.

I would like to express my personal appreciation to the outgoing members of the Council for their valuable contributions. I would also like to welcome the Council’s new members, whose wise guidance and efforts will, I am sure, continue to steer the OUHK towards even greater achievements in the coming year.

Our vision for the future has never been brighter but there is much more work to be done. I look forward to future successes as we ensure that the OUHK becomes the natural choice for those with aspirations for higher education in Hong Kong.