Prof Mui (Prof. Horace MUI, Interim Dean of Students, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University),

Distinguished guests and friends,

Good afternoon. It gives me great pleasure to be here with you all to kick start of the Limitless Festival 2025. First of all, congratulations to the Student Affairs Office of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) for putting together such a meaningful initiative. It’s truly wonderful to see the university community coming together to celebrate diversity and inclusion. There are so many exciting events, performances, and workshops lined up over the next few weeks, and I’m sure they will inspire meaningful conversations and spark positive change on campus and beyond.

Attending university is a transformative experience. It’s a time for young people to expand their horizons, gain new perspectives, and connect with people from different walks of life. Indeed, these few critical years on campus can shape the rest of a young person’s life. It is therefore heartening to see that the number of tertiary students with special educational needs has grown steadily over the years. This growth reflects the progress we have made as a society in promoting accessibility and equal opportunities in education. However, opening doors is just the first step. As the student body becomes more diverse, we must also provide a supportive environment, accommodations and understanding to ensure these young people can thrive and realise their potential.

Empathy is at the centre of every inclusive community and environment. And the most effective way to cultivate this virtue is to put oneself in another person’s shoes and see the world from their perspective. The Limitless Festival gives students and members of the university community opportunities to do just that. By encouraging interactions and communications across differences, the Festival will break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and build an empathetic campus culture where inclusion is not just an ideal, but a lived reality.

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) also sees encouraging interactions between people with different abilities and background as key to fostering a society with equal opportunities for all. This approach is embedded at the heart of our Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme, which provides opportunities for local tertiary students to meet people from different walks of life, listen to their stories and understand their challenges. PolyU students have given the Scheme incredible support over the years. Their enthusiastic participation in the Scheme is a testament to the work the university has done in nurturing future leaders with a passion for the values of diversity, equality and inclusion. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your contributions. We at the EOC look forward to continue working with you all to promote equal opportunities to the next generation.

Before I conclude, I want to give a word of encouragement to all the students and Limitless Ambassadors who have taken time out of their busy schedules to support this initiative. Your participation will not only enrich your university experience, but you are also contributing to a greater cause. Every small step you take to understand and support others can create ripples that extend far beyond the campus. Whether it’s advocating for accessibility, challenging stereotypes, or simply practicing kindness in your daily interactions, your actions are the building blocks for a more inclusive and compassionate society. You have the power to shape the future and make it a place where everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, can thrive.

Thank you once again for inviting me here today. I wish the festival a great success, and I hope you’ll all have a wonderful afternoon.