Prof Kapai (Prof Puja KAPAI, Founder, DEIJB Lab),

Distinguished guests and friends,

Good afternoon. It’s my honour to be here with you all today to celebrate the publication of Journey with Me through Hong Kong, My Home. This activity book is one of the most fun and creative initiatives that promotes equality and inclusion in Hong Kong. Adele and Sophie, the two designers of the activity book, have done such an excellent job in bringing to life the stories of ethnically diverse women in our community. I’m sure all the activities will bring a lot of joy to children, parents, and teachers as they explore the meaning of multiculturalism in our city. Let’s give Adele, Sophie, and the team at DEIJB Lab a round of applause for their fantastic work!

Cultural diversity has long been at the heart of Hong Kong’s identity. For decades, people from all corners of the world have migrated here in search of opportunities and to build a home for themselves. They brought with them unique skills, traditions, and diverse perspectives that have not only enriched the cultural fabric but have been key to powering the city’s growth and development. Hong Kong’s status as a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub stems in large part from the diversity of the people who call this city home.

Today, non-ethnic Chinese individuals make up over 8% of the total population and are one of the fastest-growing demographics. Between 2011 and 2021, the population grew by around 37%. They are also much younger compared to the general population. These trends indicate that our city will continue to become more diverse in the years to come, and we must do everything possible to ensure that people from all ethnic backgrounds can fully participate in society.

Yet, despite their long-standing presence in the community, individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds continue to face challenges in everyday life. As Prof Kapai’s extensive research and several studies conducted by the Equal Opportunities Commission show, biases, stereotypes, and discriminatory attitudes pose significant barriers, hindering their inclusion in education, employment, and access to goods and services. For women from culturally diverse backgrounds, gender stereotypes further compound these challenges, leading to what some scholars call intersectional inequality.

No one is inherently biased or holds stereotypes against people or groups different from themselves. Instead, these perceptions are acquired from the social environment during their formative years. Studies have shown that children as young as three have already started to develop unconscious biases and stereotypical attitudes towards people of different races. Research has also found that stereotypes can be incredibly stubborn and difficult to change once they are learnt. In the words of African American writer and activist Audre Lorde, “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences.”

For this to change, we need to take active steps to help the next generation embrace cultural diversity from a young age. Through education, we can provide children with opportunities to hear the stories and experiences of those who are underrepresented in the broader cultural discourse, gain insights into different perspectives, and learn to advocate for equality and inclusion as they grow and develop.

With the publication of Journey with Me through Hong Kong, My Home, we now have an incredible resource in our community to empower children to do just that. The inspiring stories and achievements of the 12 ethnic minority women challenge negative racial and gender stereotypes while introducing young readers to the riches and treasures they will discover when they connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. From Muslim poet Sa’diyya, Indian actor and comedian Maitreyi to Hong Kong-Pakistani nurse Kulsoom and Hong Kong Filipino journalist Jan, the women featured in the book serve as powerful role models for children from all cultural backgrounds, inspiring them to chase their dreams and see their own potential as the future leaders and innovators in society. But perhaps most importantly, the book teaches an expansive notion of belonging, where one’s birthplace is not what matters most.

Creating an educational environment that prioritises the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion requires collaboration and efforts from everyone, not just schools and teachers. As part of our youth education programmes, the EOC released the Harmony in the Universe online educational modules for primary school students in December last year. Through animated short videos and accompanying teaching materials, the modules teach students to develop empathy, care for others, and explore the meaning of DEI in everyday life. In the 2022/23 school year, we also launched the Racially Friendly Campus Recognition Scheme to encourage schools to organise student activities to promote racial equality and create culturally inclusive campuses. Since its launch, we have been encouraged to see significant growth in the number of participating schools, with close to 170 schools joining for the 2024/25 edition. Beyond initiatives focusing on schools and students, we have also been liaising with the Government and relevant authorities, providing them with policy recommendations on ways to enhance education and career planning support for non-ethnic Chinese students.

Last year marked the 15th anniversary of the implementation of the Race Discrimination Ordinance. During that time, Hong Kong has undoubtedly made progress in becoming more inclusive of people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. However, there is still a lot more we can and should do. The DEIJB Lab is paving the way for change, and I look forward to continuing working with you all to create a multicultural city where differences are celebrated and embraced.

Congratulations once again on the publication of the book. I wish the DEIJB Lab great success in all its future initiatives and endeavours.

Thank you.