Gary, Queenie, Youth Ambassadors,

Good afternoon everyone! First of all, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the Youth Ambassadors. I have read your personal stories and watched your self-introductory videos, and it is so wonderful to finally get to meet you all in person.

This is the second time the Equal Opportunities Commission is organising the Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme. We are so heartened to see the enthusiastic response, as we received over 160 applications from 18 tertiary institutions, which made the competition for places quite fierce this year. So, do give yourselves a big round of applause for your achievement, in earning a place in the Scheme with your outstanding applications.

Each and every one of you comes from a different background and has a unique story to tell; some of you even speak different languages. But when I read your applications, I saw that you all have one thing in common: a firm belief in the value of equal opportunities and strong passion to make a difference. In the next few months, you will participate in a series of exciting activities that will let you appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion. I hope the visits, exchanges, and training sessions we have lined up will inspire and empower you to grow as champions and future leaders of equality in our city.

Indeed, we need more young people like you to become allies in creating a truly equal and inclusive Hong Kong. Never underestimate your power to influence and change the world. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s decision makers, leaders and catalysts for change. As the Ming Dynasty philosopher Wang Yangming (王陽明) said: 立志而聖則聖矣，立志而賢則賢矣, you can become whatever or whoever you want as long as you have the will and determination.

I encourage all of you to share the lessons you learn and the experiences you gain from the Scheme with your peers. In doing so, you can ignite positive changes in your communities and beyond. And finally, do learn from one another and be each other’s biggest supporters. Meaningful change does not come from individuals alone. Only when we join hands and work together can we transform society.

Congratulations once again on being selected for the Scheme. I wish you all a most rewarding and memorable journey ahead. Thank you.