News and Speeches

Speeches (since 2005)

31 May 2006

Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Chris Wardlaw
at Closing Ceremony of English Festival 2006

Mr Tien, Mr Chan, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, I must congratulate Mr Tien and members of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) on another success in organising the English Festival again this year. I am thrilled, as you all must be too, on learning that the number of participants in the Festival this year has almost doubled the figure of 2005. It certainly has provided an important and enjoyable learning experience to students, and even adults, of different ages.

Thanks also to our partners:
Daily7 and Daily10
The Hong Kong Parliamentary Debating Society
British Council Hong Kong
Shakespeare4All
Theatre Space Foundation Ltd
Hong Kong Community College of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Rotaract Club of Kingspark Hong Kong

Together they reached some 40,000 students and teachers and the many many viewers due to the support of our TV channels.

One of our fundamental beliefs in language education is that there is no short-cut to mastering a language and in order to really improve one must learn the language everywhere and everyday. Debate competition and workshops, musical drama, word games, folk songs, writing competition, interactive drama performances and TV programmes - SCOLAR has certainly demonstrated through the English Festival that there is no one single way to learn and practise your English. The way to success is to seize these good opportunities to learn and use your language!

So although we are gathered here today to witness the official closing of the English Festival 2006, the spirit of the festival should continue to grow through whole community effort - business, community, the education sector. For our young people - starting tomorrow, do create your own daily English learning routine, both inside and outside the classroom, at home and in the community. You will be surprised to find out the ample opportunities of learning English around us. Read a book or a magazine, watch a movie, listen to the radio, sing some songs, surfing the internet ... just don't forget the four key elements of language learning - listening, reading, writing and speaking. And remember, it takes time to master a language. So do it at your own pace, but persevere.

For parents, school heads and teachers who have spent many "precious" weekends to take part in various activities during the last two months, I commend your unfailing efforts in nurturing our children. Your dedication and participation are always the best in showing our young people the true meaning of learning English everyday and everywhere.

English is all around us.

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to SCOLAR for their efforts in delivering the English Festival. Now let us celebrate the achievements of students, sit back, and enjoy the show.

Thank you!