The Chinese University of Hong Kong held its 76th Congregation for the Conferment of Degrees on 20 November. Dr. Vincent H.C. Cheng, Chairman of the University Council, presided over the congregation and conferred 3,385 bachelor's degrees and 6,414 master's degrees.

In his speech 'Our Leaders of Tomorrow', Prof. Joseph J.Y. Sung, Vice-Chancellor, said university graduates are future leaders of our society and country. He encouraged them to learn from Pope Francis—to be humble, visionary and inclusive, so as to lead their teams, their organizations and their countries to the next level of prosperity and harmony.

Professor Sung elaborated, 'Humility empowers leaders like no other quality. Pope Francis said, "If we can develop a truly humble attitude, we can change the world."' Humility means living a simple life; not to be ruled by the materialistic world; being equal with the crowd that one leads; being willing to listen and to accept different views.

For leadership to be effective and sensible, leaders need to be knowledgeable and visionary. They need to keep themselves abreast of the latest advancements in their fields, and be aware of the way the tide of the world is turning. Professor Sung urged the graduates to never stop learning, improving themselves, or looking out for opportunities.

He went on to explain the concept of being inclusive using the words of Pope Francis—'If you want to be a great leader, you will listen to people who may not be seeing things as you are. You wouldn't mind to be surrounded by people who are not afraid to tell you the truth and offer you advices that you may not like.'

Please click here for the full speech.