Bulletin Vol. 8 No. 3 Oct 1971

Dr. Choh-Ming Li's Speech The name of The Chinese University, in Chinese, implies a university wit h a firm background in Chinese culture. Thus soon after the establishment of the University, the Institute o f Chinese Studies was formed in November 1967. Various research centres and divisions connected with the study of Chinese culture were in turn initiated. Construction of the Institute of Chinese Studies Building began i n August 1969 ， was completed in December 1970, and the building has been in full operation since January 1971. These facts and dates speak for themselves, indicating the extent of support the community has given The Chinese University toward promoting Chinese culture. Toda y we witness another landmark in the development of the Institute of Chinese Studies — the Opening o f the Art Gallery and its first Exhibition of Chinese Art. Through this we hope to contribute to the overall cultural activities of Hong Kong and to humbly appeal to you for your guidance, encouragement and future support . When we speak of Chinese culture, we must think of the saying, “Inheri t the past and pioneer the future". Tradition is not blind or timid adherence to what has been handed down to us. Without being aware of contemporaneity and the development of culture as a living process, tradition is devoid of meaning. It is often said that Chinese culture is steeped in a deep fountain and flows on and on. By this is meant Chinese culture not only has a glorious past, but also has an immense future. Being contemporaries, we must feel our tremendous responsibility: how to enrich our cultural heritage, how to refine it further, and how to pave the way for future advancement. The Opening of the Art Gallery is but a partial realization of thi s conviction. From now on, the Art Gallery is not only open to the members of the institutes concerned, it is also open to all the staff, and all the students of the University. In fact, it is open to the whole community of Hong Kong. Through the Art Gallery and its exhibitions , it is hoped that the best in the past can be assimilated, understood and better appreciated in order to consolidate our desire to create a more splendid future. Only by discharging this obligation can we perform our role in the long process of cultural fulfillment. The fact that it took a reasonably short time to organize such an exhibition is in itself rather remarkable. This is the happy occasion to acknowledge our thanks and gratitude to those who have rendered us their support. Our deepest gratitud e should go to Lee Hysan Estate Company Ltd., wh o not only donated the entire building of the Institute of Chinese Studies, but again and again, through some members of the Lee family, offered its wholehearted support to our various projects. It is through their generosity that these many-splendoured works of art can now be presented to you in such resplendent surroundings. We wish also to express our sincere appreciation to the Hon. W. Szeto for waiving his architect's fee, and the Lam Woo & Company for completing the building at cost. Last, but not least, our thanks are due to the private collectors who loaned us their Chinese art treasures for this exhibition. Their noble gesture has given us great encouragement, reassuring us that every one of us is working for the same worthy cause: to create a mor e splendid future for Chinese culture! Thank you. (See also pictures in Chinese section) Opening of University Health Centre The University Health Centr e was formally opened on 30th September. Dr . Ira Hiscock, Chairman of the Health Committee of Yale-in-China Association, unveiled the plaque at the ceremony, which was attended by University staff and students, Yale Club members in Hong Kong, prominent leaders of the community and well-known members of the medical profession. Among the guests were Dr . Reuben A. Holden, Prof. Harry R. Rudin and Dr. Ira Hiscock, the three representatives of the Yale-in-China Association, and Dr. John Z. Bowers, President of the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation who had come to Hong Kong for the opening of the Health Centre. - 4 -