Bulletin Vol. 8 No. 10 May 1972

organisation and finance. Yet nearly half of it has experienced in its own lifetime the whole transition from the life of traditional rural villages to participation in the life of a new industrialised city with all the products of modem science to offer, not only employment, amusement, transportation and convenience, but also noise, pollution and drastic social changes. In Great Britain, in adjusting itself to a transition of the same proportions, the population has been fortunate in being allowed a period not of only two decades but of 200 years. Here as elsewhere it is the duty of science to solve for people the problems that science has created for people. At no time in the history of the world have the achievements of science been more admired or more feared. The young people of Hong Kong must be guided to understand both the benefits which science brings with it and the terrific power, amounting in the case of the atomic weapon, to potential world destruction. They must be intellectually and technologically equipped to find a solution t o these problems. You young people must decide for yourselves whether it is morally right or wrong to hold back and restrain scientific invention in various fields. My own feeling is that the scientist should always be encouraged to push forward the frontiers of knowledge. I am particularly glad, therefore, to come here to this fine new University, to open the Centre for Science, which will respond to these local needs by developing knowledge of applied sciences. Nevertheless, in its response to immediate needs a University must no t forget its commitment to a long- term cause. I refer of course to the pursuit of knowledge and truth, which is above and beyond changes and permutations, be they political, economic or social. Indeed, the fundamental value of an academic institution is its moral and intellectual steadfastness through a world full of changes. In the history of mankind kingdoms rise and fall, but the impartial spirit of learning remains. Thus the spirit of scientific enquiry among medieval scholars in the universities of Bologna or Heidelberg is preserved and perpetuated by generations of learned people throughout succeeding ages. It is my fervent hope that the activities of this new University, with its superb situation and great opportunity, will be permeated by the spirit of true and objective learning. A University in its greater role not only cultivates but perpetuates this spirit. It should equip the young men and women of tomorrow with an unbiassed and analytical mind to face all eventualities, as well as provide proper training for technical and mental skills to confront the many challenges that they would face. Only with this equipment can they think things out for themselves. The alternative is merely to repeat the parrot-cries of others, to swim with the intellectual tide, which is the antithesis of true learning. To do so should be the shame of any who call themselves students. I congratulate The Chinese University on aiming to educate their young not only with the sophistications of science but an indispensable share of humanistic studies as reflected in its liberal arts requirements. Indeed, i t is only through a balanced spirit of scientific enquiry and humanism that the intellect may be free to make proper judgement in a world of conflicting ideologies. A great University must serve the Community that supports it and of which it is a part. It is an accepted fact that the future of Hong Kong depends on the ability of Hong Kong industries to grow. This is one of the many ways i n which this University can help this great city. As we all know, the markets in which Hong Kong's products are sold are becoming increasingly competitive. Young men and women skilled in the applied sciences will make possible the diversification of Hong Kong's industry, as well as its ability to produce articles of greater sophistication and higher quality. This is timely because Hong Kong's industry has now entered a new phase of innovation and refinement, and I am sure the scientific teaching and research of this University will contribute to it . Indeed, The Chinese University of Hong Kong in its short history has made its mark, not only in Hong Kong but in the world of learning at large. I am confident that the University under dynamic and imaginative leadership, and with generous financial support from the Hong Kong Government, will not be found wanting in its response to local needs and the greater challenge of the times. I am proud that the British Government, of which I was for so long a member, showed the foresight to commit substantial funds to the erection of this scientific centre, as a symbol of confidence in and expectation of this fine institution and of the great city of Hong Kong which it will serve. It is in this spirit that I have much pleasure in declaring the Centre officially open. —3 —

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