Bulletin Autumn 1989

by means of arms race. The rapid increase in pro­ ductivity and the soaring economic developments in various parts of the world have undoubtedly formed a powerful force for peace. When the m ilitary superiority and the economic superiority of the superpowers become mutually exclusive, a detente is bound to take place. Then come days of hope for lasting peace on earth. If we say that the gradually internationalized world economy in our age marks the beginning of a new era in which the international economic com­ petition, step by step, replaces military competition, then we can also expect the internationalization of world economy to promote the internationalization of world politics. Because of the difference in tradition, language, history and culture among different peoples, the boundary between nations may not disappear overnight; but some of the serious problems con­ fronting mankind, problems such as the damage done to the ecosystem and environment of the whole world, the aggravation of the difference in wealth between the developing and the developed nations and the menace brought about by the constant increase in population, are no longer insoluble problems. If we are deeply convinced that the future of humanity is built upon a global system of politics, economics and culture, which calls for the interdependence among all countries and regions of the world, then we shall also find that the world which every one of us faces and the stage on which every one of us lives is indeed the whole earth. When we confidently speculate upon the future of humanity, we w ill certainly ask: What w ill provide a basis for the prosperity and development of every region in such a highly internationalized world? Indisputably, in times when mutual help as well as economic competition and competition in trade occupies a crucial position, this w ill rely on the relative development of productivity of individual regions. When the productivity, the cultural level and the quality of life of a region are higher than those of other regions, thepeople of the region can take the lead in human progress and guide the others along. I sincerely hope that in such times of changes, an energetic place like Hong Kong and its people can play an important part for the future of humanity. As long aswe educate our younger generation properly so that they really understand science and technology, grasp the laws of nature and social developments and have amind broad enough to ‘have the whole world in view' , not only w ill they be able to change Hong Kong into an even better place, but the development of China and the world, too, will enlist their help as those really capable of serving mankind. I am a scientist and an educator. In the past 20 years, I spent most of the time studying the dynamics of chemical reactions. What I really wanted to understand was how exactly chemical reactions take place when atoms and molecules collide. Because we cannot observe the motion of microscopic atoms and molecules with our naked eye, we have devised an experimental method that is now known as crossed molecular beams technique to obtain experimental results which provide a clear picture of the dynamics of chemical reactions as if we saw it happen. In scientific studies, first of all, we scientists have to accumulate new knowledge little by little so as to further master the laws governing the movements of matter. Although the roles we play on the world stage are nothing overwhelmingly heroic, we know, nevertheless, that what really promotes human progress and actually changes the face of the world is scientific and technological progress. Mankind has indeed accumulated an abundance of knowledge since time immemorial, but this knowledge is far from perfect. After all, what we know is limited. Ahead of us remain many puzzling and fascinating things awaiting our search and discovery. It is my fervent hope that the young students present today can find in their scientific search abeautiful life. In my career as aneducator, I have always believed that for promoting and accelerating the progress of abackward region or a developing country, nothing is better than proper education. I am deeply convinced that the modern­ ization of China must be rooted in large-scale investments in education. But the present situation is a cause for concern. During the past ten years, the rate of illiteracy in China has risen and gone back from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, while the people with higher education, people who can contribute to the modernization of society, constitute no more than one per cent of the population. This gravely worries the countless people overseas who feel concerned for the future of China. Investment in education is investment for the future. To raise the educational standard is the first step towards amodem society. I am glad to have the opportunity today to express my personal views. I truly believe that the future of humanity is bright, provided that we all join forces in a long-term common pursuit. Thank you. Translated by Dr. Shiu-Pang E. Almberg 8