Speech by CE at Wah Yan College, Kowloon Centenary Gala Dinner (with video)
Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Wah Yan College, Kowloon Centenary Gala Dinner today (December 20):
Cardinal Stephen Chow (Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong), Father Stephen Tong (Provincial of the Chinese Province of the Society of Jesus), Dr So Ying-lun (Supervisor of Wah Yan College, Kowloon), Ms Cecilia Chow (Principal of Wah Yan College, Kowloon), teachers and staff of Wah Yan College, Kowloon, fellow Wahyanites, young and old, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. I am very delighted to share the joy, with all of you, of the centenary of our alma mater. To all of us Wahyanites, Wah Yan College, Kowloon is way more than just a school. It is where students grow, and thrive, in a nurturing and caring environment. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Wah Yan College, Kowloon a very Happy Birthday.
Founded in 1924, Wah Yan College, Kowloon has stood tall in Hong Kong's education sector for a century, dedicated to bringing out the unique talent and goodness in every student, with a diverse variety of learning experiences. The College nurtures not only students' knowledge, but also their pursuit of the four values of human excellence: competence, commitment, conscience and compassion.
Over the past century of history, Wah Yan, Kowloon has been upholding the philosophy of "Men for and with others". What defines Wahyanites is not their academic capability, or their athletic might - well, although we are very good at both. What defines Wahyanites is their great humility in serving others, and in giving back to society with their excellence in academic, athletic, or other noble pursuits.
Although I have left the beautiful campus of Wah Yan, Kowloon, at 56 Waterloo Road, almost half a century ago, I have always taken pride in being a Wahyanite. I am eternally grateful to the guidance of Father Deignan and all my teachers, as well as the spirit of magis, of the betterment of the self and our pursuits. It has enabled me to brave the challenges that come our way, and remain committed to serving the community, throughout different stages of my career.
Wah Yan, Kowloon gives students the freedom to pursue their developments. I still recall, with relish, the many activities I took part in and outside of the classroom. I learnt to strike a balance between conflicting priorities, and better my decision-making skills. What I have learnt in Wah Yan, Kowloon has been invaluable in my public service, and in my daily work as Chief Executive.
My alma mater has indeed bestowed upon me many lifelong gifts. But what I cherished the most is the excellent tradition among Wahyanites - Wahyanites' fraternity and sense of cohesion. Wahyanites, speaking as both your fellow and as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, I wish to appeal to all of you to treasure unity and collaboration, for they are essential to creating a better future for Hong Kong, our home. Let's all spread the Wahyanesque spirit of care and selflessness, and bring a positive impact to society.
I would like to end with my favourite line from our school hymn - "To champion, though so lowly, Nor ever fail nor pause, When trials throng and press". Wahyanites, whatever challenges that may come your way, know that you are "men for and with others". Know that you can always be the best of yourself.
On that note, I wish Wah Yan, Kowloon another century of success. I wish you all the best of health. Thank you very much.
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Contribute" today (January 15).During the operation, ImmD Task Force officers raided premises under renovation in a newly built public housing estate in Sheung Shui district.A total of six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested. Thearrested suspected illegal workers comprise six men, aged 22 to 41. Furthermore, one man, aged 45, suspected of employing the illegal workers, was also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
Apart from mounting the enforcement operation, ImmD officers and a promotional vehicle have been deployed to distribute "Don't Employ Illegal Workers" leaflets and convey the message in the estate.
An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."
The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
