Speech by SLW at Cathay Pacific "I Can Fly" Programme Graduation Ceremony 2007-08 (English only)

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the Cathay Pacific "I Can Fly" Programme graduation ceremony 2007-08 today (April 5):

Mr Tony Tyler, Mr Norman Lo, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to be here this afternoon to witness the success of our young participants in accomplishing their four months' intensive training. I extend my warmest congratulations to all graduates. I am particularly glad to learn that those who have outstanding performance will be rewarded with an overseas trip this summer.

Trying one's hand at an aircraft and having professional pilots as mentors are the dreams of many people. How lucky you are to have been recruited to this very special programme which makes your dream come true. And not only this. Alongside lectures on aviation and aircraft engineering, you were given the opportunity to serve the less privileged in a series of social projects and activities. As much as you were thrilled by the wonders aloft, I am sure you were equally moved by the joy of giving. Is this not the lesson we should all learn? That we should seek to improve ourselves, only to serve others better. Today, as you bid farewell to fellow participants in the programme, I hope you will bring home not only knowledge about flying, or friendships and laughter, but also the spirit of giving that the programme has kindled in your heart.

As for Cathay Pacific, I truly appreciate your enthusiasm in nurturing our younger generation and for your commitment to serving the community. This is the third "I Can Fly" Programme since 2003, and I understand that together with the graduates today, 3,000 youngsters have already benefited from the programme. That you have made such a remarkable achievement in just a few years is most impressive. You have truly exemplified the social responsibility and corporate citizenship that you seek to promote. I have every confidence that, together with you and our other partners in the community, we can make Hong Kong an even more vibrant, harmonious and caring society.

Finally, to the young "I Can Flyers", I wish you all the very best as you travel far in the wide expanses of your life. Some of you may one day pursue your career in the aviation industry and others may venture on different ambitions, but I am sure that you will all know how to put the experiences gained during the past four months to meaningful and productive use.

May I invite you to join me in thanking Cathay Pacific for bringing us together on this happy occasion, for their sterling contribution to community service and for the immense success of this programme. Thank you.

Ends/Saturday, April 5, 2008