February 19, 2017, Li Ka-Shing, Pioneer Honorary President of YRIC, Honorary Chairman of Shantou University Council, welcomed the arrival of the rowing team from Shantou University at Hong Kong Victorial Harbor. In his welcoming speech, Mr. Li underlined that, times have changed, reform and opening up policy encourages changing old believes. Young people need to embrace the future with courage and attitude of innovation. In a constantly changing society, helping to reform education is my initiatives and constant belief. In 1981, Mr Li founded Shantou University, the only privately funded public university in China. 

Figure: Group Photo with Li Ka-shing (middle) and students

With the support of Li Ka-shing foundation, 20 students arrived in Hong Kong after 8days and 8 nights see trip from Shan tou. Mr Li said at welcoming scene that I have been tracking you with satellite these days and I am really touched by watching your sharing stories in blogs. Welcome everyone to Hong Kong. 

The first time I came to Hong Kong from Shantou, I was only 11 years old. It is also a long and winding road. You have to go north first to avoid Japanese army and then walk more the 1000 km to reach the shore. At that time, I never see the ocean and experienced storm surge before. Facing the vast sea, I had no idea whether I can reach the other side. Now times have changed, reform and opening up policy encourages changing old believes. Young people need to embrace the future with courage and attitude of innovation.

Figure: LiKa-shing, the honorary president of YRIC (second from left) welcome the rowing team from Shan tou University

He also indicated that in this constantly changing society, helping to reform education is my initiatives and constant belief. Cultivating talents with strong personality and executive power is my greatest expectation of Shantou University and Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.