In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the birthday of Dr Sun Yat-sen

Today, I officiated at the opening ceremony of a large-scale exhibition for commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birthday of Dr Sun Yat-sen. The event marked the start of a series of commemorative activities.

Dr Sun Yat-sen was a great revolutionary, politician and thinker. He had a close relationship with Hong Kong. He came to Hong Kong in 1883 for education and graduated from the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese (which later became the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong) in 1892. Hong Kong’s good municipal governance and liberal atmosphere inspired Dr Sun’s revolutionary thoughts. He also used Hong Kong as a base for his revolutionary activities. All these reflect Hong Kong’s unique significance in modern Chinese history.

More than 400 pictures and 150 invaluable artefacts associated with Dr Sun are on display in the exhibition. Some are shown to the world for the first time. Six historical documentaries will also be screened in the exhibition. The organiser has invited around 400 schools to visit the exhibition, providing a useful platform for the younger generation to learn more about modern Chinese history. The young people can also learn from Dr Sun’s selfless dedication in promoting the welfare of the Chinese people and the nation. I encourage the young people to visit the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum and the Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail.

Nowadays in the 21^st century, our country has made great strides towards national renaissance, with growing national power and a rising international status. As Chinese, we feel proud of our country’s achievements. In commemorating the contributions of Dr Sun, we should stay true to the aspirations of the revolutionary forerunner and continue to work towards the renaissance of our country.

November 9, 2016