Dear Parents and Students,
The festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year has not yet fully faded, and we welcome the new school term with hope for the future. However, while we have been immersing ourselves in the warmth of the holidays and the joy of reunions with family and friends, news from the other side of the world—the military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28—has brought heart-wrenching sorrow. The conflict has caused immense suffering, leaving countless families displaced and communities in fear. Such acts of bullying through strength stand in stark contrast to the concept of a "community with a shared future for mankind" that our country advocates—a vision that emphasises the interconnectedness of nations and the pursuit of peaceful coexistence.
War not only gravely threatens the lives of people in the countries directly involved, but also affects each of us in different ways. It reminds us that peace is never something to be taken for granted. Every day, we are able to move safely through our streets, enjoy quality time with our families and friends, and strive for our dreams. This seemingly ordinary happiness is, in fact, underpinned by the strength of our nation and the silent dedication of countless individuals. In some corners of the world, such a life has become an unattainable luxury. None of this has come easily, and we must learn to cherish and be grateful for it.
"Being prepared for danger in times of peace" is not just an ancient adage; it is the attitude we must adopt in the face of a complex and changing world. We need to learn to step back from the trivialities of daily life and truly appreciate the gentle breeze, the warmth of the sun, and the kindness we share with one another. More importantly, we must transform this appreciation for the preciousness of peace into a sense of responsibility and commitment to our country, our community, and our families. Only by truly cherishing what we have can we remain calm and composed when storms arise, safeguarding the tranquility that belongs to us.
Looking ahead, the recently unveiled national development blueprint for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) emphasises the concept of a national development community. It specifically highlights the need for Hong Kong and Macau to "integrate into and serve" the broader national interest. This means that Hong Kong must not only integrate into the nation's development but also focus on serving the national strategy, strengthening its roles as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder." This involves promoting the alignment of rules and mechanisms, establishing "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area standards," and deepening the development of cooperation platforms such as Qianhai and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone. By consolidating the Greater Bay Area's position as a key engine of the national economy and leveraging its role as a pivot in the "dual circulation" development pattern, we can safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
For parents and students, this blueprint is not only about national development but is also deeply connected to each of our futures. We need to cultivate a spirit of continuous self-improvement. Parents lead by example, and children learn through diligent study—both are the finest expressions of this spirit. At home, we can teach our children to care about current affairs and understand the value of peace. At school, we encourage students to study hard and prepare themselves to contribute to our society and our country in the future. Only by transforming ourselves from passive beneficiaries into active participants and builders can our families, our community, and our nation remain resilient in a changing world, working together to create and enjoy a truly better life.
Best Regards,
C. Cheung
