WELCOME BY THE PATRON ESU (HK), DR. LEONG CHE-HUNG, GBM GBS OBE JP
DR. LEONG CHE-HUNG, GBM GBS OBE JP
I was thrilled to be invited to join the English-Speaking Union (HK) and I write to express my appreciation and congratulations to the Founders and Council for establishing the Union in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has always been, it still is, and I am sure it will always be, a place where both Chinese and English will be used both in official settings and in ordinary communications. While the majority of the population are Chinese, Hong Kong is a society of diversity where many nationals conglomerate for business, pleasure or as a Hong Konger. They will, I am sure learn the local language. Yet, English will still be the language they would also like to communicate with.
The English language has stood the test of time to be the international language, be it in finance, business, health care or academic exchanges. Being fluent in this language therefore do carry an advantage.
The English-Speaking Union not only promotes the use of the language, it also train speaking skill through play reading and international public speaking competitions. In certain aspects it helps to understand the culture of different nations.
It is an organization for all to participate.
