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a share to metropolitan development. I hope that my colleagues will put forward various important development programmes so as not to disappoint our 6 million people.
(4) The brain drain problem makes Hong Kong suffer serious loss in its human resources. To reinforce the local people's sense of belonging, better municipal services should be provided so as to justify the slogan ‘Hong Kong is my home'. To emigrate to an unfamiliar country, one has to prepare oneself for racial discrimination. It will be even worse if a husband has to be separated from his wife for the sake of getting a foreign passport. If we work indefatigably, we can meet with great success, so what is the point of leaving this gourmet's paradise and go to a place where we can but taste the insipid bread. Should any trade or profession suffer a loss, it will touch off a chain reaction and the entire situation will be affected. So we have to join hearts together and work hard. Instead of fawning for sympathy, we should impress other countries with our achievements and make them welcome us and solicit our investments. I am certain that our motherland will fulfill the aspirations of Hong Kong people and does what she can to maintain the prosperity and stability of the territory. Let us fill ourselves with confidence and look forward to a bright future. Let us mobilize all local citizens to make unceasing effort to save themselves from the predicament. We should endeavour to maintain our status as the world financial centre and the Council should provide new measures to adapt itself to the new trends.
Sir, I support the motion.
(Mr. Lo King-man left the meeting at 3.29 p.m.)
DR. PHILIP C. K. Kwok (in English):—Mr. Chairman, as usual, my remarks are divided in two parts, part I on museum and part II on the Philharmonic. As Chairman of the Museums Select Committee, I would like to say a few words about the Council's museum services during the year and highlight some immediate major tasks in the coming year.
Museum Activities
During the year, the people of Hong Kong continued to be able to attend a wide range of activities of lectures, courses, exhibitions, shows presented by the various museums operated by the Council. Topics are indeed wide ranging. On the history side, 'The Human Story' not only attracted great number of humans to the exhibition, but also generated much interesting and lively discussion in the media. On the art side, 'the Reader's Digest Collection of Modern Masters' was a rare and wonderful experience to be remembered. The exhibition on the 'Imperial Porcelain of Yongle and Xuande excavated at Jingdezhen' was equally enjoyable for friends of Chinese traditional art. On the science side, for
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those who like reaching for the sky, the Space Museum offered them 'the Magic Sky' and 'the Cosmic Perils'. For the young and young at heart, we had 'Beavers'. I just mentioned a few examples to illustrate one of the major function of the museums, which is to arouse public interest in and promote a better understanding of the arts, history and science.
Upgrading and Construction of Museum Facilities
To better fulfil the functions of the museums, it has been necessary to upgrade existing facilities and build new ones when and where appropriate. During the year, the new extension building of the Museum of History was completed. Phase I recladding of the Space Museum and design for its exhibits renewal were also completed. In addition, renovation work on the Law Uk Folk Museum was completed, as well as the super-structure of the Museum of Science and Technology and the super-structure of the Museum of Art. The Department has indeed been very busy in monitoring enhancement projects for the museum services in the past year. I would like, therefore, to congratulate the Department for the efforts put in these projects. As planning and construction works for the museums come to fruition in the nineties, more and better services and facilities will be available to people of Hong Kong. Inevitably, Council would need to spend more money on the museum services. It would therefore be an opportune time for the Council to further examine and explore ways and means of generating revenue to offset some of the expenditure on this popular community service.
Sponsorship and Donation
Sponsorship and donation will be another goal that we will continue to actively pursue. During the year we have received encouraging support and assistance from individual and corporate organizations. I would like to thank each and everyone of our donors and sponsors for their timely and generous support of the museums. Through contribution towards the stock building of the museum collection or the provision of services, in particular, I would like to pay tribute here, once again to Mr. Low Chuck-tiew for his most generous donation of a major portion of his private collection, the Xubaizhai Collection of Chinese painting and calligraphy to the new Museum of Art. This noble gesture of sharing his valuable treasure of art with the community is most laudable. The Council will do its utmost to ensure that the connection and trust will be fully utilized for the appreciation and enjoyment of the community. In addition, I am happy to report that the Cathay Pacific Airway, the Hong Kong Telecom, the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Shell Co. Ltd. and the Mercedes-Benz AG have also generously supported the Museums of Science and Technology in the provision of exhibits for this world-class museum.
Honorary Advisers
On behalf of the Museums Select Committee, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to our honorary advisers for the unfailing and strong support which is so vital to the success of the Council's museum activities. We are indeed most grateful.
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