Speech by SCST at “Stars of Tomorrow 2025-When Dreams Come True” Gala Opening (English only)
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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at “Stars of Tomorrow 2025-When Dreams Come True” Gala Opening today (August 16):
Committee Members of the Tsinforn C. Wong Memorial Scholarship, distinguished guests, alumni, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is my honour and great pleasure to join you all tonight at the “Stars of Tomorrow 2025 – When Dreams Come True” Gala Opening, celebrating the 65th Anniversary of the esteemed Jean M. Wong School of Ballet. My warmest congratulations to the School on this remarkable milestone.
“Stars of Tomorrow” has long been a platform showcasing the brilliance of elite young ballet dancers. This year, the performance is centred on the remarkable journey of the School Principal, Ms Wong. It is a fitting tribute to both this landmark anniversary and to Ms Wong’s unparalleled contributions to the world of ballet in Hong Kong. I am confident that students from both the Jean M. Wong School of Ballet and the Hong Kong International Summer Dance School 2025 will unleash their potential to present a captivating and inspiring production. With every gravity-defying jeté and every precise spin, we witness not just technical mastery, but also the strong passion of these budding talents.
Tonight’s celebration, however, would not be possible without the unwavering efforts of those who have nurtured these rising stars. Among them, we must extend our deepest gratitude to Ms Wong, a true pioneer and pillar of ballet education, who founded the very first ballet school in Hong Kong run by a Chinese-speaking native.
For more than six decades, Ms Wong has been a luminous beacon, guiding generations of dancers and choreographers in her school. She has not only finessed their skills on stage but also instilled in them the values intrinsic to ballet — discipline, perseverance, and an unrelenting will to excel, equipping her students with this precious asset to thrive in all their endeavours in life. Her profound impact on the local art scenes have rightfully earned her widespread acclaim.
As we mark this significant milestone of the School, we must also acknowledge the vital role played by The Tsinforn C. Wong Memorial Scholarship, established by Ms Wong in honour of her dear father. The scholarship empowered aspiring dancers and choreographers to pursue their dreams, ensuring that talent and passion are not hindered by financial constraints. I encourage all scholarship recipients to embrace the spirit of this scholarship, and pass on the essence of ballet to those around you for many more years to come.
In closing, my heartfelt congratulations once more to the Jean M. Wong School of Ballet on 65 years of artistic excellence. May Ms Wong’s story inspire all of us to chase our dreams with courage and determination. Thank you.