Flag-Raising Ceremony Principal’s Sharing 2026-09-30

Written by Mr.Stephen Hindes (School Principal)

Tomorrow, 1st October, will be our 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Over these years, our country has made remarkable achievements in many fields, which fill us with pride and confidence.

I returned from a short trip to Shenzhen this weekend, and it reminded me of my reactions to my most recent visits to different cities in the last three years. The level of development across the border is truly inspirational, as it reflects the tenacity and innovation required to develop a country into a world leader. China is nothing like what I experienced as a boy growing up in Hong Kong, and its development is so fast-paced yet sustainable. I will be headed to different cities throughout this year, and we will be sending students there during Creative Week. For anyone who has not been to different Chinese places recently, the experience will be impressive.

Even going beyond witnessing things with your own eyes, there are other wonders across the border and beyond:

One is Xi hai gu in Ningxia, which demonstrates how infrastructure, relocation, water-conservation projects, education, and new employment opportunities helped impoverished communities improve their lives to overcome ‘absolute poverty’. Sustained hardship was reduced dramatically with a collaborative effort, innovation, and determination.

In technology and infrastructure, newly installed wind and solar power capacity has increased by 22% year-on-year, cementing global leadership in photovoltaic and renewable components. China also expanded digital connectivity with approximately 4.5 million 5G base stations operational last year.

Finally, the Tian Gong Space Station (also known as CSS) is currently a fully operational, permanently crewed orbital laboratory. While it orbits roughly 400 kilometers above Earth, it is the cornerstone of China's human spaceflight programme and a contributor to major scientific developments.

Tomorrow, we celebrate the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. As we raise the National Flag, we celebrate the founding ceremony that took place at Tiananmen, where the national flag was first raised. There are many other ways that we can celebrate this event, such as ceremonies like in Golden Bauhinia Square, or watching the fireworks display over the harbour (something I plan to do). Whether in person or through media, these are different ways we can be involved.

The achievements of our country inspire us to dream big and work hard. Let us turn our pride into motivation and do our best every day.