Opinion | Hong Kong’s young lawyers have a duty to uphold the rule of law, while keeping pace with changing times
- Andrew Li says amid momentous changes, law school graduates should develop a strong sense of responsibility and the capacity for lifelong learning
The University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law has built up a formidable reputation as our premier law school. It is one of the best in Asia and ranks among the top law schools in the world. It has produced graduates who form the backbone of the judiciary and the legal profession. Its graduates also contribute to business, government and other sectors. Many occupy leadership positions in public and civic life.
Of course, no institution can rest on its laurels. Looking ahead, I am sure that this law school will continue to strive for excellence in its teaching and research and that it will go from strength to strength. Lawyers have a crucial role to play in upholding the rule of law and lawyers are what law schools make them. That is why this law school will continue to play such a significant role in maintaining the rule of law in our society.
When this law school was founded some 50 years ago in 1969, the world was a very different place. Compact discs were unknown, let alone computers and the internet. Hong Kong had a Legislative Council, whose members were all appointed by the governor. We had no cross-harbour tunnel.
Those somewhat idyllic times are long past. The last half-century has witnessed the most momentous changes in the world. We have seen the most amazing advances in science, technology and in every field of human endeavour. As a striking example, it has been pointed out that there is today more computer power in a Ford family car than there was in Apollo 11 when Neil Armstrong took it to the moon in 1969. All around the globe, there have been sea changes in the geopolitical landscape. Above all, our motherland, China, has emerged as a modern and strong nation.
By the time the graduating students of today reach the prime of their working lives in say 20 to 30 years’ time, we will be marching towards the middle of this century. What will the world be like then? What does the future hold? Looking to the future, we can only be certain of one thing. The pace of change in all fields is likely to accelerate. The only certainty is uncertainty and the only security is the ability to cope with insecurity. I wish to offer our graduates a few thoughts which may provide them with guidance in meeting the exciting challenges ahead.
