To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong and to nurture a strong sense of national pride among young people, a series of events hosted by Guangdong University of Technology (GDUT) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) were held at the PolyU Jockey Club Auditorium on 9 and 10 July. Highlights include the Hong Kong premiere of the “Original Stage Production: The Legacy of Youth”, jointly performed by students from GDUT and PolyU, as well as an exhibition for visitors to explore the remarkable history of the Dongjiang Water Supply Project.
The opening ceremony for the premiere was officiated by Mr LIU Guangyuan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG); Ms Bernadette LINN Hon-ho, Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government; Ms Alice MAK Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. QIU Xueqing, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and President of GDUT; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Ms ZHU Weiwei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of GDUT; as well as representatives from LOCPG, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Guangdong Province, the Department of Water Resources of Guangdong Province, the Water Supplies Department of the HKSAR Government, and event co-organisers.
"GDUT has always regarded serving the country as its highest goal. The story of GDUT alumni in the construction of Dongjiang Water Supply Project is the proof of the school taking root in southern Guangdong, aligning its efforts with the development of the country. It has made indelible contributions to the water supply to Hongkong residents and left valuable wealth for the spirit of GDUT." Bai Jiangang, Secretary of CPC GDUT Committee. “Dongjiang Water Supply Project has become a symbol of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area's integration and development, inspiring a new generation of young people.
"The Legacy of Youth" is the first stage play in Guangdong Province that tells the historical story of the Dongjiang Water Supply Project. It is recognized by the Ministry of Education as "Original Cultural Masterpiece of Colleges and Universities in 2024". Qiu Xueqing said. “this masterpiece of friendship engraves the glorious years and connects Guangdong and Hong Kong. Let the "Dongshen Spirit" be passed down from generation to generation, jointly forge into Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area's endless patriotism and national pride, and inspire the youth of Guangdong and Hong Kong to serve the motherland. We will deepen the cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong with the trend of the long flow of the Dongjiang River, cultivate outstanding talents with national pride and international vision, and contribute to the construction of a strong country and national rejuvenation.
Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “The Dongjiang water supply is vital to Hong Kong’s development and the well-being of its residents. Modern Hong Kong owes its existence to this crucial resource—a fact every Hong Kong citizen should hold dear. The Dongjiang Water Supply Project transcends its role as a hydraulic engineering endeavour. It stands as a testament to solidarity in times of adversity, embodying the profound unity and shared heritage of the people from both regions. More than infrastructure, it reflects the Nation’s enduring spirit of overcoming challenges together. Moving forward, PolyU and GDUT will deepen collaboration across diverse fields, jointly nurturing talent to contribute to the Nation’s development. PolyU has always been committed to fostering in our students a strong sense of national pride, valuing their ability and integrity, with morality as the foundation. ‘The Legacy of Youth’, a highlight of this year’s PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, exemplifies this commitment. I look forward to all sectors joining hands to guide our younger generation in making the most of their talents, empowering them to contribute to the Nation’s development and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
"PolyU and GDUT jointly present this exciting historical chapter to everyone, so that Hong Kong citizens can know the country's care and support for Hong Kong, and the countless heroes who have sacrificed silently behind the project. Whether , Guangdong Province mobilized tens of thousands of project builders to work hard 60 years ago, or students from Guangdong and Hong Kong jointly performed stage plays today , it shows the deep feelings of the people of the two places." Ms Bernadette LINN Hon-ho sent a message to the younger generation, hoping that they can get inspiration from it.
