Peking University, Beijing, Jun. 11, 2010: On the afternoon of June 10, Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce, AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, visited Peking University (PKU) and delivered a speech at Tan Siu Lin Center for International Studies. Mr. Michael Bryce, Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce’ husband, Dr. Geoff Raby, the Australian Ambassador to China, and a delegation composed of five successful women in Australia accompanied. Prof. Hu Zhuanglin, Director of PKU Australian Studies Centre, who attended and gave the welcoming speech.
In Prof. Hu Zhuanglin’ speech, he gave a warm welcome and sincere greetings to Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce and her group, and also offered his congratulations on the success of Australia National Pavilion Day in the Shanghai World Expo.
Subsequently, Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce shared her experiences of the Shanghai World Expo and her original opinion on the importance of education to women in her speech. At the beginning, Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce gave high praise to the unique style of melting traditional and modern qualities shown in the PKU campus’. She pointed out that PKU is prestigious as a center of researching on progressive ideas and freedom. She also expressed that the rapid development of China has left a deep impression on her during the period of her participation in the Shanghai World Expo, and she has looked forward to the further exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia.
When talking about the women’s education, Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce said that the ratio of Australian women entering universities and engaging in scientific research has increased gradually since the early 19th century when women began to receive education. This phenomenon proves the power and potential of education which has brought the change and impact to women’s lives. She said that the education was the loving present from her parents which has benefited her life greatly. She pointed out that because of her education, she has dreams and a sense of responsibility that she could support and promote the development of women’s rights as a scholar, a lawyer, and a government official. She hoped that education could enable the women to embark on a unique life road. She also expressed that the education would play an important role as a positive element to bring change to people, family, and society, and a band of people who care about women as well.
Prof. Yuan Ming from School of International Studies, PKU, concluded: Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce showed the enormous changes the women could bring to the family, the society, and the world through her own excellent experience. Thus, if the women can receive education widely, the world will become better.
In the delegation, a beautiful Chinese face attracted people’s attention. Dr. Bai Xuemei, who graduated from the Department of Geology of PKU, now works at Sustainable Ecosystems, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (Australia). In her speech, she recalled her undergraduate life at PKU. She said: “The days in PKU are the best time in my life. I received stringent scientific research training, which has a great impact on my future work and life.” She also expressed her own opinion on the theme of how could the successful career women to balance their work and family.
Edited by: Connie Chang
Translated by: Su Juan
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
