I congratulate the HKSAR Government Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Chinese World Cultural Heritage Foundation and Champion Technology for once again bringing an elaborate and unique exhibition to the public.

Sharing knowledge and communicating cultural values easily rank among the most essential methods on the path to achieving global mutual understanding – and hence the peace and the harmony that we all long for. For this reason this year's exhibition about “Peace and Harmony – The Divine Spectra of China's Fragrant Harbour with 108 Aloes of Sacred Scripture and Related Artifacts” is of esteemed importance. By showcasing the history, religious significance and applications of aloeswood, which is one of the world's most prominent and valuable crafting materials, the exhibition will undoubtedly shed light for many visitors hitherto unfamiliar with Asian culture and provide for a better understanding between different countries of the region and the world.

Sadly numerous species of the aloeswood are endangered. In the light of the advancing environmental pollution and deforestation it is my hope that the exhibition conveys to its visitors also a valuable message about the importance of preserving our planet's natural resources for maintaining the world's cultural heritage. By destroying or degradating our environment we bereave ourselves and future generations of our culture. It is our collective responsibility to address the environmental issues wherever and whenever and stop the further degradation of the natural living environment of mankind.

I wish the exhibition all success.