It is always a privilege to support the Overseas Chinese Association Birmingham’s Chinese School and to speak at this year’s graduation ceremony- particularly special because I was once a student there myself, and many of my family and friends volunteer and send their children there.
Like many British-born Chinese children, Sunday mornings meant giving up part of the weekend to learn Chinese, study our history and culture, and connect with our heritage. At the time, I didnt fully appreciated what an incredible gift that education would become. Only now do I recognise that the school gave me far more than language skills. It helped shape my identity, strengthened my connection to my family’s heritage, and gave me a deeper appreciation of the culture that has influenced generations before me.
One of the themes I spoke about was what it means to grow up with two cultures and two identities.
For many British Chinese people, this can sometimes feel like a tension. We can wonder where we truly belong. At school we may have wondered what the point of these lessons were, while day-to-day excluded from looking and sounding different. Many of us have- and continue- to wrestle with balancing different expectations, traditions and ways of life.
As I have grown older, I have come to realise that this is not something to struggle against but something to celebrate.
We are not half of one culture and half of another. We are fully British and fully Chinese. Those two identities complement one another, giving us a unique perspective that allows us to build bridges between communities, understand different ways of thinking, and contribute positively to the diverse society we are proud to call home.
Schools like the Overseas Association Chinese School play an essential role in nurturing this confidence of so many young adults from other backgrounds. They remind young people that their heritage is something to treasure and be proud of, and not something to hide. They help ensure that language, traditions and values continue to flourish through future generations.
The ceremony started with a video celebrating over 60 years of the schools success, only made possible by succession of and the incredible commitment of parents, grandparents, governors, volunteers and teachers. Behind every graduate are years of sacrifice, weekend classes, encouragement, long working hours and an unwavering belief in the next generation. Graduation belongs to them as much as it does to the students.
Following my speech, we heard from Brian from Wing Yip, whose own story was a clear reminder that success is built on much more than academic achievement. He spoke about the qualities that underpin a fulfilling career and life: clarity in listening, hard work rootes in continuous learning and the confidence to embrace opportunities when they arise.
His message complemented the graduation perfectly. Qualifications provide a foundation, but character determines how far we go. Success comes from perseverance, curiosity, integrity and a willingness to keep learning throughout life.
This reflects a Chinese proverb: 学无止境 (Xué wú zhǐ jìng) — Learning has no end.
As Birmingham’s first councillor of Chinese heritage, I feel immensely proud to see the next generation of British Chinese young people preparing for the future with confidence. Our British Chinese community continues to contribute enormously to Birmingham through business, education, healthcare, public service and countless other professions. The graduates leaving the Overseas Association Chinese School today will continue that story in their own unique way.
Congratulations once again to every graduate. Be proud of who you are. Embrace every part of your identity. Continue learning, remain curious, and never underestimate the difference you can make to your community and to the world.
Your story is only just beginning.
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