《声音》 VOICES Ivy's VOICES Spring/Summer Edition 2019 | Page 3

FOUNDER'S NOTE Dear Readers, T he United Nations publishes a list of sustainability development goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. These includes goals such as reduced inequalities, combat climate change, quality education, and access to justice. All in all, there are 17 goals adopted by countries around the world to be accomplished by 2030, signed by every world leader in the UN. While each generation faces its own unique challenges, the issues confronting our and future generations are getting increasingly complex and at a scale that is unprecedented. It may take a global effort to avoid potentially catastrophic outcomes. While China has been seen as a potential savior and balancing force, there are also significant concerns. Because of its meteoric rise in the last few decades, there is a general indifference, and to some extent arrogance towards such issues; a sense that they do not apply to us or that we can solve them “when the time comes”. In addition, in China’s relentless pursuit for economic growth, there is a general apathy for those left behind which makes some of the problems that the UN identified, such as inequality, even more exacerbated. The year 2030 is when many of our students are coming of age into the real world. Most would describe our students as the privileged class; with that privilege comes the responsibility to fix the problems at hand. Our expectation is for our graduates to become the beacon in tackling the big issues by having a clear moral compass, to be a person of honorable character, and to have the courage to take actions. I am very pleased to see the seeds of that planted throughout our schools beginning to to bear fruit, with many student-initiated projects developing organically. This focus on action and service is something that not just Ivy, but education systems around the world are moving towards. It is no secret that top universities around the world are looking past just test scores or athletic abilities, and are looking for students who have demonstrated a track record and aptitude to make a positive difference to the world. Ivy is fully committed to this vision. I expect us to lead the way in pushing the boundaries of what young people are capable of accomplishing not just for themselves, but for the greater community. After all, as Kiran Sethi of Riverside School asks, if not us, then who? If not now, then when? I am extremely optimistic of what the future holds. Sincerely, Jack Hsu CEO and Founder of Ivy Education Group 1