Hong Kong’s first astronaut success is also a story of youth potential

Becoming an astronaut and exploring space has been the dream of generations of young people and Hong Kong has welcomed this pioneering moment. Dr Lai Ka-Ying, who studied computer science at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), has become the first astronaut from Hong Kong, and the fourth female astronaut from China, to journey into space. As a payload specialist, she will operate the observatory designed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to track greenhouse gas emissions during her mission at the Tiangong space station. I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Dr Lai for the historic achievement. The mission holds special meaning and has been made possible by the central government’s support and recognition. It is also a testament to the “one country, two systems” framework. Dr Lai’s success is more than a personal triumph, it is a Hong Kong story about the potential of our youth. The messages are clear: Hong Kong’s universities can contribute to and play a meaningful role in the national space programme, whether in scientific research, talent development or the scientific capabilities needed for deeper participation. Hong Kong citizens can contribute to the country’s space exploration and scientific research efforts. The sky is not the limit. Innovation and technology are key to Hong Kong’s sustainable development in the long run, and integral to the country’s 15th five-year plan. Dr Lai’s mission shows such breakthroughs rest on sustained investment in education, research and innovation. If Hong Kong wants a meaningful role in the country’s space development, this cannot be a one-off celebration. It needs to improve its ability to innovate to contribute to the country’s mega blueprint. Beyond talent cultivation, the city remains steadfast in advancing national aerospace initiatives through frontier research, systems, instruments and technical support, and our excellent universities have been making strides. Last year, HKU established the Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics as an international centre of research excellence, providing a platform for global collaboration and a hub for astronomers across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. HKUST’s Multi Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (Musico) – the specialised payload selected for this round of the Tiangong space station mission – is a shining example of how Hong Kong’s research strength is deeply embedded in national space development efforts. In 2024, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and its Shenzhen campus launched the Aerospace Science and Earth Informatics & X double major programme, and the university’s soybean research project was taken into space by the Tianzhou 6 spacecraft in May 2023. The Hong Kong government has also established the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre to participate in national aerospace missions. We need to do more in education to better prepare our younger generations for future participation in national space development. Both the central and Hong Kong governments are taking serious steps to empower the workforce to embrace technological developments and better prepare young people for the future. For instance, the national 15th five-year plan has made “new quality productive forces” a priority – ensuring China can achieve technological self-reliance and innovate comprehensively in all aspects of its economy. The “AI+ Education” action plan introduced earlier this year requires the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) at every phase of learning from primary school. In his policy address last year, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu pledged about HK$500 million (US$63.81 million) in funding to deepen AI incorporation into classrooms over the next three years. We have seen the passion, calibre and potential of our students at the Hong Kong Science Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation. Since the inaugural fair in 2022, we have received more than 2,200 submissions, with about 40 per cent of Hong Kong schools taking part at least once. We continue to be amazed and impressed by the creative inventions of primary and secondary students, who have applied what they learned at school to tackle everyday challenges. Our young people have the imagination, aspiration and ability to go far in science and technology. The young generation is our future and it is bright. The pioneering accomplishment of Dr Lai and many other Hong Kong stories will inspire generations of astronauts, space scientists and, indeed, young people curious about science and the intricacies of our vast universe. We look forward to more career astronauts and scientists from Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s first astronaut success is also a story of youth potential

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Hongkongers and the city’s universities can play a meaningful role in China’s space programme. The sky is not the limit

Hongkongers and the city’s universities can play a meaningful role in China’s space programme. The sky is not the limit