Shenzhou-XV astronaut Zhang Lu (fourth row, eighth left); Shenzhou-XIII astronaut Wang Yaping (fourth row, seventh right); Permanent Secretary for Education, Michelle Li (fourth row, seventh left); Council Chairman of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Harry Shum (fourth row, tenth right); President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Nancy Ip (fourth row, eighth right), and other delegation members attend a dialogue session with teachers and students at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Nov 30, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

HONG KONG – The China Manned Space delegation on Thursday visited Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to share the latest developments in national aerospace technologies.

The delegation members took part in in-depth discussions with teachers and students on topics including aerospace technologies, life in space and astronaut training.

Both universities have contributed wisdom to the country's exploration of the mysteries of the universe. 

Delegation head Lin Xiqiang led seven members to attend a dialogue session with about 700 teachers and students at PolyU.

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Speaking at the session, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said participants not only have the opportunity to meet the astronauts, but also experience the motherland’s vigorous developments in aerospace technologies through the sharing sessions and witness the spirit of perseverance and self-improvement in space exploration.

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin addresses the dialogue session between the China Manned Space delegation with university teachers and students at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Nov 30, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

“Last year, the country recruited payload experts in Hong Kong for the first time, which encouraged our young people to contribute to the national aerospace industry. It also signified the high importance and recognition that the country places on scientific research talent in Hong Kong.”

Shenzhou-XII astronaut Liu Boming (center) and members of the China Manned Space delegation attend a dialogue session with teachers and students at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Nov 30, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

On this front, the government of the special administrative region has been dedicated to the promotion of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education, aligning with the strategic direction of invigorating the country through science and education, she said. “It will shape new driving forces and advantages for development, and cultivate future talent for both the country and Hong Kong.”

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The country has expressed clear support for Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology hub in its National 14th Five-Year Plan, Choi said adding that it is also determined to establish a comprehensive national science center in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The SAR government will fully support collaborations between Hong Kong and the mainland, and enhance exchanges and cooperation in scientific research, to achieve win-win outcomes and take up a crucial role in supporting the country to become the world's leading space-faring nation in a concerted effort, said Choi.

When a PolyU student asked Shenzhou-XII astronaut Liu Boming "how not to give up" the pursuit of dreams as the astronaut selection process is highly competitive, he replied: "When you have a clear goal, all the rest to do is persistence.”

Chen Long, a PolyU PhD student, expressed the hope that he will have the opportunity to become a payload expert and do research at the space station in the future.

(From fourth left) Council Chairman of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Harry Shum; China Manned Space delegation’s Zhong Hongen; Shenzhou-15 astronaut Zhang Lu; delegation member Gan Keli, and President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Nancy Ip attend a dialogue session with teachers and students at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Nov 30, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

Apart from the event at PolyU, nine other delegation members met about 400 teachers and students at HKUST.

The teachers and students attending the sessions said the delegation's visit would deepen Hong Kong residents' understanding of the country's developments and achievements in aerospace technologies, and foster a greater interest in innovative technology among the younger generation.

At the HKUST, Shenzhou-XV astronaut Zhang Lu talked about one thing that all the Chinese astronauts have done in space – looking for the motherland and their respective hometowns through the porthole.

"Why do we love our nation and our hometown?" Zhang believes that a strong nation enables its people to better realize their dreams, and hometown is often the birthplace marking the start of one's life.

"All of us astronauts are working hard to renew China's height and climb to the peak of science and technology."

Shenzhou-XV astronaut Zhang Lu (right) attends the dialogue session with teachers and students at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Nov 30, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

Xu Weifan, a PhD student from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of HKUST, said the interaction with Chinese astronauts inspired him to make further contributions to national space development while realizing his own dream in the efforts.

The visit encouraged post-secondary institutions to actively engage in national scientific research and aerospace developments, and nurture talent for both the country and Hong Kong, they added. 

With Xinhua inputs