Hong Kong students were offered a glimpse into world-leading research and the vast opportunities for science in China when they sat down with leading figures from its aerospace, energy and AI industries on Friday.
Long Lehao, chief designer of Long March rockets; Zou Caineng, president of the PetroChina Shenzhen Institute for New Energy Research; and Yao Xin, vice-president of Lingnan University, used the lecture at the Hong Kong Science Museum to encourage over 100 students from six local schools and 216 online audiences to explore the nation’s scientific development.
Officially named the Distinguished Chinese Scientists Lecture Series 2024, the event is part of the city’s celebrations for National Day, which falls on Oct 1.
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Long charted the history, development and achievements of Long March rockets — launch vehicles developed in China for space exploration and satellite deployment — and gave an overview of the country’s major aerospace projects through photos, video and commentary.
Long said learning is a prerequisite for innovation and exploration as he encouraged the young people of Hong Kong to study hard.
“Our country has now become a world-class aerospace power, and this is something that we should be very proud of,” Long told China Daily after the lecture.
He added that he hopes to instill a sense of patriotism in Hong Kong residents and to motivate students to set their own goals and excel in developing the country.
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He also believes that with strong support from the motherland, Hong Kong scientists can achieve great things in the nation’s aerospace industry.
Zou, an energy technology specialist, told students that China has emerged as a world leader in utilizing new energies, and that everyone can contribute to the industry’s future.
Zou stressed that innovation is about breaking the routine and turning the unconventional into reality, encouraging the audience to think outside the box and explore more scientific fields.
Lingnan University’s Yao, an expert in artificial intelligence, reminded students that curiosity is an important characteristic of scientists, and those who enjoy science are always keen to study new things.
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After the event, Jason Lo Ho-lung, a 16-year-old student from Christian Nationals' Evangelism Commission Lau Wing Sang Secondary School, said that the lecture provided an invaluable opportunity to learn about aerospace beyond what is taught in textbooks.
Lo added he hopes the city will host more lectures on different subjects in the future.
Lee Yu-ching, a fifth-grade student from Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Li Chi Ho Primary School, was excited to get insights from top scientists.
“I think this is a unique experience to have so many experts here at one time!” Lee added.
Cheng Shiu-wing, studying at S.K.H. Lui Ming Choi Secondary School, said he felt proud that China could be the first country to take photos on the dark side of the moon.
Since 2003, the Distinguished Chinese Scientists Lecture Series has been inviting leading experts in their field to deliver talks and share their knowledge in Hong Kong, with the aim of inspiring young people to engage in scientific research and become a driving force behind future developments in science and technology.
The lecture is jointly organized by the Hong Kong Science Museum, China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre and the city’s Education Bureau.
An exhibition highlighting the nation’s scientific accomplishments is being held at the Hong Kong Science Museum until Feb 5.
Lesley Liu and Rita Xiao contributed to the story.
