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Opinion

How Hong Kong’s young innovators can close the tech gap to global leaders

Ken Chu disagrees with naysayers who believe Hong Kong is too far behind to catch up with innovation leaders. On the contrary, we have some comparative advantages and can build on them

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Ken Chu disagrees with naysayers who believe Hong Kong is too far behind to catch up with innovation leaders. On the contrary, we have some comparative advantages and can build on them
Ken Chu
Hong Kong should provide its bright, creative youngsters with the opportunities and support to thrive in the innovation field. Illustration: Craig Stephens
Hong Kong should provide its bright, creative youngsters with the opportunities and support to thrive in the innovation field. Illustration: Craig Stephens
The recent InnoTech Expo organised by Our Hong Kong Foundation showcased China’s amazing cutting-edge scientific and technological developments. In his opening speech, former chief executive and foundation chairman Tung Chee-hwa said few Hong Kong people are aware that China is now a leader in science and technology.
The expo was an excellent opportunity for Hongkongers to get inspiration from China’s rapid developments and remarkable achievements in science and technology. To name but a few, China has launched the world’s first quantum communications satellite; become one of the few countries to build its own independent worldwide navigation satellite system, called Beidou, similar to America’s GPS; and has set world records in manned submersible deep-sea exploration.

Showcase of science touches down in Hong Kong

The Jiaolong submersible, on display at the Innotech Expo, has a diving range of 2,000 feet. Photo: Martin Chan
The Jiaolong submersible, on display at the Innotech Expo, has a diving range of 2,000 feet. Photo: Martin Chan

Hong Kong urged to boost cooperation with mainland China in scientific research

As Tung rightly pointed out, a country’s progress and prosperity hinges on its scientific and technological innovations. Britain became a global power as a result of the Industrial Revolution; America’s rise to superpower status was largely due to its superior technological innovations and strength.

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But what has all this got to do with Hong Kong? Sceptics argue that it is futile for the city to try to play catch-up with the “big boys” in scientific and technological innovation. Hong Kong does not have the right ecosystem to nurture a suitable environment for cutting-edge research and innovation developments, they say.

Hong Kong is not some sort of Death Valley where science and technology cannot thrive

Yes, a few key elements are missing, such as top-notch scientists, substantial and consistent funding, and a strong government-led base in cutting-edge research.

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