Education alliance to boost Hong Kong pupils’ knowledge of China’s space development with series of talks

Twelve experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences will deliver nearly 40 talks to more than 7,000 Hong Kong students to enhance their understanding of the country’s space development, with the head of the elite research institute expressing hopes of making the programme a regular event.

The talks are organised by the Hong Kong STEM Education Alliance with the help of Beijing’s liaison office in the city, which recently launched a series of exhibitions and seminars to boost Hongkongers’ understanding of the country’s science and technology development.

The three-day talks will cover topics such as science and the universe, the country’s manned space programme, the Tianwen-1 mission to Mars, black hole issues and quantum mechanics.

Kicking off the opening ceremony of the event on Tuesday, Hou Jianguo, president of the academy, said he hoped such arrangements for Hong Kong primary and secondary students could become more regular.

“I look forward to seeing the talks by Chinese academicians and experts take root in Hong Kong, helping Hong Kong young people realise their dreams in science and ... enhancing their understanding of the country’s latest science and technology achievements,” Hou said.

Tan Tieniu, deputy chief of the liaison office, said at the ceremony the central government fully supported Hong Kong’s drive to boost innovation and technology, and science education, but added cooperation from different sectors would be needed to make it a success.