HK SciFest 2025 Launches Tomorrow with Over 100 Free Science Programs and Activities

"HK SciFest 2025" opens with over 100 science programmes to spark public's curiosity about scientific world

"HK SciFest 2025", organised by the Science Promotion Unit of the Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM), will be held from tomorrow (April 18) to April 27. The HKScM is collaborating with over 50 partners, including government departments, universities and science organisations, launching over 100 science programmes, including science workshops, lectures, seminars, film screenings, and site visits. Most activities are free, and members of the public are welcome to join.

"HK SciFest" is one of the largest popular science events in Hong Kong. Addressing the opening ceremony today (April 17), the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, said although Hong Kong is geographically small, the city has generated numerous scientific research initiatives and innovations that benefit the global community. Notable examples include optical fibre networks which are capable of receiving and transmitting vast amount of information in a wink, and non-invasive prenatal diagnosis that provides safer and more accurate assessments to detect the risk of genetic disease in fetuses. With the theme of "Local Contributions in Science", this year's "HK SciFest" aims to showcase the vibrant ecosystem of scientific research in Hong Kong, and the collective efforts of local science institutions and organisations in popularising scientific knowledge and driving the development of science and technology through a wide range of programmes.

Other officiating guests today included the Chairperson of the Science Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong, and the Museum Director of the HKScM, Mr Lawrence Lee.

Part of theGround Floor Exhibition Hall of the HKScM will be converted into a "Science Bazaar" with more than 10 activity booths, where members of the public can enjoy a fun and educational science experience. Activities include a virtual autonomous vehicle driving game, a drone display, a virtual reality game to tour Geoparks in Hong Kong, local animal specimens, and learning how to identify the authenticity of gems using scientific methods. There will also be hands-on science demonstrations, mini-exhibitions and mini-workshops.

Other highlighted activities of the festival include Croucher Science Week, which will invite science communicators from around the world to host onsite science performances and workshops to explore techniques for coral propagation and reef rehabilitation and to assemble a model electric tricycle. In addition, lecturesabout saving sea turtles in Hong Kong and the application of artificial intelligence in daily life, film screenings of sci-fi films "Interstellar" (2014) and "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" (2001), guided tours at the Volcano Discovery Centre, and much more. For details of the activities and registration, please visit www.hk.science.museum/scifest2025/?lang=en.

"HK SciFest 2025" opens with over 100 science programmes to spark public's curiosity about scientific world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"HK SciFest 2025" opens with over 100 science programmes to spark public's curiosity about scientific world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"HK SciFest 2025" opens with over 100 science programmes to spark public's curiosity about scientific world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"HK SciFest 2025" opens with over 100 science programmes to spark public's curiosity about scientific world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"HK SciFest 2025" opens with over 100 science programmes to spark public's curiosity about scientific world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"HK SciFest 2025" opens with over 100 science programmes to spark public's curiosity about scientific world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"HK SciFest 2025" opens with over 100 science programmes to spark public's curiosity about scientific world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"HK SciFest 2025" opens with over 100 science programmes to spark public's curiosity about scientific world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR Government strongly condemns US senators' despicable attempt to intimidate HKSAR personnel safeguarding national security

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (May 17) strongly condemned those United States (US) senators who requested a review, through a so-called "bill", of including a number of judges, and prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DoJ), in a so-called list of "sanctions" in an attempt to intimidate the HKSAR personnel concerned who safeguard national security.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "It is clear that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, so the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) is free from any intervention. However, those US politicians insist on turning a blind eye to all these facts, and even clamour for so-called 'sanctions' against the HKSAR personnel and judges who dutifully safeguard national security. The HKSAR despises any so-called 'sanctions' and shall never be intimidated. It shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, and immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs."

The spokesman pointed out, "Nearly five years having passed since the implementation of the HKNSL, the HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The DoJ of the HKSAR is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all its prosecutorial decisions made on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws."

"The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the professions, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court."

"The judicial system of the HKSAR has always been highly regarded by international communities. Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice."

The spokesman reiterated, "The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the 'one country, two systems' principle. The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of 'one country, two systems'."