RGC Forum 2025 Enhances Collaboration Between Scholars and Government for Research Development in Hong Kong

RGC Forum highlights Hong Kong's commitment to research endeavours

The Research Grants Council (RGC) Forum 2025 was held today (June 12) with an aim of fostering mutual understanding and exchanges between the RGC and local scholars. It was officiated by the Acting Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, and was well-received with participation from senior management of the eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities and more than 400 local and overseas scholars.

Speaking at the opening session of the Forum, Dr Sze said that the Government attaches great importance to investing in education and developing strategies and initiatives to establish a comprehensive research and development policy framework to ensure Hong Kong remains technologically and economically equipped for future challenges. Through strengthening support for researchers and cultivating a research-centric environment, Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness will be elevated by strong research competence, thereby upholding Hong Kong's status as a world-class city and an international hub for higher education.

"We firmly support funding research projects and activities across the eight UGC-funded universities, as well as the self-financing degree sector. With the backing of the RGC, numerous research initiatives are in progress, aiming at nurturing research capabilities, fostering a conducive research atmosphere and delving into uncharted realms of knowledge," he added.

Dr Sze highlighted that, to attract more exceptional students to study and conduct research in Hong Kong, the quota of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme will increase to 400 places in the 2025/26 academic year. As a metropolis with a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, Hong Kong attracts a rich variety of top scholars with vast international experience; some 70 per cent of them come from outside Hong Kong. The high degree of internationalism not only provides a solid foundation for Hong Kong's academic and research excellence, but also elevates Hong Kong's status as a global centre for education.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the RGC, Professor Timothy W Tong, highlighted the RGC's commitment to promoting high-quality and impactful research, as well as the Council's endeavours in working with the research community to advance knowledge discovery and bring benefits to Hong Kong society.

"The unwavering pursuit of research excellence by the Hong Kong academia underpins the city's position as a vibrant international hub for higher education. Notwithstanding the continuous increase in the number of research projects in recent years, it is heartening to note that the overall quality of the research proposals has remained meritorious and highly competitive, which demonstrates the steadfastness of our research community," said Professor Tong.

The Forum featured engaging presentations by the RGC Panel Chairs and their representatives, who shared observations on research funding applications in the latest round of the exercise, pointers for crafting competitive research proposals as well as the latest trends and developments in their respective research fields. The Forum concluded with an interactive question and answer session, which further enriched the discussions.

RGC Forum highlights Hong Kong's commitment to research endeavours Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RGC Forum highlights Hong Kong's commitment to research endeavours Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RGC Forum highlights Hong Kong's commitment to research endeavours Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RGC Forum highlights Hong Kong's commitment to research endeavours Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images