John Lee Attends Plaque Presentation for 15 State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong

Plaque Presentation Ceremony for State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong held today in recognition of achievements in scientific research

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, witnessed the presentation of plaques to 15 State Key Laboratories (SKLs) in Hong Kong by the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Yin Hejun, during a presentation ceremony today (August 25). The Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Zhou Ji, also attended the ceremony.

Before the ceremony, Mr Lee met with Mr Yin to exchange in-depth views on deepening the research and development collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong. The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry,Ms Lillian Cheong; and the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee, were also present at the plaque presentation ceremony and the meeting.

Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) for its unfailing support for the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, higher education institutions and SKLs in Hong Kong. He said that having been accredited the status of SKL by the MOST, these labs demonstrated their world-class capabilities in basic research, technological innovation, and the development of key core technologies.

"Under the principle of 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong has the advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world and actively plays the role as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder'. The SKLs in Hong Kong serve as an important platform for bringing together outstanding researchers from all over the world by establishing partnerships with top universities and research institutions at home and abroad, helping to build Hong Kong into a hub for international high-end talent."

The MOST agreed in 2018 that Partner SKLs in Hong Kong that were paired up with SKLs on the Mainland could be renamed as SKLs. To align with the overall national development plan, the ITC initiated the restructuring exercise of the SKLs in Hong Kong in late 2023. The MOST approved the restructuring of 15 SKLs in Hong Kong in January 2025. These SKLs have come into operation since July 1, 2025.

Plaque Presentation Ceremony for State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong held today in recognition of achievements in scientific research Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Plaque Presentation Ceremony for State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong held today in recognition of achievements in scientific research Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Plaque Presentation Ceremony for State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong held today in recognition of achievements in scientific research Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Appointments to Quality Education Fund Steering Committee announced

The Government today (January 15) announced the reappointment of Mr Dieter Yih Lai-tak as the Chairman of the Quality Education Fund Steering Committee (QEFSC) and four incumbent members, as well as the appointment of one new member, to the committee. The tenure of their appointments is two years with effect from January 16, 2026.

The four incumbent members reappointed are Dr Susan Fan Yun-sun, Ms Lee Yi-ying, Dr James Li Tsz-shu and Ms Wong Yuk-hing. The newly appointed member is Ms Lam Wing-sze.

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, "Under Mr Yih's outstanding leadership over the past two years, the Quality Education Fund (QEF) continued to support a wide range of worthwhile projects for promoting quality school education development in Hong Kong. I am confident that under Mr Yih's leadership, and with members' professional support, the QEF will continue to achieve outstanding results in the promotion of quality education in Hong Kong."

Dr Choi also expressed her gratitude to the outgoing member, Dr Shek Wai-keung, for his valuable contribution to and support for the QEFSC in the past years.

The QEF was established in 1998 with $5 billion in capital from the Government to fund innovative projects that help promote quality education in Hong Kong. The QEFSC advises on the policies and operation of the QEF and makes recommendations to the QEF Trustee on the funding applications.

Since its establishment, the QEF has supported over 14 600 projects, with total funding amounting to about $7.2 billion.

The membership list of the QEFSC with effect from January 16, 2026, is as follows:

Chairman

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Mr Dieter Yih Lai-tak

Appointed members

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Ms Rita Chan Yin-nei

Dr Susan Fan Yun-sun

Dr Daphne Ho Kin-yi

Ms Eva Charisa Hsu

Ms Lam Wing-sze #

Ms Lee Yi-ying

Dr Promail Leung Kin-yi

Mr David Leung Yiu-fai

Dr James Li Tsz-shu

Mr Benjamin Ng Yau-keung

Dr Winnie Tang Shuk-ming

Mr Richard Tsang Lap-ki

Mr Simon Wong Hin-wing

Mr Wong Kam-po

Mr Addy Wong Wai-hung

Ms Wong Yuk-hing

Ex-officio member

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Deputy Secretary for Education (5)

# New appointee

Source: AI-found images