Hong Kong Hosts Inaugural Research Summit to Foster Innovation and Global Collaboration in Higher Education

RGC holds inaugural Research Summit

The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:

The Research Grants Council (RGC) held its inaugural Research Summit, titled "Forging Frontiers: Shaping the Future of Knowledge and Discovery" today (December 11) at the Hong Kong Science Park. The Summit, supported by all eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities, was cohosted by the RGC and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The event, which was organised to highlight the research impacts and achievements of Hong Kong's higher education and to deepen international exchanges and co-operation, attracted the participation of more than 700 members of the local and international research communities.

Speaking at the opening session of the Summit, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said that, "Hong Kong is ready to grow into a strategic hub for innovation through more joint research initiatives and endeavours. We have a strong track record of outstanding and impactful research as demonstrated by the success of our universities' performance. The Government is committed to supporting the UGC and the RGC's efforts in nurturing our pool of emerging research talent and taking forward innovative research."

Dr Choi emphasised that synergies arising from international and interdisciplinary collaborations are conducive to Hong Kong's development and benefit, not only for the city, but also for the nation and the world. "We look forward to welcoming more outstanding students and young researchers to Hong Kong. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm will inject new energy into our academic community, fostering a vibrant environment where innovative and impactful research can flourish," she said.

The Chairman of the RGC, Professor Timothy W. Tong, highlighted that with the Government's continuous funding support and the robust research environment in local universities, the RGC has been actively fostering high-quality and impactful research, and working with the research community to advance knowledge discovery for the benefit of Hong Kong society.

"Research collaboration between the UGC-funded universities and overseas institutions has increased substantially from about 4 200 projects in 2014 to over 8 000 today, signifying that Hong Kong's higher education sector is one of the most internationalised in the world. We are a city that has chosen to invest in knowledge, innovation and scientific discovery, a premier place for carrying out international research collaboration and pursuing new areas of knowledge," said Professor Tong.

With a programme designed to encourage forward-thinking dialogues, the RGC invited three prominent higher education leaders, and a number of distinguished researchers, representatives from research funding bodies and industry leaders locally, nationally and internationally.

Former RGC Chairmen, who joined the occasion that also marked the 35th anniversary of the RGC, discussed how the Council can best support Hong Kong's research community in meeting challenges and seizing opportunities to elevate Hong Kong's role as an international hub for top talent, knowledge and innovation.

RGC holds inaugural Research Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RGC holds inaugural Research Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RGC holds inaugural Research Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RGC holds inaugural Research Summit 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