The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences (ASHK) held its 10th Anniversary Celebration Banquet today (22 January) at the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong. Nearly 200 leaders and representatives from academia, government and industry gathered to reflect on ASHK's accomplishments in advancing local scientific research and fostering innovation over the past decade, while also looking ahead to a new chapter in the development of Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) sector.
Mr John LEE, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government, delivers a speech at the ASHK 10th Anniversary Celebration Banquet. Photo provided by ASHK
Mr John LEE, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government, delivered a speech at the ceremony preceding the banquet. Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Ms. Lillian CHEONG, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Mr Duncan CHIU and Professor William WONG Kam-fai, Legislative Council members, along with other distinguished guests, were also in attendance.
Established in 2015, ASHK is dedicated to fostering international collaboration, showcasing Hong Kong's excellence in scientific research, strengthening science education, and providing forward-looking recommendations on scientific research and education. It has garnered consistent support from the Hong Kong SAR Government and various sectors of the community. To systematically cultivate scientists committed to serving society, ASHK established the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences (YASHK) in 2018. Over the past decade, ASHK and YASHK have become vital pillars of Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem, having jointly organised more than 660 science outreach events with over 150,000 participants.
Professor Dennis LO, President of ASHK, expresses gratitude for the support from all sectorstowards ASHK and YASHK, and looks forward to continuing as a driving force for Hong Kong’s scientific research achievements in the next decade. Photo provided by ASHK
Professor Dennis LO, President of ASHK, remarked that ASHK's growth has paralleled Hong Kong's I&T development. ASHK has also witnessed the HKSAR Government's dedicated policies and strategic investments, which have laid a robust foundation for technological progress and paved the way for future breakthroughs. He went on to express his sincere gratitude to Mr LEUNG Chun-ying, then Chief Executive of the HKSAR; Mr WAN Gang, then Vice-Chairman of the CPPCC and Minister of Science and Technology; and Professor BAI Chunli, then President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, whose staunch support led to the establishment of ASHK in 2015. He also thanked the HKSAR Government and various sectors for their support over the past decade, and paid special tribute to Founding President Professor Lap-chee TSUI for his dedication and leadership.
The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences held its 10th Anniversary Celebration Banquet , inviting partners from various sectors to attend and jointly witness this milestone. Photo provided by ASHK
Professor LO emphasised that science is not only a lifelong pursuit for scientists but is increasingly recognised as the cornerstone of a modern nation's strength. He urged that, with Hong Kong now in a golden era of technological innovation, the local I&T community should seize this opportunity to strengthen and leverage its advantages to support Hong Kong's development as an international I&T hub. Professor LO stated, “ASHK will continue its commitment to nurturing young scientific talent and, together with all sectors, create an even more brilliant future for advancing I&T in Hong Kong." In addition, during the banquet, Professor LO presented membership certificates to five newly elected ASHK Members and twelve newly elected YASHK Members for 2025.
Hong Kong is making comprehensive efforts to advance technological innovation, with a robust scientific foundation and widespread science education serving as the cornerstones for nurturing future innovators in the field. The eighth round of the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences (ASHK), the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering, the Hong Kong Institution of Science, and the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences (YASHK), was officially launched today (22 March).
The kick-off ceremony of the eighth round of the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme was held today. A total of 60 renowned scientists and engineers will voluntarily mentor 119 local high school science students, passing on the torch of scientific knowledge. (Photo provided by organiser)
Dr Jeff SZE, the Acting Secretary for Education of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Professor Dennis LO, President of ASHK, officiated the ceremony as guests of honour and delivered speeches. Together with approximately 300 participants, including guests, school principals, parents, and students, they witnessed an important moment for 119 secondary school science students. Under the voluntary mentorship of 60 scientists and engineers, these students are poised to take a pivotal step forward on the path of scientific exploration.
The kick-off ceremony of the eighth round of the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme was held today. A total of 60 renowned scientists and engineers will voluntarily mentor 119 local high school science students, passing on the torch of scientific knowledge. (Photo provided by organiser)
Since its launch in 2018, the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme has benefited over 900 students, establishing itself as a flagship initiative for science popularisation in Hong Kong. This year, 60 mentors whose expertise spans life sciences, engineering, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and environmental sciences, are serving as mentors to students. In addition, distinguished scholars such as Professor Lap-Chee TSUI, Founding President of ASHK and former President of The University of Hong Kong; and Professor Nancy IP, Founding Member of ASHK and President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, continue their commitment to guiding the next generation. Newly elected Members of ASHK, including Professor KWAN Mei-Po, Professor in the Department of Geography and Resource Management at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; and Professor NG Siew Chien, Professor in the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics of the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, joined the Mentorship Programme as mentors for the first time.
Dr Jeff SZE, the Acting Secretary for Education of HKSARG, officiates the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme kick-off ceremony. (Photo provided by organiser)
Professor Dennis LO, President of ASHK, emphasised that promoting science education and nurturing young I&T talent are core objectives of ASHK, serving as crucial cornerstones for Hong Kong's development as an international innovation and technology hub. He noted that since its launch in 2018, the Mentorship Programme has expanded each year, with nearly 1,000 students having participated to date. Many of these mentees subsequently chose to pursue science-related degrees and entered the research or engineering sectors, thereby contributing to Hong Kong's new wave of technological innovation. Professor LO expressed his hope that current mentees would cherish the opportunity to interact closely with leading scientists, gain a deeper insight into the world of scientific research and personally experience its appeal, laying the groundwork for their future careers in technology and innovation.
Professor Dennis LO, President of ASHK, encourages participants to seize the opportunity to engage closely with leading scientists and experience the excitement of scientific research first-hand. (Photo provided by ASHK)
Professor LO said that, as the nation advances its 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is actively aligning with national strategies, focusing on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence to foster the development of new productive forces. He added that nurturing a new generation of local scientists and ensuring the intergenerational transmission of the scientific spirit and expertise is not only the shared responsibility of the scientific community, the education sector, and the government, but is also crucial for Hong Kong to capitalise on national developmental opportunities and contribute to the country's pursuit of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement.
Daniel CHUNG, currently enrolled in the International Research Enrichment Programme in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, says that the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme inspired his career direction. After graduation, he aspires to pursue a career in scientific research and contribute to society. (Photo provided by organiser)
Daniel CHUNG, a former mentee in the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme, is currently enrolled in the International Research Programme in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He shared his experiences and insights from the Mentorship Programme at the event. Daniel expressed special gratitude to his mentor, Professor Stephaine MA, Vice-President of YASHK and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Hong Kong. He noted that Professor MA not only shared her research journey and invaluable knowledge in the biomedical field, but also provided guidance on his academic progression and career planning. Through this mentorship, Daniel has clarified his future path in science and solidified his determination to pursue a career in research and contribute to the nation and society.
Dr Jeff SZE, the Acting Secretary for Education of HKSARG (Second Right), and Professor Dennis LO, President of ASHK (Second Left), interact with students participating in this year's Mentorship Programme. (Photo provided by organiser)
