CE congratulates Hong Kong payload expert on participating in Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission
The China Manned Space Agency announced today (May 23) the Shenzhou-23 crew, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed gratitude to the country for its support for and trust in the HKSAR. He also congratulated Dr Lai on passing the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, thereby contributing Hong Kong's strength to the country's aerospace endeavours. Mr Lee wished the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission great success.
Mr Lee said, "As this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the HKSAR is embracing a historic moment in the pursuit of its aerospace dream. We are deeply inspired by this moment of extraordinary significance, where a Hong Kong specialist takes part in the spaceflight mission as an astronaut for the first time. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing the HKSAR's technology talent with this valuable opportunity to take part in the aerospace endeavours of the country.
"The HKSAR has been contributing to the country's aerospace development. Various research institutions and universities have been participating in aerospace research projects, including providing systems, instruments, and technical support for the country's lunar and Mars exploration missions, as well as conducting spaceborne experiments. The HKSAR Government has also established the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Center under the InnoHK Research Clusters to participate in related national aerospace missions. Under the 'one country, two systems' principle, Hong Kong possesses the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. With five universities ranking among the world's top 100, Hong Kong provides a powerful impetus for nurturing and attracting innovation and technology (I&T) talent.
"The participation of a scientific researcher from Hong Kong in the spaceflight mission for the first time is not only an affirmation of her own capability, but also a testimony to the country's high recognition of Hong Kong's I&T talent, development, and achievements. It also fully reflects the great importance attached, as well as the care and support given to the technological development in Hong Kong by our country. I warmly congratulate Dr Lai and sincerely wish her every success in the spaceflight mission."
Dr Lai thanked the country and the HKSAR Government for their support. She felt deeply honoured to be able to represent the HKSAR to participate in the country's spaceflight mission. She said that she will spare no effort and strive to live up to the expectations of the country and the HKSAR. Meanwhile, she expressed the hope that this mission would inspire more Hong Kong youths to devote themselves to the field of I&T, thereby contributing to the country's scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, led a HKSAR delegation to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to participate in the upcoming send-off ceremony and witness this historic moment. Members of the delegation include the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, and other government representatives, I&T experts, youths and students.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Dr Lai obtained a doctoral degree in computer forensics. She is a Superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Force. In the recruitment exercise of the country's fourth batch of preparatory astronauts launched in 2022, she was successfully selected as a payload expert and was deployed to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center for training. Payload experts are responsible for conducting experiments such as scientific and applied research at the space station.
CE congratulates Hong Kong payload expert on participating in Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CE congratulates Hong Kong payload expert on participating in Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
