The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Education Bureau (EDB) and the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS-TECSU) are jointly organizing the Hong Kong Secondary Student Space Station Popular Science Payload and Science Experiment Design Challenge, in which the award presentation ceremony yesterday (September 21) at HKUST to commend the outstanding student teams for their excellent performance, and to recognize their efforts and achievements in designing space science experiments.
Speaking at the event, the Under Secretary for Education, Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, said that in response to the national strategy of 'invigorating the nation through science and education', the EDB is vigorously promoting innovation and technology (I&T) education in primary and secondary schools. This academic year sees the introduction of a new science subject in primary schools alongside the previously announced updated junior secondary science curriculum, achieving a 'Nine-Year Integrated' foundational science education. The curriculum incorporates aerospace and I&T elements to help students understand the nation's latest I&T advancements, enhance scientific literacy, and cultivate affection for and sense of belonging to the country.
He commended the participating students for demonstrating the integration of mathematical and technological knowledge alongside innovative thinking acquired through schools and training lessons in the challenge, resulting in highly creative space experiment proposals. He noted that the four Special Gold Award-winning proposals are currently undergoing optimization under the professional guidance of the expert teams. These proposals stand a chance to be recommended as part of the "Space Station Hong Kong Popular Science Satellite" national aerospace mission in 2026, operated by payload specialists on the space station. Dr. Sze expressed gratitude to school principals, teachers, and parents for their dedicated guidance, as well as to different Mainland tertiary institutions and organizations for their support of the challenge. He encouraged the students to maintain their passion for science and contribute to the future technological innovation and aerospace industry of our country.
The Deputy Chief Engineer of the CAS-TECSU, Dr. ZHONG Hongen, said that aerospace science education serves not only to disseminate knowledge, but also as a vital means of inspiring young people's passion for science and fostering a sense of national pride. He hopes that this science popularization activity will ignite the dreams of Hong Kong's young generation to explore the universe. Dr Zhong also delivered a keynote speech on the latest developments in Mainland China's aerospace industry and the significant importance of space science research, immensely benefiting the teachers and students in attendance.
In his welcoming address, Prof. Tim CHENG, Vice-President for Research and Development at HKUST, expressed his profound appreciation to the Hong Kong SAR Government's Education Bureau, the Center for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and all supporting and partner organizations for their unwavering commitment. He stated, "Their invaluable support has enabled HKUST to co-organize the Hong Kong Secondary Student Space Station Popular Science Payload and Science Experiment Design Challenge, offering an exceptional platform for young minds to demonstrate their innovative thinking and hands-on capabilities. The remarkable creativity and enthusiasm for space technology displayed by the participants are truly inspiring. These students represent the future of technological advancement in Hong Kong. I urge them to continue nurturing their curiosity for deep space exploration, to pursue their dreams with courage, and to contribute to our nation's aerospace achievements."
The challenge is jointly organized for the first time by the EDB, the CAS-TECSU, and the HKUST, with the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region serving as a supporting organization. The Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, and the Education Convergence are partner organizations. Since the challenge was launched in February this year, it has received an overwhelming response, attracting approximately 750 students from 100 secondary schools.
Following the award presentation, the guests, teachers, and students joined an exhibition at the venue, which showcased the learning outcomes and experiment proposals of the 16 Gold Award-winning teams. The exhibition facilitated peer exchange and learning among the participating students, sparking their interest in aerospace technology, and promoting the development of science education in Hong Kong.
