Hong Kong-born astronaut | Lam Kin-yuet: Demonstrates the Central Government's strong support for Hong Kong's innovation and technology development

Shenzhou 23 will be launched at 11:08 p.m. tomorrow (24th), with crew members including Li Jiaying from Hong Kong.
Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Lin Jian Yue believes that Hong Kong-produced astronauts going into space not only demonstrate the central government's support and care for Hong Kong, but also reflect that Hong Kong's scientific research talents and standards are recognized by the authorities, and further show that Hong Kong can play a more important role in helping the country become a space power.

He said that the SAR government should seize the opportunity, accelerate the construction of the Northern Metropolis, actively attract strategic enterprises such as space technology to settle in Hong Kong, fully integrate into the national innovation and technology development plan, and in the grand journey of the "14th Five-Year Plan," contribute new achievements to the country.

Lin Jian Yue pointed out that "payload experts" need to conduct scientific research and experiments on long-term space station missions, undertaking important aerospace experiments, which require high professionalism. The appearance of Hong Kong experts in this role is the most authoritative recognition of Hong Kong's scientific research level by the country.
Hong Kong not only contributes a "payload expert" to the country, but in recent years has also continuously made significant contributions to the country's space endeavors. This reflects Hong Kong's unique advantage under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, providing better channels and platforms for local talents to participate in national development, engage in national-level projects, and create larger stages for high-end Hong Kong talents.

He believes that the country's "14th Five-Year Plan" provides clear direction and major development opportunities for Hong Kong's innovation and technology development, with space technology industry being a sunrise industry in global science and technology.
In recent years, Hong Kong's innovation and technology cooperation with the mainland has deepened continuously, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has become a major platform for building an international science and technology innovation center.
The launch of the Hong Kong-produced astronaut into space directly participating in national space programs conveys the central government's strong support for Hong Kong's innovation and technology development, further promoting Hong Kong's innovation and technology industry to integrate into the country's space industry development, and helping Hong Kong build an international innovation and technology hub.

Paul Chan: Inspiring Hong Kong Youth’s Imagination and Exploration of Space

Financial Secretary Paul Chan posted on social media that he feels immensely excited and eagerly looks forward to the successful completion of this space mission; this is the first time a Hong Kong representative has participated in a national spaceflight mission, which will also inspire Hong Kong youth’s imagination and exploration of space.

Chan said that space technology is now at the forefront of competition in fields such as communications and artificial intelligence, and is also one of the high grounds for accelerating the deployment of future industries.
Under the "14th Five-Year Plan," Hong Kong will speed up progress and fully leverage key functions such as being an international financial, trade, innovation and technology hub, and a gathering place for high-end international talents, contributing to the development of the country's space industry.

Zhang Xiang: Setting an Example for Young Students

HKU warmly congratulates alumnus Li Jiaying on being selected as a crew member for the Shenzhou 23 crewed spaceflight mission, wishing the mission complete success, and hoping Li Jiaying will successfully accomplish her task and return safely.
As the Shenzhou 23 crew departs, HKU will continue to support the country's realization of technological self-reliance and self-strengthening, and promote deep space exploration toward excellence.

HKU President Zhang Xiang stated that Li Jiaying becoming Hong Kong’s first payload specialist to join the national Shenzhou crewed spaceflight mission is not only her personal achievement but also a pride for HKU and all of Hong Kong.
She has moved from HKU’s laboratories to the vast universe, fully embodying HKU’s and Hong Kong’s spirit of pursuit of excellence and daring to explore.
Her success sets an example for young students, showing that with perseverance and strength, the stars are no longer out of reach, and grand dreams can become reality.
He firmly believes her remarkable achievement will inspire a new generation of Hong Kong scientists to pursue space dreams and contribute to the country’s space journey.

Lingnan University congratulates Li Jiaying on participating in a new round of national space missions, becoming Hong Kong’s first female astronaut, and potentially operating space scientific instruments led by HKUST, such as the "Tianyun Camera."
The project is led by Lingnan University’s Shenzhen Research Institute Director, Associate Professor Wu Jieyi of the Interdisciplinary College (Young Scholar of Excellence), Li Jia, and their research team, providing key data from the carbon emission sources database to compare with the greenhouse gas data observed by the "Tianyun Camera," including sources of carbon dioxide and methane emissions.
This helps accurately identify the intensity and distribution of emissions from power plants and industrial facilities in different regions, supporting the country’s goals of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality" with important scientific research backing.