Six leading scholars on Tuesday delivered inspiring lectures to over 300 Hong Kong students, sharing insights across scientific and cultural fields while showcasing the nation’s achievements in scientific exploration and the rich history of Chinese civilization.
The “Master Classes for Youth” series, organized by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and supported by the Hong Kong Rosamond Foundation, returned to Hong Kong after its debut in the city in 2023. The series features lectures, exchange visits, and master classes, providing students with opportunities to engage directly with top experts.
In a video address, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu praised the lecture series as a platform for youth engagement, saying it helps nurture a new generation of innovation and technology talent with a strong sense of national identity and a global perspective.
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The event aligns with the special administrative region government’s long-standing commitment to supporting youth development, he said.
Lee said he hopes the attendees will apply what they learned during the events to their daily lives, studies and future careers, contributing their passion and energy to the development of both the country and the city.
This year’s speakers are semiconductor materials scientist Yang Deren, archaeologist Tang Jigen, aerospace engineer Lei Zhanxu, artificial intelligence expert Guo Yike, marine scientist Jiao Nianzhi, and Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program.
Their topics included solar energy, photovoltaic power generation, the study of oracle-bone script, space exploration, AI development, and ocean-based negative emissions.
During the question-and-answer session, a student from Sha Tin Methodist College asked Tang: “For young individuals aspiring to a career in archaeology, what are the key qualities and skills?”
Tang replied: “An explorative spirit, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge. When you are passionate about something, just pursue it with vigor.”
Local students found the experience eye-opening. A Form Five student from Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School said, “Today’s lecture helped me understand the recent developments of the nation, and made me feel interested in traveling to more mainland cities. I’d like to visit (rocket launching sites in) Shan-dong and Gansu provinces to learn more about our country’s aerospace progress.”
A Form Four student from Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School described this lecture as a fruitful experience. “It taught me things I cannot learn from school, such as those related to aerospace. I really admire the experts’ sharing.”
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Through Friday, the scientist delegation, joined by vacuum measurement expert Li Detian, will visit 16 local universities and secondary schools for further face-to-face exchanges.
Shen Beili, vice-chairperson of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, said the lecture series aims to ignite students’ interest in science and foster meaningful interactions between young people from Hong Kong and the mainland.
Lester Garson Huang, deputy chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, a sponsor of the event, said he hopes the lectures will not only broaden cultural and scientific knowledge, but also encourage young people to pursue their dreams.
Since its inception in 2021, the “Master Classes for Youth” series has featured over 80 top experts across the science, culture, sports and art realms.
Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com
