Witnessing inauguration of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong at Government House

Today, Hong Kong set a new milestone in its science development. After years of preparation, the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong was formally established, with the inauguration ceremony held at Government House.

All of the 27 founding members of the Academy are scientists enjoying international prestige and with significant contributions to scientific research.

There are many young scientific researchers in Hong Kong. To develop and enhance our capacity in scientific research in a sustainable manner, we must first draw greater attention of the whole community to science. Therefore, the founding members of the Academy will visit local primary and secondary schools to encourage our young people and promote education in science and technology with their own stories. The Academy will also make strenuous efforts to identify angel investors who can support young scientists in turning their research results into products. In addition, the Academy will organise exchange activities to enhance Hong Kong's status in the international scientific arena. Tomorrow, the first Science and Technology Innovation Summit will be held at the Hong Kong Science Park.

Earlier on in an interview, founder of the Academy Professor Tsui Lap-chee said that Hong Kong was remarkable in its upstream scientific research, but had to work hard in mid stream and downstream, including education in science and technology as well as science and technology in manufacturing. I cannot agree more with Professor Tsui.

The development of innovation and technology industries in Hong Kong requires the combined efforts of the Government, industry, academia and the research sector so that the whole ecological chain of innovation and technology can be linked together. A wide range of issues are involved in the respective areas of work of the Government, industry, academia and the research sector. Take "industry" as an example. It refers to more than manufacturers. In the past few days, I met with representatives of large-scale overseas science and technology investment funds and foreign law firms serving the science community and encouraged them to establish a presence in Hong Kong. As for the Government, the newly established Innovation and Technology Bureau will consolidate the efforts of various government, quasi-government and government-funded bodies so that they can work together to enhance efficiency.

I would like to pay tribute to all local science researchers and extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Academy on its establishment. I am honoured to be invited to be an honorary patron of the Academy. I take pride in the research results that Hong Kong has achieved over the years and am optimistic about further science development in Hong Kong.

I hope the whole community will give full support to the work of the Academy, and sponsor and foster science development in Hong Kong.

The Chief Executive speaks at the inauguration ceremony of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong. Besides congratulating the Academy on its establishment, he also paid tribute to local scientific researchers.		The Chief Executive in a group photo with founder of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong Professor Tsui Lap-chee (first right); the Minister of Science and Technology of the Central People's Government, Professor Wan Gang (second left); and the President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Bai Chunli (first left).
The Chief Executive officiates at the plaque unveiling ceremony with Professor Tsui, Minister Wan and Professor Bai.		The Chief Executive presents Professor Tsui with a Certificate of Founding Member of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong.
The Chief Executive in a group photo with officiating guests and founding members of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong.

Video of the inauguration ceremony of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong

December 5, 2015