Speech by SITI at Opening Ceremony and Science Symposium of 2024 Future Science Prize Week (English only) (with photo)

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Opening Ceremony and Science Symposium of 2024 Future Science Prize Week today (November 1):

Vivian (Co-chair of the Programme Committee of 2024 Future Science Prize Week, Professor Yam Wing-wah), Nisa (Rotating Chairman of the Council of the Future Forum 2024, Ms Nisa Leung), Professor Lin (2024 Future Science Prize Week Programme Committee Co-chair, Professor Douglas Lin), Professor List (Director of Max Planck Institute for Coal Research, Professor Benjamin List), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government, I would like to extend my very warm welcome to all the scientists and speakers who are joining us for the 2024 Future Science Prize (FSP) Week in Hong Kong.

     Last year, the FSP Week was held for the first time in Hong Kong, and it was an unprecedented success. Building on this fruitful experience, the Future Science Awards Foundation and the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences jointly organised the FSP Week events in Hong Kong again this year under the theme "Shining a Light on the Future of Science", bringing us more new and exciting elements to the series of events.

     The Hong Kong Science Museum, where we are now, is one of the most popular museums in Hong Kong. Here, many of the younger generation are first exposed to science, sparking curiosity, and igniting inquisitive minds, making it the perfect venue for today's Opening Ceremony and Science Symposium. To further promote popularisation of science, the Museum is also staging the "2024 The Future Science Prize Exhibition", showcasing the research journey and achievements of the laureates, including our top-notch Hong Kong scientists.

     Indeed, we are blessed to have a wealth of great scientists and academics in Hong Kong who provide solid support for Hong Kong's journey towards our goal of becoming an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre and an international hub for high-calibre talents. Just two weeks ago, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his 2024 Policy Address, in which a number of new initiatives were outlined to further promote I&T development in Hong Kong. We will adhere to the principle of "promoting technology with talents, leading industries with technology, and attracting talents with industries", and continue to perfect the I&T ecosystem and enlarge our talent pool.

     Under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong enjoys distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support from our motherland and being closely connected to the world, which is conducive to global I&T collaboration. The HKSAR Government will continue to support world-class I&T events, like the FSP Week, and promote international I&T exchange and "science and technology for all" to foster a favourable I&T culture in Hong Kong.
  
     Today's Symposium will soon begin with the Chemistry Session. As Nobel laureate Marie Curie once said, "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood". The scientific breakthroughs and achievements of our scientists provide us with a deeper understanding of the mysterious and unknown world. I believe that the exchanges among scientists today will bring new insights and innovations, much like the transformative power of chemistry. I also hope that this event will become a beacon of light for our next generation.

     Before I close, I would like to thank Vivian and the organising committee for orchestrating this impressive event. Please also join me in applauding the 2024 prize winners and our distinguished guest speakers. I wish you all a wonderful stay in Hong Kong and a rewarding exchange today. Thank you very much.