The first Chinese woman in space has urged young Hongkongers to reach for the stars and work hard on building up their scientific knowledge, expressing her hopes that students will go on to contribute to the country’s achievements.
Liu Yang said on Saturday a new aerospace science education base in the city could inspire Hongkongers to learn more about the history of the country’s space programme and its achievements.
“We are fortunate to be part of a good era, riding on the momentum of social development and having the opportunity to display our talents, realise our dreams and contribute to society,” she said in a pre-recorded speech to mark the launch of the centre.
“I believe Chinese people will go deeper and further into space, and the vast universe is waiting for us to explore. We look forward to young people from Hong Kong joining us.”
Liu became the first Chinese woman in space in 2012 as a crew member of Shenzhou-9.
The centre was jointly set up by the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers and the Chinese Society of Astronautics.
The launch ceremony coincided with a forum on patriotic education held by the two organisations, along with other groups, at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Also delivering a pre-recorded speech at the event, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted that authorities had been committed to developing innovation and technology, as well as cultivating related talent.
He said the new primary school science curriculum had added the topic of national aerospace and innovative technology to nurture interest in space exploration from an early age and establish a foundation of related scientific knowledge.
“I hope that more students will become supporters of the country’s aerospace industry and contribute to the development of the country’s aerospace science and technology in the future,” he said.
He added that the new aerospace education base would display the country’s breakthroughs and achievements to help young people better understand the latest developments.
Lee also praised the selection of the first Hongkonger to serve as a payload specialist in the country’s manned space programme.
“This is the first time that a Hong Kong resident has been selected to become a preparatory astronaut to have the opportunity to take part in the national manned space project and write the glorious history of the city and its people,” he said.
The China Manned Space Agency announced last month the woman was among 10 chosen in the latest group of astronauts, which also included a Macau resident.
The Post earlier reported she was a chief police inspector holding a doctorate and was chosen over more than 80 hopefuls from the city. She was attached to the force’s low profile and secret technical services division operating under the crime wing before she was transferred, an insider earlier told the Post.
