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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Mainland-Hong Kong Members Forum this (May 24) morning:
Ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to officiate at the opening ceremony of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Mainland-Hong Kong Members Forum.
The Academy is the country's highest academic institution and comprehensive research and development centre in natural sciences, technological sciences and high-tech innovation. Over the past five decades, the Academy has led the country to make breakthroughs in basic and forefront technological research, to advance in innovation frontiers and to nurture generations and generations of distinguished scientists.
Ushering in the 21st century, China has adopted the strategy of revitalizing the country through science and education befitting the rapid technological development nowadays. Technological advances have become the driving forces to our economy and development, and the dominant factors in bringing forth changes in industrial structure, boosting economic growth and strengthening our participation in international market competition.
With China's accession into the World Trade Organization and the Mainland economy joining with the international arena, the Academy plays an even more important role in expediting the application of research findings for industrialization of high and new technology to foster economic growth. Some of the well-established technology companies in the Mainland now were previously pilot industrialization enterprises of the Academy.
In face of the challenges and opportunities brought about by globalization, advances in information technology and rapid developments in the Mainland economy, Hong Kong must undergo economic restructuring to maintain competitiveness. In this era of knowledge economy, innovation and technology are important economic drivers so we are committed to creating an environment that can facilitate technological development. By developing new technology, we can enhance efficiency, productivity and competitiveness and we will move up the high-value chain of the knowledge economy.
After I became the SAR Chief Executive, I set up the Commission on Innovation and Technology in 1998 and re-organized it in 2000 as the Council of Advisors on Innovation and Technology. The Council coordinates our technological development and explores ways to capitalize on innovation and technology in enhancing economic growth. It has examined our advantages in respect to tertiary education, scientific research, commerce and industry, infrastructure, etc. and the global prospects on the technological front. Four niches which Hong Kong has the potential and strength to excel were identified, namely biomedical research, integrated chips design, nanotechnology and service automation. We will focus on the development of these niches. Harnessing our sophisticated infrastructure, robust legal system and intellectual property protection framework, established international business experience and network, and a thriving capital market with high capital raising capability, we will continue to promote the industrialization of research findings and create an enabling environment for further technological advancement. Meanwhile, in the light of our nation's fast changing technological landscape, these advantages may complement with those of the Mainland to open up a new arena of partnership.
With innovation and relentless efforts, local universities have advanced quite a few areas of research to international level. I am glad that in recent years more and more researchers have reached out to work with the industrial sector and secured government support for the technological transfer and industrialization of their research findings. We will continue to provide more support to help Hong Kong excel in innovation and technology. The Academy's orientation and experience lends us valuable reference. In addition, the mass pool of science talents in the Mainland provides solid backup to our technological development.
Membership of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the highest academic honour in science and technology in China. The flourishing technological development of our country owes much to these top-notch scientists. It is a great pleasure to meet so many distinguished Academy Members here at this Forum, and to share their experience in various research disciplines and their observations on the industrialization of science and technology and Mainland-Hong Kong partnership. It is indeed an invaluable opportunity for a most timely discussion.
Today the Academy will confer the honorary certificates to its new Members from Hong Kong. It signifies the importance the Academy attaches to Hong Kong's science and technology sector as well as the close ties between the two. Six scholars from Hong Kong were made Members of the Academy in 2001. They come from various fields of research involving chemistry, biology, medicines, and materials and technological sciences. While showcasing the science talents we have in Hong Kong, it bears testimony to the recognition the local achievements received from our country. What's more, among these six awardees, Professor Vivian YAM from Chemistry Department, University of Hong Kong is the youngest Member ever in the Academy. I hope that the award of Academy Membership to our scholars will encourage more young talents, locals and Hong Kong belongers overseas alike, to board the bandwagon here and add to our capability in scientific research for the benefit of the country and mankind.
Since the founding of the New China, the Academy has been pivotal in promoting national economic and social advancement. Many breakthroughs have been made and raised the Academy to ever higher level of international recognition. These achievements are indeed commendable. Lastly, may I take this opportunity to congratulate this year's six new Academy Members and wish the Forum every success.
Thank you.
End/Friday, May 24, 2002
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