Speech by SITI at Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics Inauguration Ceremony & First HKIAA Symposium (English only) (with photo)
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Professor Zhang Xiang (President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong), Professor Zhang Bing (Founding Director of the HKIAA and Chair of Astrophysics, Department of Physics of the University of Hong Kong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great pleasure to witness the inauguration of the Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics today. On behalf of the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the University of Hong Kong for reaching this significant milestone.
Hong Kong has always been a place where curiosity meets opportunity. With the establishment of the HKIAA, we are taking a vital and visionary step to position our Hong Kong at the forefront of astrophysical research and technological innovation. Astronomy and astrophysics study the stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe itself, seeking answers to fundamental questions about dark matter, dark energy, black holes, the origins of the universe, and even the possibility of life beyond Earth. Addressing these profound mysteries requires brilliant ideas, advanced technology for developing state-of-the-art telescopes, and fruitful collaboration among scientists from diverse backgrounds.
The HKIAA will serve as a dynamic platform where scientists, researchers and students from around the world can collaborate on frontier projects that expand our understanding of the cosmos. It will strengthen Hong Kong's role as a global hub for scientific excellence, attracting top talent and fostering partnerships with leading international institutions. It will also create unique opportunities to promote collaboration on emerging industries between Hong Kong and the Mainland, especially within the Greater Bay Area.
Astronomy and astrophysics are deeply intertwined with the aerospace industry. The former inspires the scientific vision and theoretical foundation, while the latter provides the engineering solutions such as satellites, telescopes and probes, that make explorations possible. To promote the development of aerospace science and technology, and support space economy, the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre has been set up under the InnoHK research clusters to support the country's Chang'e-8 mission. The Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology has also allocated funding of more than $100 million to support six R&D (research and development) projects of universities.
The establishment of HKIAA aligns with the Government's vision to cultivate a thriving I&T (innovation and technology) ecosystem and provides academic and R&D support to building a robust space economy in Hong Kong. It is not just an academic study, it is about igniting the spark of innovation here on Earth. I am confident that the HKIAA will become a beacon of knowledge and discovery, illuminating the path toward a brighter and more innovative Hong Kong.
Last but not least, December 7 is a big day for Hong Kong. Please call on your family, friends and colleagues to vote at the Legislative Council General Election together, to create a brighter future for Hong Kong. Let us embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and chart a bold course towards the stars.
May I wish the first HKIAA Symposium a great success. Thank you.
Ends/Monday, November 3, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:35
Issued at HKT 11:35
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