Nobel Prize and science development in Hong Kong

This year's Nobel Prize winners are being announced one after another. A few days ago the award of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Ms Tu Youyou, the first Chinese woman to win the prize, caught people's attention. Following that, the announcement of the winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and their research results were also covered by the media, seemingly more prominently than in previous years.

There are many household names in Hong Kong's business, professional and political sectors. But if you randomly ask people on the street in Central to name two or three local scientists, they may not be able to do so. In fact, many of our scientists are internationally recognised for their contributions to their fields. They are just not yet known to the public. To encourage the public to give them due attention, the Special Administrative Region Government has awarded honours to some local scientists over the past two years. Many local scientists have distinguished themselves at a young age. I hope that more young people will dedicate their lives to science.

To promote the continuous development of science in Hong Kong, we need to encourage both upward and downstream activities. It requires a healthy ecological system comprising investment, application and production elements. In this regard, the government plays an indispensable role. I am confident that we will achieve more in science as long as we adopt the appropriate policies.

October 8, 2015