HKSTP Extends Warmest Congratulations to Dr Lai Ka Ying as Hong Kong's Inaugural Payload Expert

(Hong Kong, 23 May 2026) — Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) extends its warmest congratulations to Dr Lai Ka Ying on becoming the first Hong Kong payload expert to join the Shenzhou-23 crew and undertake a six-month mission aboard China's space station. HKSTP is profoundly inspired by this accomplishment and expresses sincere appreciation to the nation for its resolute endorsement of and steadfast support for Hong Kong's research capabilities and innovation and technology (I&T) talent.

Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, said, "On behalf of HKSTP, I extend our most sincere congratulations to Dr Lai Ka Ying on her appointment as a national payload expert. HKSTP remains steadfastly committed to cultivating a thriving I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong, convening world-leading research capabilities, start-ups, R&D institutions, and industry partners to accelerate research commercialisation and industry-academia-research collaboration. In 2022, HKSTP was designated as one of the select institutions for the preliminary recruitment phase of payload expert, proactively encouraging eligible researchers within our community to apply. We consider it a distinct privilege to have contributed to selection processes for China's manned space programme. Today's appointment of Hong Kong's inaugural payload expert constitutes particularly significant validation of both our region's I&T talent development framework and scientific research prowess."

Dr Chai continued, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has consistently pursued strategic initiatives and provided robust support for aerospace technology advancement. Notably, the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre, established through InnoHK Innovation Hong Kong R&D Platform funding, has successfully completed an international collaborative project commissioned by the China National Space Administration's (CNSA) Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center (LESEC). This demonstrates Hong Kong's research prowess in space robotics, energy systems, and aerospace technologies. HKSTP will continue providing comprehensive support to relevant R&D institutions, including InnoHK platforms at Hong Kong Science Park, driving cross-disciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector collaboration. We are confident this historic feat will ignite the I&T aspirations of Hong Kong's youth and attract more talent to scientific research. HKSTP remains committed to building a more robust I&T ecosystem, creating greater opportunities for local researchers to jointly contribute vital expertise to China's space endeavours and technological self-reliance."

The nation’s aerospace accomplishments are exceptional and globally recognised. The direct participation of Hong Kong researchers in national space missions constitutes not only a pivotal milestone for Hong Kong's I&T development, but also an honourable testament to its integration into the nation's broader science and technology advancement strategy. As the HKSAR's payload expert, Dr Lai Ka Ying will undertake scientific research aboard China's space station during the national mission. This progression elevates Hong Kong's I&T development to a new level, further epitomising the nation's profound trust in and unwavering support for Hong Kong's youth, scientific researchers, and technology talent.

Hong Kong has consistently played an active role in supporting the development of the nation’s aerospace programme, contributing its specialised expertise to numerous major missions. These contributions encompass providing systems, instruments, and technical support for lunar and Martian exploration missions, alongside participation in spaceborne experiments. Such achievements unequivocally demonstrate the robust foundations and international outlook of Hong Kong’s research teams across diverse fields including aerospace technology, robotics, energy systems, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. They further reflect the capacity of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem to underpin significant national scientific and technological missions.

Looking ahead, the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan prioritises scientific and technological self-reliance while expressly supporting the HKSAR in establishing itself as an international I&T hub. Dr Lai Ka Ying's selection as Hong Kong's inaugural payload expert will further motivate the city's youth to pursue careers in innovation, technology and aerospace, enabling them to apply their expertise and realise their "space exploration dreams". Drawing impetus from this milestone, HKSTP will continue expanding Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem, fostering close collaboration across research, industry, capital and talent to inject renewed dynamism into the city's technological advancement.

HKSTP extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr Lai Ka Ying and the Shenzhou-23 crew for a successful mission. We shall continue collaborating with the HKSAR Government, research institutions, universities, enterprises, and industry partners to advance Hong Kong's deeper integration into the national development framework. This commitment supports the nation's pursuit of high-level scientific self-reliance while jointly pioneering a new chapter for Hong Kong's I&T sector and China's aerospace programme.