HKSTP and China Resources Group jointly launched the “Beyond Dreams” I&T Talent Nurturing Programme

(Hong Kong, 1 December 2023) — The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and China Resources (Holdings) Co., Ltd. (China Resources Group) announced the launch of a five-year long “Beyond Dreams” I&T Talent Nurturing Programme, with a donation of HK$100 million from CR Charitable Foundation. It is the first time for HKSTP to receive a donation from the private sector for a charity project partnership. “Beyond Dreams” aims to provide secondary schools and university students with immersive hands-on training and corporate work experience to build up a positive perception of I&T among our younger generations, encouraging them to join the ecosystem in the future. At the launching ceremony, HKSTP and China Resources Group rolled out the initial project under the theme of aerospace technology which will target all secondary school students in Hong Kong.

Witnessed by Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Mr Liu Maozhou, Inspector of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP; and Mr Chen Ying, Chairman of China Resources Enterprise (CR Enterprise), Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP and Mr Wang Yan, Board Member of CR Charitable Foundation signed the MoU.

The first initiative of “Beyond Dreams” is an experience programme which introduces aerospace technology and its applications to secondary school students in Hong Kong. It will include aerospace seminars in schools, visits to the national space stations for representatives in the education sector and an innovative aerospace competition. Through a series of diverse activities, students can develop a deeper understanding of the country’s achievements in aerospace technologies as well as interests in STEAM subjects. In addition, China Resources Group will provide funding support for Park companies to offer internship opportunities for university students who are interested in pursuing career in I&T, with a view to expanding the I&T talent pool in Hong Kong.

Mr Chen Ying, Chairman of CR Enterprise, said, “Rooted in Hong Kong for 85 years, China Resources Group has been breathing and growing with Hong Kong. At a new stage of ‘advancing from order to prosperity’, we are committed to helping Hong Kong youth innovate, start businesses and integrate into the overall development of the country. Through its Charitable Foundation, China Resources will gather various technology and education resources and facilitate the growth of I&T talents, cultivating teenagers’ passion towards science and deeper understanding of the country’s development. We will create more opportunities for young people to thrive so as to lay a strong foundation for promoting the city into an international I&T centre”.

Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, said, “Established for more than 20 years, HKSTP has been striving to propel innovation advancement in Hong Kong. With ‘tech for good’ as our mission, HKSTP collaborates with like-minds to promote the welfare of Hong Kong and all nations. We are delighted to work with China Resources Group on our journey in nurturing the next generation of I&T leaders. We will keep garner philanthropic support and charitable donations from different sectors to harness innovations that will build a more vibrant innovation ecosystem, a greener environment and better lives for all.”

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, commended the collaborative efforts of China Resources and HKSTP in talent nurturing. “We expect that the aerospace experience programme launched in the first year will enhance young people's understanding of the national aerospace technologies and their interest in mathematics, science, engineering and other subjects, laying a solid foundation for their future careers in innovation and technology.” He sincerely wished for the success of the “Beyond Dreams” to lead more young people to achieve their dreams and support I&T development in Hong Kong. As Hong Kong is actively integrating into the overall development of the country, its I&T talents will have more opportunities to participate in state-level scientific research as well as better contribute to national scientific and technological developments.

At the ceremony, Professor Vivian Yam, Member of Chinese Academy of Sciences, President of Hong Kong STEAM Education Alliance, talked about the inseparable relationship between STEAM education and the national aerospace industry. Two students from Pui Kiu College also shared their insights from the Sichuan Aerospace Base trip this summer.