Chairman Jonathan Choi
This mission marks a historic breakthrough in Hong Kong’s aerospace sector and an important milestone for Hong Kong’s integration into the national aerospace development, filling all sectors of society with pride and excitement. As the first payload specialist to travel to space, Lai has stepped from the police force into the vast sea of stars. With perseverance and professionalism, she has fulfilled her space dream, embodying the never-give-up spirit of pursuing dreams and setting a shining example for all sectors of Hong Kong.
The national aerospace cause has been advancing steadily, with China’s scientific and technological strength continuously rising, fully demonstrating the country’s strong capabilities in self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology. The state strongly supports Hong Kong in building an international innovation and technology hub, and opens up major national scientific research platforms, allowing talents from Hong Kong to participate in top-level projects and contribute their wisdom.
The Chamber will fully cooperate with the development of the national aerospace cause and scientific and technological innovation, including continuing to sponsor and participate in the organization of the Young Astronaut Experience Camp, organizing young people from Hong Kong to the Chinese Mainland to experience astronaut training, and promoting the younger generation of Hong Kong to deepen their understanding of the development and achievements of the national aerospace science and technology.
Vice-Chairman Ricky Tsang
After more than 30 years of hard work, China’s manned space program has entered a new stage, from the successful first flight to the regular operation of the space station. Lai’s selection is a remarkable achievement of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle in the aerospace sector, symbolizing that Hong Kong’s scientific research strength and international advantages are contributing back to the national aerospace cause, while the country’s development has also broadened the development platform for people in Hong Kong. This time, the selection of a Hong Kong resident has further set an example for Hong Kong youth to serve the country through science and technology, and enriched the talent structure of the national aerospace sector. Tsang Hin-chi, my father, established an aerospace fund to support the development of the aerospace industry, and I will continue this original aspiration of serving the country. I wish the Shenzhou-23 mission a complete success.
Vice-Chairman Johnny Yu
Being able to personally witness the first Hong Kong astronaut embark on a journey to space with Shenzhou-23 through the live broadcast, I am filled with excitement and emotion. As a person from Hong Kong, I am truly inspired and proud to see Lai pass through multiple rounds of selection and officially join the national manned space program. Her journey to fulfilling her dream vividly illustrates Hong Kong’s deep integration into the overall national development and its contribution to national construction through scientific research strength. This is not only a fruitful result of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, but will also inspire countless young people in Hong Kong to devote themselves to scientific research and serve the motherland. I sincerely cheer for Lai, and wish the mission all the best and a triumphant return!
Vice-Chairman Charles Cheung
I watched the live broadcast of the Shenzhou-23 launch with great excitement, and was filled with pride the moment the rocket lifted off. Looking back at the development of the motherland’s aerospace industry from weakness to strength, from the launch of the first artificial satellite to the construction of its own space station, and now to Hong Kong’s scientific researchers traveling to space, the joy of half a century is condensed in this moment. Lai, Hong Kong’s first payload specialist, set off smoothly with calm steps. This is not only her personal honor, but also the glory of the entire Hong Kong, setting a model for Hong Kong youth to serve the country. This fully reflects the state’s recognition of talents from Hong Kong and confirms the advantages of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. I would like to pay tribute to all astronauts, wish the mission a complete success and the astronauts a safe and triumphant return. Hong Kong’s Citizens are looking up at the stars and cheering for all of you.
Vice-Chairman Li Yinquan
The successful launch of Shenzhou-23 and Lai’s smooth journey to space not only demonstrate the strong scientific research strength of the national aerospace industry, but also vividly reflect the implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and Hong Kong’s deep integration into the overall national development. Lai, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, has stood out to become an aerospace payload specialist with her solid professional foundation in science and engineering, setting a vivid example for young people in Hong Kong. Her experience of pursuing dreams can effectively arouse the enthusiasm of Hong Kong students for scientific research, inspire the new generation of young people to actively delve into STEM-related disciplines, study cutting-edge science and technology with space ideals, seize the numerous opportunities brought by the country’s vigorous development, and serve the country with their expertise.
Vice-Chairman Andrew Yao
Shenzhou-23 was successfully launched, and I watched the live broadcast together with several legislators who were on an inspection tour in Shanghai, celebrating this historic moment together. What makes us even prouder is that Lingnan University has contributed key scientific research strength to this national-level mission! The team led by Professor Jia Li, Dean of the Shenzhen Research Institute of Lingnan University, has established a carbon emission source database covering more than half of the emission sources across the country, which is exactly the “mapping and navigation system” for the “Tianyun Camera” operated by Lai in space. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s irreplaceable and unique advantages in the national scientific research development. Congratulations on the successful launch of Shenzhou-23, and we look forward to more young people from Hong Kong devoting themselves to the national scientific research construction with their expertise in the future.
Vice-Chairman Robert Lee
Warm congratulations on the successful launch of Shenzhou-23! Lai, a native of Hong Kong, has become the first Hong Kong astronaut to embark on a journey to space. Lai’s selection confirms the state’s recognition of Hong Kong’s scientific research talents, and fully demonstrates the advantages of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and Hong Kong’s scientific research potential. As a member of the financial services sector, I am well aware that scientific and technological innovation is closely linked to the capital market. Aerospace technology is the commanding height of the cutting-edge track and the core area of future industries. Lai’s efforts will surely inspire more young people in Hong Kong to devote themselves to innovation and technology, and contribute to the country’s self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology.
Vice-Chairman Kevin Fan
Congratulations to Lai, Hong Kong’s first payload specialist, on her launch into space aboard Shenzhou-23. The blooming of the bauhinia in space marks an important milestone for the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. Lai, who holds a PhD from the University of Hong Kong and has served as a Superintendent of Police for many years, has passed the strict national selection and intensive aerospace training with her solid professionalism, becoming the first female astronaut from Hong Kong and Macao. After entering space, she will carry out space scientific research, connect with Hong Kong’s scientific research projects, and contribute Hong Kong’s scientific research strength. Her journey to fulfilling her dream has benefited from the country’s opening up of the aerospace platform, which not only confirms the strength of Hong Kong’s talents, but also inspires young people in Hong Kong to devote themselves to innovation and technology and serve the country. I wish Lai a successful mission and a safe and triumphant return.
Vice-Chairman Jennifer Yeung
Warm congratulations on the successful launch of Shenzhou-23. I watched the live broadcast together with members of the Chamber’s Young Executives’ Committee, and was filled with excitement to experience this historic moment. Lai has become the first Hong Kong astronaut, successfully fulfilling the dream of Hong Kong people to travel to space. She has embarked on her journey to space with her own strength, which not only demonstrates the talent and responsibility of Hong Kong women, but also is a vivid example of Hong Kong’s integration into the overall national development. The moment the rocket lifted off, I personally experienced the country’s aerospace strength and national pride. Lai’s experience will inspire countless young people in Hong Kong, especially young women, to bravely pursue their dreams, serve the country with their expertise, and realize their aspirations.
