Space Dream Comes to Campus: HKCT Teachers and Students Witness China’s Space Achievements through “Tiangong Classroom”
(HKCT students enthusiastically participated in the “Tiangong Classroom: Hong Kong and Macao Special Session,” watching the live broadcast from the Chinese Space Station with great attention. Through the event, they broadened their understanding of science and technology, gained deeper insights into the nation’s achievements in aerospace development, and drew inspiration from the dedication and accomplishments of role models in the field.)
(9 September 2026, Hong Kong) The “Tiangong Classroom: Hong Kong and Macao Special Session”, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, and the China Manned Space Agency, was successfully held this morning. The Shenzhou-23 astronaut crew, currently carrying out missions aboard the Chinese Space Station, including Dr. Lai Ka Ying, Hong Kong’s first Payload Specialist, conducted scientific experiment demonstrations and thematic presentations from space. The astronauts also engaged in live interactive exchanges with students from Hong Kong and Macao, sharing the remarkable achievements of China’s space technology development.
(HKCT set up multiple live-streaming viewing points across its campuses, enabling teachers and students to watch the event simultaneously and witness firsthand the remarkable achievements of the nation’s space technology development.)
Live Connection with the Space Station Brings the Wonders of Space Exploration Closer to Campus
HKCT Institute of Higher Education and Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT) set up multiple live-streaming venues across campus, enabling staff and students to watch the event together. Through the real-time connection with the Chinese Space Station, participants gained first-hand insights into astronauts’ working and living conditions in space and observed a series of fascinating scientific experiments conducted in a microgravity environment.
As Dr. Lai Ka Ying, Hong Kong’s first Payload Specialist, interacted warmly with students from Hong Kong and Macao aboard the space station, teachers and students watched attentively and were deeply inspired. The event provided them with a deeper understanding of China’s achievements in space exploration, innovation, and technology development.
Inspiring Youth through Science Education and Broadening Their Perspectives on the Nation and the World
Mr. Chan Cheuk-hei, President of HKCT, remarked, “The Tiangong Classroom: Hong Kong and Macao Special Session not only showcased the nation’s strength in cutting-edge space technology, but also served as an important scientific and spiritual bridge connecting young people in Hong Kong and Macao with national development. We hope that students will seize this rare opportunity to elevate their vision and aspirations to new heights, viewing our country and the world from the perspective of space.”
He further revealed that HKCT is actively exploring the development of specialised programmes in emerging fields such as the low-altitude economy, aviation, and aerospace economy, with the aim of nurturing talented individuals equipped with broad perspectives to contribute to the development of Hong Kong and the nation.
Professor Lee Wai-chi, Vice President of HKCT, said, “HKCT has long attached great importance to promoting aerospace science education. Earlier, we partnered with the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation to organise The Alliance of Scientists Behind Space Missions, inviting experts to share insights into the nation’s space technology development with our teachers and students. We will also screen Shenzhou 13, China’s first feature film filmed in space, during the National Day period.”
She added, “As China’s space technology continues to advance rapidly and public interest in aerospace science grows, HKCT will continue to organise a wider range of learning activities and programmes to enable teachers and students to gain a deeper appreciation of the nation’s cutting-edge technological achievements.”
Hong Kong Payload Specialist Sets an Inspiring Example for Young People
Patrick, a student in the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Social Work programme at HKCT Institute of Higher Education, shared, “I feel extremely proud to witness the rapid development of our nation’s space technology. I am especially inspired by Dr. Lai Ka Ying’s journey. After years of rigorous training and unwavering perseverance, she fulfilled her dream of travelling into space. She is an outstanding role model for young people in Hong Kong and motivates us to pursue excellence in our own fields.”
Jason, a colleague from the Student Development Office of HKCT Institute of Higher Education, said, “Dr. Lai Ka Ying’s courage to embrace challenges and her persistence in pursuing her goals are qualities from which we can all learn. We hope to provide more opportunities for HKCT students to learn about the nation’s rapid advancements in aerospace technology and gain valuable inspiration for their personal growth and career exploration.”
Strengthening National and Technology Education to Nurture Innovative Talents with a Strong Sense of National Identity
HKCT has always placed strong emphasis on cultivating students’ innovative thinking, technological literacy, and sense of national identity. Looking ahead, HKCT will continue to provide diversified learning experiences and national education programmes that encourage students to stay informed about the nation’s development achievements and emerging technological trends. Through these initiatives, HKCT aims to strengthen students’ sense of national belonging and nurture a new generation of talents equipped with professional competence, innovative spirit, and a commitment to contributing to the development of both Hong Kong and the nation.
