The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam (second right), accompanied by the Head of the Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office, Mrs Betty Fung (second left), meeting with Professor Bruce Beutler (first right) and Professor Jules Hoffmann (first left), who are laureates of both the Nobel and Shaw Prizes.
The Chief Executive attends Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting
The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, attended the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings from 24 to 25 June in Lindau, Germany. It was her first time to attend this event, which is considered a unique international forum for exchanges between scientists of different generations, cultures, and disciplines. Founded in 1951, the annual Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings gather Nobel Laureates in the fields of natural sciences to meet the leading scientists of the next generation for knowledge and experience exchange. This year, some 40 Nobel Laureates and 600 young scientists from various countries took part in the 68th edition of the meeting. Mrs Lam took the opportunity to elaborate her aspirations for promoting innovation and technology in Hong Kong, with a view to developing the city into a knowledge hub and research centre.
The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam meeting with the Austrian Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research, Professor Dr Heinz Fassmann.
The visit began with a meeting with the Chairman of the Foundation of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, Professor Dr Jürgen Kluge and the Managing Director and Member of the Executive Board of the Foundation, Mr Nikolaus Turner. Mrs Lam expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to take part in this major annual academic event, witnessing the inspiring exchange between promising young scientists and the Nobel Laureates. She added that the Shaw Prize in Hong Kong, which had been set up for more than 10 years, had become a world-renowned science award with a number of recipients being awarded the Nobel Prize as well. Mrs Lam believed that Hong Kong could make reference to the experience of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings and organise similar academic meetings in Hong Kong in the future. Such meetings could also enhance the understanding and interests of the younger generation in scientific research and promote science education in Hong Kong.
Afterwards, Mrs Lam met with the Austrian Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research, Professor Dr Heinz Fassmann, who also attended the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong was actively strengthening collaboration with academic and scientific research institutions in different parts of the world to advance the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong. Noting that Austria attaches importance to scientific research with universities excelling in various fields, she expressed the hope that the governments of Austria and Hong Kong could continue the dialogue to explore how to strengthen bilateral co-operation in this regard.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) is committed to fostering scientific advancement and nurturing research talent, contributing to youth development not only in Hong Kong but also in the international community. Internationally, Hong Kong has been ranked the freest economy by the Heritage Foundation for 24 years consecutively. Upholding free flow of information and academic freedom, while enjoying a close and unique relationship with the Mainland of China, Hong Kong has unique strengths and opportunities to play the role of a knowledge hub. Addressing the guests at the cocktail reception held before the dinner hosted by the Foundation of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, Mrs Lam said “innovation and technology is the driving force for the world to move forward, and nurturing talent is essential for the development of innovation and technology”. Noting that the development of Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area would generate a lot opportunities for young talents, she welcomed young scientists from around the world to participate in the development.
The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam (second left), and the Head of the Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office, Mrs Betty Fung (third left) chatting with young scientists from the Mainland before attending the seminar in the morning.
The Chief Executive also took the opportunity to exchange with laureates of the Nobel Prize and the Shaw Prize as well as the leading scientists of the next generation. Mrs Lam met with five Nobel-Shaw Laureates, Professor Dr Michael Rosbash, Professor Dr Michael Young, Professor Dr Robert Lefkowitz, Professor Bruce Beutler and Professor Jules Hoffmann to listen to their views on the promotion of scientific research and invited them to go to Hong Kong to exchange with the young people.
Mrs Lam’s visit was closed by a panel discussion with young scientists. Together with two Nobel laureates, Professor Dr Kurt Wüthrich and Professor Dr Ferid Murad, Mrs Lam shared her views with young scientists about the leadership required of scientists. She encouraged the young scientists to be creative and curious, and set clear goals for themselves. Noting that Hong Kong supports scientific research and has a highly international environment, Mrs Lam welcomed the young scientists to go to Hong Kong to pursue their career goals.
S for IT in Switzerland
The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas Yang meets with the Mayor of Zurich, Ms Corine Mauch, during his visit to Zurich on June 27.
The HKSARG attaches great importance to the advancement of innovation and technology. On 27 June, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas Yang visited two pharmaceutical companies in Switzerland – Novartis and Roche. Encouraging more research and development to improve healthcare services and seeking opportunities for collaboration, Mr Yang updated the pharmaceutical industry on the HKSARG's plan to form two research clusters with HK$10 billion in dedicated funding for healthcare technologies and artificial intelligence and robotics at the Hong Kong Science Park. These two areas tie in with Hong Kong's research and development strengths and capabilities. Mr Yang also called on the Chinese Consul-General in Zurich, Mr Zhao Qinghua, and the Mayor of Zurich, Ms Corine Mauch, expressing his wish to forging more collaboration between Hong Kong and Zurich.