Youth academy encourages science innovation in HK

Hong Kong is well known as one of the world's top international financial centers, but observers say innovative technology and scientific achievement will continue to provide a source of momentum for Hong Kong's future development.

In Hong Kong, there is an institution called the "Hong Kong Youth Science Academy."

Its main task is to remain committed to scientific and technological innovation and research.

The Science Academy also provides opportunity for these same scientists to participate in international competitions, with the hope of giving inspiring scientists a better sense of enthusiasm and creativity.

Hong Kong Academy of Youth Sciences Dean Jiang Dongmei is a scientist from the mainland.

Her first exposure to Hong Kong's aspiring scientists came in 2004 when the Chinese national team and the Hong Kong team come together at an International Science and Engineering competition in the United States.

Jiang Dongmei says the joint team had a hunger for scientific knowledge on both sides.

"In fact, regardless of whether they were Hong Kong children or the mainland children, they were the same, as they both were thirsty for knowledge. We both hoped to step up and win glory for our country. We represented all of those who descended from Chinese land. Therefore, our encounter at the international competition was more like a reunion for both teams."

Having earned her postdoctoral degree from Tsinghua University, Jiang is now a top environmental expert in China and around the world.

She was able to keep the Chinese delegation to the UN climate change negotiations in Paris up to date on the latest scientific developments.

Jiang has also been acting a leading counselor for young people in Hong Kong who want to pursue science as a career.

However, she's warning that the current education system in Hong Kong may need to be adapted if the city hopes to continue pumping out scientists.

"In the education system in Hong Kong, the students are being encouraged to focus on areas such as the arts, rather than science. This could eventually leave Hong Kong lacking the ability to push forward scientific and technological innovation, as there won't be enough scientists to do the work."

Jiang says she believes there is still time to ensure this doesn't happen in Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong is still considered a leader in science and technology, especially with its University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which are still among the top fifty universities in the world. So Hong Kong's scientific power can still be incredible."

Jiang Dongmei says the education system in Hong Kong could help nurture more innovative minds, as it puts less emphasis on test scores.

She says this is something the mainland side would also benefit from.

Jiang also says more exchanges should be promoted among Hong Kong and mainland science students to try to get everyone working toward a unified goal for scientific development throughout the country.