Building the Future: Robotics for the International Lunar Research Station - Lunar Robot Design Competition Award Presentation Ceremony

Building the Future: Robotics for the International Lunar Research Station - Lunar Robot Design Competition

Professor Teng (President, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Teng Jin-Guang), distinguished guests, principals, teachers and, most importantly, our brilliant students,

It gives me great pleasure to join you today at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Lunar Robot Design Competition, one of the signature events under the fantastic programme, “Building the Future: Robotics for the International Lunar Research Station”.  First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University for co-organising this meaningful programme, and to all supporting organisations, school leaders and teachers for creating such an inspiring learning experience for our students.

Let’s be honest: building a robot that works properly here on Earth is hard enough.  But designing one for scientific research and exploration at the lunar south pole?  That is truly out of this world.  This Competition is much more than just building a robot.  It  connects classroom learning with one of the most exciting frontiers of human exploration.  It helps students understand how science, engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and space technology all work together to solve complex, real-world problems. More importantly, it shows how students right here in Hong Kong can use their creativity to contribute to the future development of our country and the world.

When it comes to the lunar space, there has never been a more thrilling time to talk about this, because today, space exploration is no longer just something we read about in textbooks—it is a journey that Hong Kong is actively flying in. Just a few days ago, we witnessed a monumental and historic chapter in our nation’s aviation history. The Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship was successfully launched into orbit. Among the elite crew currently aboard the Tiangong Space Station is Dr. Lai Ka-ying, who has made history as the very first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to participate in a national manned spaceflight mission.

Dr Lai’s participation marks a proud milestone for Hong Kong. It vividly demonstrates how our city is transitioning from a supporter to an active executor in the country’s great aerospace endeavours. It also serves as a powerful beacon for our young people. Dr. Lai’s breakthrough should send a powerful message to each and every one of you: Your dreams can take you all the way into space. We will seize the momentum generated by Dr Lai’s mission to further promote aerospace education in schools. By showcasing the remarkable achievements of our nation’s space programme and highlighting Hong Kong’s distinctive contributions, we hope to ignite passion among students and inspire more of them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and innovation.

To align with the national strategy of “invigorating the country through science and education”, and to promote the integrated development of education, technology and talent, the Education Bureau is taking bold steps. We are strengthening digital education, science education and innovation and technology education in schools to build a strong learning foundation for our students.

At the curriculum level, the introduction of Primary Science and the newly updated Junior Secondary Science Curriculum have strengthened students’ scientific literacy. These initiatives equip students with creative problem-solving skills, while enhancing their exposure to innovation and technology, including elements of space technology. These curriculum developments aim to encourage students not only to learn scientific knowledge and skills, but also to apply them creatively. We want them to test ideas through evidence, improve solutions through design, and develop the confidence to tackle real-world challenges, just as what our participants have done in today’s competition. More importantly, these authentic learning experiences help students develop proper values and attitudes towards the use of innovative technology.

Today’s Competition brings together national space development, university research, school education and student creativity.  It allows students to see that robotics is not just about building a machine, it is about understanding a mission, analysing a problem, designing a solution, and imagining how technology can serve scientific discovery.  This is exactly the kind of learning experience that nurtures the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators and responsible citizens.

I would like to take this opportunity to show my appreciation to PolyU for its continuing pivotal role in supporting the nation’s journey toward becoming a leading aerospace power.  Its researchers have contributed advanced technologies to help identify suitable landing sites and have developed space instruments for national missions.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its distinctive advantages of having strong national support and being closely connected to the world.  The Education Bureau will continue to collaborate with schools, tertiary institutions and community partners to nurture young people with scientific literacy, an innovative spirit, a strong sense of national identity and a global vision. By doing so, you, our students, will become the vital new force driving our nation’s future space endeavours and technological breakthroughs.  Thank you, and I wish today's activity every success.