Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor received a distinguished guest in Bai Chunli, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, at Government House on Thursday where they discussed further cooperation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the academy in science and technology research and development. They also signed a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of research institutions affiliated to CAS in the HKSAR. It's no doubt another significant step toward greater prominence for Hong Kong on the nation's map of sci-tech development.

Contrary to the myth about Hong Kong's lack of sci-tech prowess, some universities here have been known for outstanding achievements in sci-tech R&D for decades and have cooperated with their mainland counterparts. And, dozens of academicians from CAS and the Chinese Academy of Engineering have been doing excellent work in Hong Kong. What has been lacking is adequate publicity about the academic community's R&D achievements. But, that misconception is now being replaced by growing support from both the central authorities and the HKSAR Government for the city's sci-tech development.

Since Hong Kong-based CAS and CAE academicians signed a letter to President Xi Jinping in June last year, expressing their strong desire to join the country's innovation and technology development campaign by undertaking State-funded research projects, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance and other departments concerned have been following Xi's instruction in response to the letter, with a number of tailor-made policy measures implemented last year and earlier this year. Now, another wish of the academicians has been answered, and it's only a matter of time before more local sci-tech achievements are revealed to the public.

Moreover, the SAR government has also increased funding for the inno-tech sector to boost its contributions to the growth of the local economy. It's part of efforts to diversify Hong Kong's economy through structural transformation and easing its overdependence on the traditional pillar industries such as real estate, finance, trading and logistics, professional services and tourism. Of course, this is not to say the SAR government intends to slow down these major growth engines by any means, but rather help the emerging sectors develop faster. Besides, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is accelerating and Hong Kong will play a major role in making the city cluster an inno-tech hub in the country.

There is no shortage of public support for inno-tech development in Hong Kong, but that does not mean it will be smooth sailing all the way from here. The prospect of the SAR becoming an inno-tech hub and a bright spot on the nation's sci-tech map is good, but the journey is likely fraught with challenges. Every effort and everyone's participation counts.

(HK Edition 11/09/2018 page13)