Hong Kong youths meet space heroes
By Cecilia Lo (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-11-30 06:00

HONG KONG: Rather than asking China's space heroes about their out-of-this-world mission, Hong Kong youths who attended a question-and-answer forum preferred to get to know the astronauts on a personal level.

They asked the astronauts anything from how they developed their careers to how they dealt with stress from life and work.

"Most Hong Kong youth are very practical when choosing a profession," said a young female accountant at the forum. "How can you make up minds to be an astronaut when China's aerospace industry is still at the beginning?"

The two astronauts of China's second manned space mission, Fei Junlong and Nie Haijun, and more than 100 Hong Kong young professionals from all walks of life attended the one-hour session yesterday.

Youth also asked how the astronauts maintained a good relationship with their families while pursuing their careers.

"I couldn't have pulled off today's achievement without the support of my family," Nie replied. "I thank them for their unselfish support."

Both Fei and Nie, hailed as "heroes" by local press, encouraged the young people to devote themselves to their careers, even if the results of their efforts are uncertain. "The commitment is achievement itself," Fei said.

The group concluded their trip to the territory by meeting the city's athletes.

The two, who have worked together for a long time, competed against each other in table tennis by teaming up with Hong Kong players, including Olympic doubles silver medallist Ko Lai-chak.

The delegation will end their visit to Hong Kong and travel to Macao today.

(China Daily 11/30/2005 page2)