Becoming an astronaut and exploring space has been the dream of generations of young people, and Hong Kong welcomes this historic moment. Lai Ka-ying has become the first astronaut from Hong Kong, and the fourth female astronaut from China, to undertake a journey to space. Taking part in the Shenzhou XXIII mission as a payload specialist, she was joined by two peer astronauts on their voyage to the Tiangong space station.

This historic mission holds special meaning and has been made possible thanks to the central government’s support; it is also a testament to the benefits of the “one country, two systems” framework.

A Hong Kong-born expert, Lai is an alumna of the University of Hong Kong, where she studied computer science and graduated with a master’s degree and doctorate.

This milestone delivers a clear message: Hong Kong residents can contribute to the country’s space exploration and scientific research efforts. More importantly, with China firmly establishing as a leading technological powerhouse, it demonstrates that no career in science and technology — including that of a venerated astronaut — is beyond the reach of young people in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Innovation and technology (I&T) are key to the sustainable development of Hong Kong in the long run, and it is integral to the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).

Hong Kong needs to improve its ability to innovate to contribute to the country’s mega blueprint and serve the country. It is delighted to see the surging interest in I&T, which is opening Hong Kong’s aspiring scientists up to new opportunities other than the conventional avenues of law, medicine and finance.

Governments are taking serious steps to drive and empower the workforce to embrace technological developments and better prepare the younger generations for the future. For instance, the 15th Five-Year Plan has made new quality productive forces a foremost priority — ensuring that China can achieve technological self-reliance and apply innovation comprehensively to all components of its economy. The “AI+ Education” action plan introduced by the central government earlier this year will require the incorporation of artificial intelligence at every phase of learning from primary school. In his Policy Address last year, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu pledged approximately HK$500 million ($63.8 million) in funding to deepen AI incorporation into classrooms over the next three years.

I&T is key to the sustainable development of Hong Kong in the long run. While the government has taken initiatives to promote I&T development and application, the private sector should also do its part because a whole-society effort is imperative for gaining the desired pace of I&T development. It was with this vision that the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation was established in 2018 to provide a holistic innovation ecosystem aiming at nurturing young minds and driving forward interdisciplinary solutions to real-life challenges. It is hoped that more private-sector institutions of this kind will join the I&T development endeavor in the city.

The pioneering accomplishment of Lai Ka-ying will inspire generations of young astronauts, space scientists, and others who are curious about the intricacies of our vast universe. I look forward to a vibrant I&T scene in Hong Kong.

The author is chairman of the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, a holistic innovation ecosystem supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology hub.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.