This week, the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun unveiled plaques for 19 national key laboratories across Hong Kong and Macao, marking a milestone in scientific collaboration between the two special administrative regions (SARs) and the Chinese mainland.
On Monday, 15 labs in Hong Kong earned national key laboratory status. At the unveiling ceremony, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee highlighted the city's role as an international innovation and technology hub. He stressed the value of integrating Hong Kong's top universities into national research programs to accelerate breakthroughs in areas like biotechnology, smart cities, and sustainable energy.
Yin Hejun applauded Hong Kong's research strength, saying the recognition reflected strong national trust in Hong Kong's innovation potential and development prospects. He encouraged teams to pursue original innovations and global partnerships that drive high-impact discoveries.
Director Zhou Ji of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR noted that the concept of 'One Country, Two Systems' has entered a new phase. He emphasized technological innovation as a key engine for high-quality development across the region.
On Tuesday, four more laboratories in Macao joined the system. Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai celebrated local progress in talent cultivation, technology transfer, and international cooperation. He pledged to strengthen links between universities, start-ups, and industry to support the Chinese mainland's goal of becoming a science and technology powerhouse.
With 19 national key labs now operating in the SARs, the stage is set for deeper R&D partnerships, new funding streams, and a fresh wave of research that can shape global industries from fintech to green technologies.
As these laboratories ramp up their work, young entrepreneurs, researchers, and digital nomads around the globe will watch for new opportunities to collaborate and explore the expanding SAR–mainland innovation network.
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19 national key laboratories unveiled in Hong Kong and Macao
cgtn.com
