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A group of Hong Kong students and teachers witnessed the launch of a rocket carrying the name “Nurturing the Future” earlier this month, marking a key milestone in a youth innovation program supported by the Institute of Philanthropy and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.
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On December 10, a delegation of 39 students and teachers participating in the Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project attended the launch at the Dongfeng commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The rocket successfully carried nine satellites into orbit.
The launch was the highlight of a five-day learning program and formed part of the three-year Nurturing Future InnoTech Talent Project, which aims to cultivate innovation and technology talent among Hong Kong youth while strengthening national awareness and a global outlook.
The initiative is funded by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, organized by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups serving as the strategic partner.
Lester Huang, Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy, said the experience was intended to inspire young participants by connecting scientific achievement with personal aspiration.
“The ‘Nurturing the Future’ rocket launch was a powerful experience for these Hong Kong youngsters who are on their own educational journey,” he said.
“By witnessing this achievement firsthand, these students will connect scientific progress with their own aspirations and develop a spirit of innovation.”
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During the five-day program, participants also attended lectures and discussions led by aerospace scientists and took part in cultural visits to sites including the Jiayuguan Fortress, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Pier of the Great Wall.
Students described the trip as transformative. Lau Pak-ho from Buddhist Yip Kei Nam Memorial College said witnessing the launch left a lasting impression.
“Witnessing the rocket launch in person was a breathtaking and unforgettable experience! I'm deeply grateful to the exchange programme for this precious opportunity, which allowed me to feel the burning passion of the space dream. This journey will forever inspire me to strive with passion and stride boldly into the future!”
Yang Tsz-lui from Kowloon True Light School said the visit broadened her understanding of the aerospace sector.
“This journey opened new possibilities for my future. I realised aerospace spans far broader fields than I imagined, and I can connect my love of mathematics, physics and art to this industry.”
The delegation included nine students living in Small Group Homes who receive support under JC Project Bonfire, Hong Kong’s first and largest initiative assisting children and youth in residential care. For most of them, the visit marked their first trip by plane to the Chinese mainland.
One of the students from a Small Group Home said it was an honor to witness a rocket launch in person, having previously only seen such scenes on television. He said lectures by leading aerospace scientists were particularly inspiring.
“The sharing of the two aerospace experts helped me appreciate their great contributions to our country and inspired me to actively pursue my dream career. This experience has filled me with hope for my future career path.”
