A giant step for HK high-fliers

It is unprecedented for the mainland to recruit a scientist from Hong Kong to join its manned space mission as an astronaut.

Hong Kong-based scientists have taken part in China's space programs in the past, with their contribution being limited to providing technical support from the ground.

What lies ahead will be the first time someone from Hong Kong - if successfully recruited - actually carries out scientific experiments in a spaceship.

It is an invaluable opportunity that no one who dreams of flying high should miss. If they are self-confident and meet all the criteria, they should apply no later than October 27.

This recruitment exercise will also help the SAR broaden and deepen science and technology development locally.

According to the government announcement, applicants for the payload specialist positions will have to be aged between 30 and 45 and meet certain height and health requirements.

At the same time, they must be patriotic. As space missions involve highly sensitive state secrets for authorized eyes only, it can be expected that applicants will be subject to thorough background checks.

The fact that the China Manned Space Agency is inviting permanent residents from Hong Kong and Macau to apply for two payload specialist positions reveals the confidence the mainland has maintained in the experts here.

While the recruitment exercise is attractive, it is unlikely that we will see thousands of applications pouring in locally in light of the highly specialized knowledge demanded.

For instance, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Institute said it has about 100 doctorate members, but only about 10 meet the minimum requirements set by the national space agency.

These few have reportedly expressed an interest in applying for the positions.

It has been the trend in recent years that talented mainlanders have come to the SAR to pursue doctorate programs and eventually settle here to become permanent residents.

It's no surprise that, while about half of the 10 eligible at the institute are Hong Kong-born, the other half were born in the mainland and have obtained permanent residency here. Whether or not preference will be given to those born in Hong Kong if SAR candidates entering the final round are exactly equally excellent in all fields will be up to the space agency to determine - and it will likely be a political decision.

Prior to that, competition is expected to be conducted on a level-playing field.

While extending the invitation to Hong Kong - as well as Macau - is meant to tap the expertise that local research institutes have accumulated over the years, it is also part of the patriotic education to strengthen love of the nation among young people.

As he celebrated the astronaut program, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu likened it to a historic present.

It's true that it is historic. At the same time, it may also be viewed as confirmation from Beijing of Hong Kong's edge that people in the city should be confident about.

If it is a present, it would not be the kind of gift as ordinarily understood in the past.