Hong Kong finance chief backs long-term scientific research growth
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the city will continue developing as an international innovation and technology hub, giving scientific research recognition, nurturing and room to grow. He cited the 1980s small hard disk as an example of how early-stage technologies can transform indus
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the city will continue to develop as an international innovation and technology hub, giving scientific research the recognition, nurturing and room to grow it needs.
Speaking at a dinner for the Future Science Prize, Chan cited the example of the small hard disk in the 1980s. He noted that new technology may initially have limited capacity and little market appeal, but through improvements and the opening of new markets it can eventually transform an entire industry.
Chan said scientific research faced a similar situation. Research that seems difficult today may become the starting point for the next generation's exploration, he argued.
The Future Science Prize Foundation is registered in Hong Kong, and this year's four-day prize week is also being held in the city, Chan noted. Over the past decade, six Hong Kong scientists have won the prize.
Chan emphasised that Hong Kong is part of this scientific community and will continue to support research development, ensuring that even research that begins on a small scale has the chance to grow.