HK teens have big future in tech: liaison office chief

The director of Beijing's liaison office on Saturday said young people from Hong Kong can play a key role in the nation's technological development. Zheng Yanxiong said people in Hong Kong now had a better understanding of the country, as patriotic education had been integrated into their daily lives. He said he hoped the territory's young people can use their knowledge of technology to offer more. "Hong Kong has a relatively strong foundation in technology, and has many high-quality tech talents who love the country and Hong Kong," he said at an awards ceremony honouring the work of teenagers in aerospace innovation. "It's an important driving factor in the country's development into an innovative nation... I hope Hong Kong teenagers can reach the peak of technology through their hard work and ambition." Speaking at the same ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee said the country had high hopes that Hong Kong would develop into an international innovation and technology hub. He said the authorities will continue their efforts to nurture the younger generation. "Technology is the primary productive force; talent is the primary opportunity; and innovation is the primary driving force," he said. "The SAR government attaches great importance to the development of innovation and technology, making every effort to cultivate local talent and increase investment in the sector." Lee noted that a Hong Kong resident had been selected for the national manned space programme, and he hopes more young people can aim to join developments in the national aerospace industry.