Press Release on 6 September 2024
The Third Sub-Conference of YASS
Driving Development of Advanced Manufacturing and New Energy Technologies
The third and last sub-conference of the Young Academy of Sciences Summit (YASS) 2023/24 was held on 6 September 2024, gathering under one roof outstanding young scientists and professionals from different regions to discuss advanced manufacturing and application of new energy technologies and related development.
Professor Yang LU, Co-chair of the YASS 3rd Sub-Conference Committee and Member of Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences (YASHK), hoped the sub-conference has helped encourage exchanges among young scientists from difference regions and collectively they could promote the advancement of new industrialisation. He thanks all those who had supported and made YASS a success, giving young scientists and industry leaders the opportunity to share ideas, plus inspiring more young scientists and researchers to contribute their expertise to society.
In his opening remarks, Professor Zijian ZHENG, Founding Member and Co-Chair of the Industrial Partnership Committee of YASHK, said strong basic research in cutting-edge technologies can help strengthen the technological foundation of the advanced manufacturing and new energy technology industries, and in turn enhance Hong Kong's industrial competitiveness.
The theme of the sub-conference was "Advanced Manufacturing and New Energy Technology Industry" and the discussion topics included "Mechanical Metamaterials by Advanced 3D Printing", "Nature-Inspired Manufacturing", “Nature-Inspired Manufacturing” and "Next-Generation Energy Conversion and Efficiency Technologies", with speakers including Gang LI, Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry, and Chair Professor of Energy Conversion of Technology, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Hongze WANG, Tenured Associate Professor of the School of Material Science and Engineering of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, among others.
Professor Hin-Lap Angus YIP, Member of YASHK, Professor of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and School of Energy and Environmental Science of City University of Hong Kong, and Dr. Wanghuai Xu, Assistant Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, were moderators of the discussion sessions.
The Young Academy of Sciences Summit 2023/24 with three sub-conferences were jointly organised by the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, Greater Bay Area Homeland Investments Limited and Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation. The Young Academy of Sciences Summit 2024/25 will be held in December this year.
Press Release on 30 May 2024
Second Sub-Conference of Young Academy of Sciences Summit 2023-2024
Focus on development of Artificial Intelligence Applications to lead innovation in Construction Industry
Artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in a new era of technology. Distinguished young scientists, renowned scholars and professionals from around the world gathered on 30 May 2024 at the second Sub-Conference of the Young Academy of Sciences Summit (YASS), hosted by the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences (YASHK), to share their insights on AI and its applications and latest developments for quantum science, engineering and construction industries. Professor Denvid LAU, an officiating guest and Co-chair of the Outreach Committee of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, said that AI provides the key impetus for shaping “new quality productive forces”; it can create new opportunities for traditional industries, especially in fields such as engineering and construction, and also plays an indispensable role.
Under the theme “AI”, the second Sub-Conference successfully attracted the participation of more than 100 members of the public in person and online. In one of the Sub-Conference sessions, “AI in Construction Industry”, Jiayu CHEN, Associate Professor of the Department of Construction Management of Tsinghua University, presented the topic “Human-centric Artificial Intelligence in the Construction Industry”, expressing his insights and analysis on AI application in construction systems and modeling in smart urban building automation. Tak Ming CHAN, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, explained how circular buildings combine AI technology with innovative technologies to reduce unnecessary energy and resource consumption during construction.
In the “AI in Transformative Engineering Innovation” session, Stanley CHAN, Elmore Professor of Electrical and Computing Engineering of Purdue University, shared his views on “Diffusion Models in Imaging and Vision”, which is related to the concept of image generation by starting from an image composed of random noise through the diffusion models. Edmund Y. LAM, the founding member of YASHK, Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The University of Hong Kong, along with Giulio CHIRIBELLA, the elected member of YASHK, Professor of the Department of Computer Science at The University of Hong Kong, served as moderators for two Sub-Conference sessions.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr Albert WONG, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and Professor Denvid LAU, Co-chair of the Outreach Committee of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences.
Professor Denvid LAU said that the application of AI technology is closely intertwined with our daily lives, and its widespread use has ushered in a new technological era. These technological advancements have created various opportunities for traditional industries. He expressed his gratitude that world-renowned scholars and experts could exchange ideas on the latest developments in AI at this Sub-Conference, and collaborate to promote the innovative applications of AI in various industries, thus creating numerous new possibilities. Professor LAU added, “We are witnessing a historic moment in which AI is reshaping society and transforming people’s lives, helping us find the path to a more prosperous and sustainable future.”
The second Sub-Conference of the Young Academy of Sciences Summit was organised by the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences (YASHK) in collaboration with co-organisers Greater Bay Area Homeland Investments Limited and Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation. The Young Academy of Sciences Summit will host three Sub-Conferences this year, the second of which was held today and will be followed by events in July. It will bring together many young scientists and scholars from various fields to discuss different topics related to science and technology.
Press Release on 12 March 2024
Over 100 Participants Explore Emerging Technologies in Regenerative Medicine
First Sub-Conference of Young Academy of Sciences Summit 2023-2024
Fosters Innovation in Scientific and Medical Development
The first Sub-Conference of the Young Academy of Sciences Summit (YASS) was successfully held on 8 March 2024, attracting over 100 young scientists, distinguished scholars and professionals from around the globe, and public participation in person and online. Under the theme “Life Science”, the Sub-Conference focused on emerging technologies in regenerative medicine and the application of stem cells in the treatment of diseases. A number of internationally renowned scientists presented their latest research findings and cutting-edge technologies, jointly fostering innovation in scientific and medical development through this international exchange platform.
During the event, Prof. KennethD. POSS, James B. Duke Professor of Regenerative Biology and Head of the Duke Regeneration Center at Duke University, USA, shared his groundbreaking research on heart regeneration in zebrafish with participants. Prof. POSS is a pioneer in cardiac regeneration research, and his work is particularly significant for advancing new gene therapies.
In addition, Prof. Bin ZHOU from the Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, shared his research on the adult heart regeneration. Prof. ZHOU discovered the lack of hepatocytes in adult hearts and introduced the application of dual recombinases in lineage tracing and regenerative medicine research.
Moreover, Prof. Shuibing CHEN, Director of the Center for Genome Health at Weill Cornell Medicine in the USA and a member of the Board of Directors of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), shared her insights on human pluripotent stem cells, organoids, and disease modelling. Her research team has developed a new therapy for pancreatic cancer using organoids.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Prof. Anthony Tak Cheung CHAN, Vice-President (Alumni Relations and Advancement) of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation Professor of Clinical Oncology, and Prof. Kathy Oi Lan LUI, an Executive Committee Member of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences.
Prof. Anthony Tak Cheung CHAN said CUHK is committed to promoting collaboration between the industry and universities, and commercialising scientific research, encouraging faculties and students to utilise their research insights and expertise to create different societal impacts. Since 2014, CUHK has supported over 170 startups and projects, including four unicorn companies. “CUHK and the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences share the same goal in promoting innovation and technology development in our city and facilitating interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge exchange among young scientists, and The Young Academy of Sciences Summit provides a unique opportunity and a platform for local young scholars and scientists to exchange innovative research ideas and facilitate interdisciplinary research collaboration.” Prof. CHAN believes that the Sub-Conference focusing on “Life Science” will bring fruitful outcomes for everyone.
Prof. LUI highlighted the significance of life sciences in the advancement of science and medicine. She emphasised that regenerative medicine is a rapidly growing field that holds great potential in providing new treatments for various diseases. Prof. LUI expressed her satisfaction with the opportunities that this Sub-Conference offers to young scientists to interact with renowned scholars and experts in regenerative medicine. She said, “Such opportunities could help young scientists to understand and explore the latest advancements in regenerative medicine. I believe that this exchange will benefit their academic and career prospects and contribute to the progress of science and medicine.”
The first Sub-Conference of the Young Academy of Sciences Summit is organised by the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences (YASHK) in collaboration with co-organisers Greater Bay Area Homeland Investments Limited, Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The Young Academy of Sciences Summit will host three Sub-Conferences this year; the first held today followed by events in May and July. It will bring together numerous young scientists and scholars from various fields to discuss different topics pertaining to science and technology.
Press Release on 4 December 2023
The inaugural Young Academy of Sciences Summit is successfully held
World-renowned young scientists and over 400 participants come together
The first Young Academy of Sciences Summit (the Summit), organised by The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences (YASHK) in collaboration with co-organisers Greater Bay Area Homeland Investments Limited and the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, was held on 4 December 2023.
The Summit brought together over 20 distinguished international scientists and professionals, including Professor Tong YANG and Professor Che Ting CHAN, members of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences; Felix MORONTA, Co-Chair of Global Young Academy; David AI, Head of Innovation (2020-2023) at the London School of Economics and Political Science; Akihiko KONDO, Vice President and Professor at Kobe University; Sasitorn SRISAWADI, Co-Chair of Thai Young Scientists Academy (2019-2021); and Pan SIO, Curator of the Macau Science Center. They discussed four topics and delivered keynote speeches, including success stories of how new academies nurture young scientists to become world-class academics, how young scientists can contribute to long-term public policies, the translation and commercialisation of deep-tech solutions by universities, and policies to promote and popularise science in schools.
Over 400 outstanding young scientists, renowned scholars and members of the public participated in the Summit, and the event also attracted online audiences at the same time. The Summit featured panel discussions on policy making, technology transfer, cross-regional collaborations, and more.
Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, officiated at the opening ceremony of the event and delivered a speech to show his support. Additionally, Professor Anderson SHUM, President of The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences – organiser of the Summit, expressed gratitude to the Government during his welcome remarks, noting the administration’s long-standing support for I&T development. He believes that the Summit can contribute to the promotion of idea exchanges among young scientists from around the world, leading to cross-regional collaborations. Also, Professor Shum encourages young scientists to contribute to society by leveraging their knowledge and experiences.
Two co-organisers representatives, Dr Zhanghong HU, CEO of the Greater Bay Area Homeland Investments Limited, and Mr Christopher KWOK, Vice Chairman of Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation and Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited,witnessed the opening ceremony with other distinguished guests including Mr ZHANG Zhihua, Director General of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Professor Lap-chee TSUI, Founding President of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, Professor Kathryn Song Eng CHEAH, and Professor Anthony G.O. YEH, members of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences.
In addition to the Summit, three additional sub-conferences will be held in March, May, and July of 2024. Hundreds of young scientists and scholars will gather to discuss various topics relating to science and innovation.
Press Conference on 20 November 2023
Establishing a global exchange platform to showcase Hong Kong’s scientific achievements
Promoting cross-regional investment collaboration to drive innovation
The National 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong in building an international innovation and technology hub and a platform for international academic exchange. The first Youth Academy of Sciences Summit (the Summit), organised by The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences in collaboration with co-organisers Greater Bay Area Homeland Investments Limited and the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, will be held on 4 December 2023 at the Hong Kong Science Park. The organisers believe that the Summit will showcase the scientific research strength and innovation capabilities of young scientists, while helping to stimulate cross-regional scientific collaboration to attract more international investment.
Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR, will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a speech at the Summit on 4 December, while academics including Professor Tong YANG, Member of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences; Felix MORONTA, Co-chair of Global Young Academy; David AI, Head of Innovation (2020-2023), the London School of Economics and Political Science; and Hon Pan SIO, Director, Macao Science Center, will be the keynote speakers and will share their ideas on several key topics at the Summit, including success stories of how new academies nurture young scientists to become world-class academics, how young scientists can contribute to long-term public policies, translating and commercialising deep-tech solutions from universities, and policies to promote and popularise science in schools.
Speaking at a press conference today (20 November), the organiser, Professor Anderson SHUM, President of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, mentioned that the event covers a wide range of scientific fields and topics. It provides a unique opportunity for young scientists to exchange ideas and share research experiences with their international peers and distinguished scholars, broadening their research horizons and enhancing their excellence. He further stated that the Summit would help professionals in the field related to science, medicine and engineering from around the world to recognise the potential of Hong Kong in innovation and technology, attract talents to Hong Kong for development, and encourage international collaborations.
Ms Rebecca FANG, Head of Corporate Communications of the Greater Bay Area Homeland Investments Limited, one of the co-organisers, expressed her gratitude to YASHK for the opportunity of co-organising the Summit, in order to contribute developing science and technology in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The Summit is a platform gathering renowned scientists, scholars and professionals worldwide, and young scientists can take this opportunity to establish networks and collaborate with different parties to facilitate future scientific research translation.
Ms Dionne KUNG, Deputy CEO of the co-organiser, Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, expressed that the Summit has brought together young scientists from the Greater Bay Area and various parts of the world. This event not only fosters exchanges among young individuals from different regions but also establishes a collaborative network that spans across regions. This Summit provides an invaluable platform for sharing resources, expertise, and exploring opportunities for industry development. It also serves as a catalyst for empowering youth to become the driving force behind future innovation and technological advancements.
Professor Dennis Yuk-Ming LO, President of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, is delighted to welcome Hong Kong to another major international event in innovation and technology sector, bringing together outstanding scientists once again to exchange ideas on cutting-edge research topics. He pointed out that the unique feature of this Summit was the participation of many outstanding young scientists, emphasising that scientific development is global and requires cross-border cooperation, so young scientists need to exchange ideas with the international community to help expand their horizons and influence, and jointly provide new solutions to global challenges.
In addition to the Summit on 4 December, the Youth Academy of Sciences Summit will host three sub-conferences in March, May, and July 2024. Hundreds of young scientists and scholars will gather to discuss various topics related to science and innovation.
