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CUHK hosts the “15th National Marine Knowledge Competition–Hong Kong Contest” for the first time

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) hosted the Kick-off Ceremony of the "15th National Marine Knowledge Competition Hong Kong Contest" and the first session of the "Ocean Academy" yesterday (13 September). The event was attended by distinguished guests and attracted over 500 participants, including teachers and students, members of the public and online viewers, showcasing the enthusiasm and commitment from various sectors of Hong Kong society towards advancing marine technology and promoting marine ecological conservation.

The ceremony was graced by numerous distinguished guests, including Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK's Vice-Chancellor and President; Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry in the Hong Kong SAR Government; Mr Xia Jun, Director of the Publicity and Education Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Central People's Government (participated in video mode); the Honourable Ma Fung-kwok, Chairman of the Competition Organising Committee and member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Mr Chen Yulin, Director of the Office of Innovative Technology and Higher Education, Educational, Scientific and Technological Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR,  as well as representatives from the event's sponsoring organisation, members of the organising committee, the academic committee and various supporting institutions. Together they witnessed the kick-off of this significant marine education initiative.

A group photo of the officiating guests.

Professor Lo delivered welcome remarks, saying: "In 2024, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with the Polar Research Institute of China, selected Hong Kong scientists to participate in China's polar expeditions for the first time and established the Hong Kong Polar Science Innovation Centre to promote talent development and research innovation in Hong Kong's marine and polar fields. With the approval of Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, and Naval Political Work Department. CUHK is honoured to receive funding from the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Hong Kong SAR Government's Innovation and Technology Commission and the Swire Group Charitable Trust. We have been entrusted with the significant responsibility of hosting the "15th National Marine Knowledge Competition–Hong Kong Contest" for the first time as part of the national competition. Through this competition, we aim to ignite Hong Kong citizens' interest and enthusiasm for marine and environmental issues, nurture a new generation of talent, and contribute to Hong Kong, the nation, and the global community."

Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK's Vice-Chancellor, delivers welcome remarks.

Professor Sun said: "Hong Kong is the most important and internationalised city in China facing the South China Sea, as well as a key link for the Belt and Road Initiative. With world-class basic research and development (R&D) capabilities, Hong Kong possesses unique advantages to participate in the national strategy of building a maritime power and advancing marine technology innovation. Local R&D teams have been actively engaged in diverse research efforts on marine living resources. Hong Kong offers fertile ground for developing innovation and technology (I&T), and promoting science popularisation is one of the essential foundations for Hong Kong developing into an international I&T centre. The inclusion of a Hong Kong Contest in this year's National Ocean Knowledge Competition provides Hong Kong university students and the wider community a valuable opportunity to take part in this nationwide marine science popularisation event."

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, gives a speech.

Mr Xia noted in a video that the successful organisation of the 15th National Marine Knowledge Competition–Hong Kong Contest reflects Hong Kong society's commitment to marine affairs and its concern for the growth and success of the younger generation. This initiative powerfully illustrates the education sector's active support for national strategies and its dedication to fostering the development of a strong marine nation.

Mr Xia Jun, Director of the Publicity and Education Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Central People's Government, gives a speech via a video.

Mr Ma expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Central People's Government, the HKSAR Government, the Swire Group Charitable Trust, the organising committee, the academic committee, and all supporting units. He noted that since its inception in 2008, the National Marine Knowledge Competition has successfully held fourteen sessions, with this year marking the inaugural Hong Kong Contest. This milestone reflects the nation's strong support for marine education and talent cultivation in Hong Kong and signifies a significant step forward in the collaboration between Hong Kong and the mainland in marine education.

The Honourable Ma Fung-kwok, Chairman of the Competition Organising Committee and member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong government, gives a speech.

Scientists share polar research achievements at the Ocean Academy

On the same day, the first session of the Ocean Academy featured an online talk by Mr Liu Jianjun, Director of China's Antarctic Zhongshan Station at the Polar Research Institute of China, who joined from Antarctica. He delivered a presentation titled "The Nation's Progress in Polar Exploration", sharing the latest advancements and challenges in polar research. Professor Ho Kin-chung, Chair Professor of Environmental and Polar Research of the Education University of Hong Kong, spoke on "Hong Kong Scientists' Experiences in Polar Research", offering insights into Hong Kong's contributions to polar studies. The session saw enthusiastic engagement from students, who actively asked questions, demonstrating keen interest in polar exploration and marine conservation. Two additional sessions of the Ocean Academy are scheduled for 20 and 27 September, focusing on marine policy and Hong Kong's marine biodiversity, respectively, to further enhance public understanding of marine issues. 

For more details or registration, please visit: https://www.hkmarinecompetition.com/ocean-academy. 

About the "15th National Ocean Knowledge Competition Hong Kong Contest" 

Established in 2008, the National Ocean Knowledge Competition is a significant nationwide initiative co-hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League and the Political Department of the People's Liberation Army Navy, aimed at promoting marine knowledge. This year marks the introduction of the Hong Kong Contest. CUHK is honoured to receive support from national ministries as the organiser. CUHK will collaborate with universities and social organisations in Hong Kong to advance marine technology innovation and conservation education, contributing to the development of the next generation of marine research talents. 

Running from September 2025 to January 2026, the competition will comprise a preliminary round, semi-final and final, through which the top three finalists from the tertiary student division will be selected to represent Hong Kong in the national semi-final and final in April 2026. The top three finalists in this year's competition will have the opportunity to participate in national scientific expeditions to the Antarctic, Arctic, and the oceans.

For more competition details, please visit: https://hkmarinecompetition.com.