First HK astronaut brings Lion Rock spirit to mission

Lai Ka-ying, Hong Kong's first astronaut who has been selected to be a payload specialist for Sunday's Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission, said on Saturday she felt very honoured and thankful to be chosen. "I will do my best to finish all the work, and take on the responsibility, as an astronaut, to make contributions to the development of our motherland, without letting down the people of Hong Kong and our motherland," Lai said at a press conference at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. Prior to her selection, Lai, who has a doctorate in computer forensics, worked as a superintendent in the Hong Kong police force. Having grown up in Hong Kong, she said, the Lion Rock ethos of never giving up resonates with the spirit of the manned spaceflight as both require courage to take on challenges and determination to see them through to the end. Lai said everyone will be able to shine and reach their dreams as long as one holds their country close to their hearts and contribute to the nation. She also expressed her gratitude to the nation for the opportunity to fulfill her dream and for the support provided by the SAR government. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong led a delegation to attend the send-off ceremony in Jiuquan in Gansu for the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission. In the delegation are Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk and Commissioner for Innovation and Technology Ivan Lee. Edited by Azam Khan