Nineteen national key laboratories were officially recognized in Hong Kong and Macao this week, signaling strengthened scientific collaboration between the Chinese mainland and the two special administrative regions (SARs). The move underscores China's drive to integrate regional research capabilities into its national innovation strategy.
Fifteen laboratories in Hong Kong received plaques on Monday, with SAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasizing the city's ambition to become a global innovation hub. "Integrating our universities and labs into national research programs will accelerate high-quality development," Lee stated. The labs, many linked to world-class institutions like the University of Hong Kong, focus on fields such as AI, biomedicine, and quantum computing.
Macao welcomed four newly designated national labs on Tuesday. Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai highlighted their role in advancing technology transfer and cultivating talent, noting their contributions to cross-border projects. Science Minister Yin Hejun praised both SARs for their "original innovations" and urged continued alignment with China's goal of becoming a global tech leader.
Zhou Ji of the Central People's Government Liaison Office in Hong Kong linked the initiative to the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems," stressing that technological advancement remains central to regional development strategies.
