[Global Times Comprehensive Report] The country launched the selection of the fourth batch of reserve astronauts earlier, and selected payload experts in Hong Kong and Macau for the first time.

During New Year's Day, the Hong Kong government revealed that it had submitted a list of 40 people to the mainland for recommendation.

　　The selection of the fourth batch of reserve astronauts will start in October 2022.

Hong Kong recruits through 4 channels including 11 local universities. The conditions are that the age must be between 30 and 45 years old, there are specific physical requirements, the professional requirements are at least a doctorate degree, and the experience in the professional field is not less than 3 years.

On January 1, Sun Dong, Director of Hong Kong’s Bureau of Innovation, Technology and Industry, revealed that Hong Kong had received 120 applications and had completed the first stage of selection, submitting a list of recommendations to the Mainland. 10% come from local universities, and 60% come from government R&D centers, Productivity Council, scientific research institutions and enterprises in Science Park and Cyberport Park, Hospital Authority, etc. It is hoped that at least one person in Hong Kong can become a national payload expert.

He said that he has met with 40 candidates, and their enthusiasm for the aerospace industry is impressive, and then the next step will be screened, and all family members of the applicant will be arranged for a medical examination.

　　Recently, Hong Kong has begun to focus on the development of innovation and technology.

On December 22, 2022, the SAR government released the "Innovative Technology Development Blueprint", proposing four major development directions and eight key strategies, including "improving the innovation and technology ecosystem and promoting Hong Kong's new industrialization" and "strengthening the innovation and technology talent pool to enhance development momentum ""Promote the development of the digital economy and build a smart Hong Kong" and "Actively integrate into the overall development of the country and do a good job of connecting the mainland with the world".

The "Blueprint" mentioned that it is necessary to actively study with the mainland to promote specific facilitation arrangements for the flow of mainland data to Hong Kong, and to launch a pilot plan for cross-border data flow in the Greater Bay Area in 2023.

The vision is to increase the percentage of manufacturing to GDP from less than 1% now to 5% by 2032.

Sun Dong said on the 1st that Hong Kong has not done enough to attract and retain talents and transform achievements into reality, so it will provide more assistance to innovative talents as much as possible. Talents are provided with accommodation, and a second building is now being prepared.

At the same time, he hopes to increase the proportion of enterprises investing in scientific research in Hong Kong.

(Yang Weimin)

　　(Global Times)