​A send-off ceremony for the 10th Young Astronaut Training Camp was held at the Hong Kong Science Museum today (July 17). Thirty selected local secondary students will set off for Beijing on July 30 on an eight-day astronaut training programme.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, extended his gratitude to the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce for their continued support for the training camp over the past 10 years. He said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has spared no effort in promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. He added that the HKSAR Government will inject more resources into secondary and primary schools and strengthen training for teachers to cultivate future scientific research talents. He encouraged the selected candidates to seize the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the country's developments in aerospace, with a view to preparing for their dream of spaceflight.
        
     Recruitment for this year's Young Astronaut Training Camp started in May. After three selection rounds, which included questions on astronomy and space science, a three-day pre-camp trial and an interview, 30 students were chosen out of more than 160 applicants from around 110 local secondary schools.
      
     The training camp will take place from July 30 to August 6. Participants will visit major space and astronomy facilities and attend lectures on space science and technology. They will also participate in astronaut training, including the wearing of spacesuits, a "space kitchen" experience, psychological training and blood redistribution adaptability training. Upon completion of the training they will undergo an examination and be presented with certificates.
 
     Other officiating guests included the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan; the Deputy Director-General Coordination Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Zhang Qiang; the Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Dr Jonathan Choi; the Vice-Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Mr Ricky Tsang; the Vice President of the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, Mr Kwok Ming-wa; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li.
 
     The training camp is jointly organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the China Astronaut Research and Training Center and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, in association with the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre. The training camp is arranged by the Hong Kong Space Museum and sponsored by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce.
 
     For details of the training camp, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Space Museum at www.yatc.hk.space.museum or call 2734 2711.

Ends/Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:15

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