Supporting the Inaugural Hong Kong Laureate Forum

The Hong Kong Laureate Forum is a world-class science event that brings together top scientific minds from around the world for cross-generational, cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary exchanges. The Lee Shau Kee Foundation became the Principal Sponsor for the Forum in 2019, contributing a total of HK$80 million to fully finance the event. From 13 to 18 November 2023, the inaugural Forum brought together over 20 Shaw Laureates, including a Nobel Laureate, and about 200 young elite scientists from around the world for a weeklong exchange in Hong Kong. Featuring an extensive line-up of programmes comprising keynote speeches by laureates, thought-provoking plenary sessions and science seminars, it aims to inspire young scientists and facilitate exchanges between them and the esteemed Shaw Laureates, stimulating interest and understanding of astronomy, life science and medicine, and mathematical sciences among young people in Hong Kong and beyond.

The programmes covered diverse topics, from Astronomy’s gravitational waves, black holes, space telescopes, Mathematical Sciences’ moduli spaces, geometry, fractals, to Life Science and Medicine’s genome, cells, optogenetics, etc. With the poster presentation and flash presentation led by young scientists, the Forum encouraged over 40 young scientists to present their current research projects and received feedbacks from the Shaw Laureates.

The Forum attracted over 2,400 participants. Besides the Shaw Laureates and the young scientists, there were over 200 guests and local scientists from different sectors and institutions, 46 Forum ambassadors and over 1,500 secondary students and members of the public. Live streaming was also available for some Forum programmes to reach out to a wider audience in Hong Kong and beyond.

Offering an unparalleled platform, the Forum fostered opportunities for cross-generational, cross-cultural, and cross-disciplinary exchanges among scientists from around the world, sparking scientific collaborations and exploring the infinite possibilities of science and technology. With its tremendous success, the inaugural Forum had also strengthened Hong Kong’s position as a world-class collaboration hub for inspirational minds.

Dr Lee Ka Shing, Martin, Chairman of Henderson Land Group said: “I have been delighted to see the active and enthusiastic exchanges between the Shaw Laureates and young scientists participating at the Forum. It is remarkable to see the sparks of innovation ignited from these interactions, which I believe will significantly propel scientific development both in Hong Kong and around the globe. While the Forum has now reached its conclusion, this is not an end but rather the commencement of a new chapter. I hope that the young scientists will carry forward the inspiration and knowledge gained from this experience, continually challenging themselves to innovate and contribute to a sustainable future. Meanwhile, the Lee Shau Kee Foundation and Henderson Land will remain steadfast in nurturing young talent, in the hope of bringing a boost of vibrant energy to society.”