The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has kicked off its first-ever National Marine Knowledge Competition, a milestone that could reshape Hong Kong’s role in China’s maritime innovation push. The event, attended by over 500 participants, including students, educators, and government officials, underscores a growing commitment to marine technology and ecological conservation in the region.
CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Dennis Lo framed the competition as more than a contest—it’s a talent pipeline. “We’re not just hosting an event; we’re building a bridge between Hong Kong’s academic strengths and China’s polar and marine research ambitions,” he said. The university’s recent collaboration with the Polar Research Institute of China, including sending Hong Kong scientists on polar expeditions, signals a strategic pivot. This isn’t just about competition; it’s about positioning Hong Kong as a hub for marine innovation, with the competition serving as a talent magnet.
Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry in the Hong Kong SAR Government, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique advantages in marine R&D. “Hong Kong isn’t just a city by the sea—it’s a city of the sea,” he said, emphasising the region’s potential to drive China’s maritime power strategy. The inclusion of a Hong Kong Contest in the National Marine Knowledge Competition is a strategic move, offering local students a direct path to national and even international scientific expeditions.
The Ocean Academy, launched alongside the competition, is where theory meets real-world impact. Scientists shared insights from China’s polar expeditions, including Hong Kong’s growing role in these missions. Professor Ho Kin-chung of the Education University of Hong Kong discussed Hong Kong’s contributions to polar research, while Mr Liu Jianjun, Director of China’s Antarctic Zhongshan Station, provided a live update from Antarctica. These sessions aren’t just educational—they’re a call to action, inspiring the next generation of marine scientists and engineers.
The competition itself is a multi-stage process, culminating in April 2026, with winners earning a spot on national scientific expeditions. This isn’t just about winning; it’s about creating a feedback loop where participants gain hands-on experience, bringing fresh perspectives back to Hong Kong’s academic and industrial ecosystems.
The broader implications are significant. By embedding marine education and innovation into Hong Kong’s identity, CUHK and its partners are shaping a future where the region isn’t just a participant in China’s maritime ambitions but a leader. The competition could become a model for other regions, blending national strategy with local talent development.
For Hong Kong, this is more than a competition—it’s a proving ground. The city’s ability to integrate cutting-edge research, policy, and public engagement could set a new standard for marine innovation. As the competition unfolds, one thing is clear: the sea isn’t just a resource to be exploited—it’s a frontier to be explored, and Hong Kong is staking its claim.