On September 21, the opening ceremony and key events of the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Young Scientist Conference, themed“Youth Innovation in Science and Technology: Moving Forward Together,” took place at BJUT. Attendees included Lin Rui, Vice President of the China Overseas Friendship Association; Yang Jinbai, President of the Beijing Overseas Friendship Association; Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong SAR; Nie Zuoren, President of BJUT and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; and Zhu Songchun, Director of the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence, all of whom delivered speeches.

This conference, part of this year's Beijing Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium, was jointly hosted by the Beijing Overseas Friendship Association, Beijing Association for Science and Technology, BJUT, Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities, Hong Kong's China Resources Institute of Science & Technology, and the Macao Technology General Association.

In his speech, Yang Jinbai, President of the Beijing Overseas Friendship Association, emphasized the need to create a platform for young scientists to collaborate and exchange ideas, thereby fostering mutual inspiration and progress. He called for the establishment of innovation hubs and regular collaboration among institutions in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Macao, to strengthen the role of universities and research institutes in driving technological advances, enhancing the leadership of businesses in innovation, and improving coordination by government bodies, creating overall a supportive ecosystem for technological innovation.

Yang Jinbai also stressed the importance of turning young scientists' innovations into real-world applications. He called for better tracking of key research outcomes and faster transitions from “lab to production.” He also urged improvements in financial services that support these innovations, encouraging industrial and venture capital funds to play a more active role in nurturing and transforming technological achievements, aiming to cultivate more 'gazelle companies' and 'unicorns', as well as specialized and sophisticated SMEs.

Director Zhu Songchun delivered a speech titled "Accelerating Sci-Tech Self-Reliance and Self-Strengthening at Higher Levels through Organized Research," in which he shared insights as to the future of national science and technology development. He emphasized the need to integrate education, technology, and talent in organized research efforts.

At the conference, keynote speeches from Shen Xiaoyong, Co-Founder of SmartMore; Xu Bing, Co-Founder and Executive Director of SenseTime; Xie Liangzhi, Chairman of SinoCellTech; and Zhang Changwu, Chairman and CEO of Landspace, inspired the audience and sparked in-depth discussions on technological innovation and the future of productivity.

The conference highlighted cutting-edge future industries in areas including health, information, materials, and energy, and featured four specialized forums. More than 500 participants, including technology leaders from Beijing, Hong Kong, and Macao, as well as young scientists from universities, research institutions, tech companies, and the financial sector, attended the event.

In the future the conference will be held regularly, alternating between Beijing and Hong Kong. Ongoing activities for young scientists will be based at BJUT's Shan-He-Wan-Gu Innovation Zone and the China Resources Institute of Science & Technology in Hong Kong.

As part of the conference, attendees participated in the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Young Scientist Beijing Tour and a tour of BJUT, providing them with a firsthand look at the capital's dynamic development. These activities also opened up opportunities for collaboration and sparked lively discussions.