Academicians Campus Tour: Professor Lee Chack Fan Ignites Students’ Journey toward Innovation at Scientia Secondary School

2025-11-18

In line with the national call in China’s 14th Five-Year Plan to support Hong Kong’s development as an international centre for innovation and technology, and to inspire young students to better understand China’s scientific achievements and cultivate an innovative spirit—the “Academicians Campus Tour” initiative, organised by The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians (GBAAA), was held on the afternoon of October 27 at Scientia Secondary School.

Professor Lee Chack Fan at Scientia Secondary School

 

Under the theme “Igniting Dreams in Technology & Innovation,” the event featured a special guest, Professor Lee Chack Fan, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the Jao Tsung-I Academy at the University of Hong Kong, who visited the school to engage students in an in-depth dialogue. Professor Lee shared his cross-cultural journey in scientific research and gave a vivid, detailed account of the monumental construction of the Three Gorges Dam. The event captivated approximately 800 students from Scientia Secondary School, offering them a powerful glimpse into China’s prowess in infrastructure and technological innovation, and lighting their passion for scientific exploration.

 

Drawing on his first-hand experience working on the Three Gorges Dam project, Professor Lee provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s inception, design philosophy, and construction process. He also highlighted the dam’s far-reaching impacts on flood control, power generation, and socio-economic development since its completion. Through a collection of rare historical photographs, he emphasised the collaborative spirit and commitment to lifelong learning that underpin major technological breakthroughs, while also guiding students to reflect on the ethical responsibilities of engineers and the vital role of technology in serving society. 

Students listening attentively and actively asking questions

The lecture was vibrant and engaging, covering topics ranging from ecological conservation efforts behind the Three Gorges project to national regional cooperation strategies. It explored how large-scale hydraulic engineering can balance environmental protection with development, as well as how technological innovation fosters cross-regional collaboration. Professor Lee offered thoughtful, experience-based answers to each question from the students, encouraging the young students to adopt a broad perspective on the interplay between science and society—and to boldly pursue their own paths of innovation.

About the GBAAA "Academicians Campus Tour" Initiative

As a pivotal platform for nurturing innovation and technology talents in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, GBAAA launched the "Academicians Campus Tour" initiative this year. The program invites academicians from both the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering to visit campuses, delivering scientific knowledge and promoting the spirit of science among youth through thematic lectures and face-to-face exchanges. The "Academicians Campus Tour" not only allows students to experience the charisma of top-tier scientists up close but also provides them with deeper insights into the nation's latest achievements in fundamental sciences, engineering technologies, life and medical sciences, and sustainable urban development. This initiative helps broaden their horizons in cutting-edge technology, strengthen their confidence in innovation, and cultivates a new generation of talent to support Hong Kong’s vision of becoming an international innovation and technology centre.