Showing style on the coast of the South China Sea, dedicating youth to celebrate the return. On July 2, the 2024 "Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong & Macau Selection)" and "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Celebrating 27th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return Event", strictly organized by the Hong Kong Science Popularization and Science Fiction Academy (HKSPSF) and co-organized by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Yau Tsim Mong Youths Society, successfully concluded at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Nearly a hundred primary and secondary school teams from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, gathering over 700 teachers and students, launched a fierce competition in this technology contest. The competition also attracted nearly 10,000 viewers online through live streaming, achieving good communication effects and effectively expanding the influence of the event.
Figure 1 Main Venue of the Event
Figure 2 Flag Display Ceremony
Before the official start of the competition, led by Wang Nianjiang, the former squad leader of the Tiananmen Square Flag Guard, the Guangdong Flag Guard Soldiers National Flag Guard held a grand flag display ceremony. They marched with sonorous and forceful steps, escorting the bright and dazzling Five-Star Red Flag into the venue, kicking off the prelude to the event.
At the opening ceremony, Lin Mingsen, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Chinese Society of Oceanography, Researcher at the National Satellite Ocean Application Center, and Corresponding Member of the International Academy of Astronautics, stated in his speech that this competition aims to stimulate teenagers' interest in marine science and technology, impart scientific methods, build systematic thinking, and convey the scientist spirit. He pointed out that the competition is not only a comprehensive test of the scientific and technological level of teenagers but also a comprehensive exercise of their innovation ability, teamwork spirit, and ability to solve practical problems. Academician Lin Mingsen also emphasized the important significance of this event in promoting science popularization in Hong Kong and Macao, as well as promoting exchange and cooperation between Hong Kong, Macao, and the Mainland.
Figure 3 Speech by Academician Lin Mingsen
Qiu Chengli, Level 2 Inspector of the Department of Foreign Expert Services of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Deputy Director of the Science Communication Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized in his speech that scientific and technological innovation is important in national development, and science education is an important way to stimulate teenagers' curiosity and innovative spirit. He stated that this competition provides an opportunity for teenagers to contact cutting-edge technology and understand scientific research, and is also an important opportunity to promote scientific and technological exchange and cooperation between Hong Kong, Macao, and the Mainland. He encouraged teenagers to broaden their horizons through the competition and cultivate team spirit and cooperation ability.
Figure 4 Speech by Director Qiu Chengli
Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, stated in his welcome speech that as an innovative university, PolyU is committed to cultivating future leaders with innovative spirit and interdisciplinary thinking. He pointed out that teenagers are a vital force for national innovative development, and the university attaches great importance to building a platform for them to practice innovation and display their talents. Professor Chao hoped that the participating students could deeply understand marine technology through the competition, master scientific research methods, and cultivate the ability of interdisciplinary integration and innovation. He also specially thanked the national competition organizer for arranging the debut of the Hong Kong and Macao competition area at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, encouraging students to enhance friendship and strive to become marine technology talents in the competition.
Figure 5 Speech by Vice President Christopher Chao
The organizer HKSPSF invited event officiating guests Mr. Guo Changyong, Deputy Director of the Kowloon Sub-office of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, and Mr. Edward Yu (JP), District Officer (Yau Tsim Mong), to present appreciation flags to the Guangdong Flag Guard Soldiers National Flag Guard, thanking them for their strong support for the event.
Figure 6 Presenting Appreciation Flag to Guangdong Flag Guard Soldiers National Flag Guard
Ms. Ma Juanjuan, Deputy Director of the Youth Work Committee of the Chinese Society of Oceanography, and Mr. Li Jiaxuan, Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong & Macau Selection), Yau Tsim Mong District Councilor, and Director of HKSPSF, presented appreciation flags to the two Chief Referees of the Hong Kong & Macau Selection: Professor Tim Woo, Associate Professor of Engineering Education at the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering and Founding Director of the Center for Global & Community Engagement of the School of Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; and Mr. Lui Kam Leung, Vice Chairman of the Marine and Naval Architecture Division Advisory Committee of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and General Manager/Vessel Safety Supervision of the Vessel Services Branch of the Marine Department of the HKSAR Government.
Figure 7 Presenting Appreciation Flags to Professor Tim Woo and Mr. Lui Kam Leung
Run! Shang Hailong, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Founding President of the Hong Kong Top Talent Services Association, and Mr. Benny Yeung, Yau Tsim Mong District Councilor and President of the Yau Tsim Mong Federation of Association, presented appreciation flags to the Greater Bay Area organizations and co-organizers of this competition on behalf of Mr. Ma Guobin, Chairman of the Science and Fantasy Growth Foundation; Mr. Li Kit Ming, Principal of Lai Chack Middle School; Ms. Wong Wing Sze, Principal of Yaumati Kaifong Association School; Ms. Li Minyi, Director of the Textbook and Teaching Aids Working Group of Datong Publishing Media Co., Ltd. under Bauhinia Culture Group; Mr. Pun Tak Ian, President of the Macao International Youth Innovation and Creativity Association; and Mr. Zhou Sheng, General Manager of Sino United Electronic Publishing Ltd.
Figure 8 Presenting Appreciation Flags to Representatives of GBA Organizations and Co-organizers
Professor Tam Kam Weng, Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong & Macau Selection) and Director of the National Science Popularization Education Base and the Center for Science and Engineering Promotion of the University of Macau, and Mr. Zhao Pei, Associate Director of the Research and Innovation Office of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, presented certificates of appreciation to representatives of sponsoring organizations: Professor Fung Kam Wing, Director of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum; Mr. Yip Man Pan, Deputy General Manager of Pacific Coffee and Tuen Mun District Councilor; Mr. Zhang Yang, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Top Talent Services Association; and Ms. Huo Manqi, Marketing Manager of Think Academy Hong Kong.
Figure 9 Presenting Appreciation Flags to Representatives of Sponsoring Organizations
Chen Liuqi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong & Macau Selection), stated in her vote of thanks that this event aims to enhance the friendship among teenagers in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao and jointly contribute to scientific and technological innovation in the Greater Bay Area. She thanked the guidance of the national competition organizations, the support of various partners in the Hong Kong and Macao Selection, the efforts of participating school teachers and students, and the dedication of volunteers. She hopes to continue to work together to promote the development of youth science popularization education in the future and wished the contestants good results.
Figure 10 Vote of Thanks by Chen Liuqi, Chairman of the Event Organizing Committee
At the solemn and enthusiastic launch ceremony, officiating guests Mr. Lin Mingsen, Mr. Guo Changyong, Mr. Qiu Chengli, Chairman Chen Liuqi, Professor Christopher Chao, Mr. Shang Hailong, Mr. Edward Yu (JP), Mr. Benny Yeung, Mr. Li Jiaxuan, Professor Tam Kam Weng, Ms. Ma Juanjuan, Ms. Li Minyi, and Mr. Zhou Sheng jointly lit up the energy column, marking the official start of the 2024 "Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong & Macau Selection)" and "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Celebrating 27th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return Event".
Figure 11 Launch Ceremony
This challenge is divided into the Senior Primary Group and the Junior Secondary Group. The Senior Primary Group competed around protecting the recovery process of simulated seabed seismometers, while the Junior Secondary Group simulated the process of seabed sediment sampling. The unmanned systems independently developed by each team were unique in shape and infinitely creative, some like streamlined fish, agile and nimble; some like vigorous dragons, with strong power. In the arena, unmanned systems shuttled back and forth, floated and dived in the water, sometimes moving forward rapidly, sometimes hovering stably, demonstrating the imagination and innovation ability of the teenagers.
Figure 12 Competition Site
Figure 13 Competition Site
Figure 14 Underwater Unmanned System
Figure 15 Underwater Unmanned System
In the subsequent defense session, participating teams demonstrated their design concepts and implementation methods by displaying team posters, sharing their competition experiences and feelings, fully reflecting the teenagers' knowledge output, science communication ability, and team presentation ability.
Figure 16 Defense Session
Figure 17 Defense Session
To celebrate the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, this event also specially set up a "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Celebrating 27th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return Event" session. Excellent teams from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao competed on the same stage, exchanging and learning from each other in the research and development and control of underwater unmanned systems. The contestants displayed the spirit of teamwork, tacit communication, and skillful cooperation, demonstrating the innovative vitality and fighting spirit of the teenagers in the Greater Bay Area. This exchange competition aims to deepen the understanding and friendship among teenagers in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, and promote the cultivation and exchange of innovative talents in the region.
Figure 18 Excellent teams from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao competing on the same stage
To highlight the innovation and educational significance of the event, the organizer specially arranged a unique session. Children from K2 and K3 classes of S.K.H. St. Matthias' Church Nursery School participated in an ocean-themed parent-child coloring competition, showing their imagination of the ocean. This not only echoed the theme of the event but also reflected the science popularization concept of "starting from babies". Subsequently, these children transformed into cheerleaders and brought an energetic "Go Amigo" performance for the contestants, adding a joyful atmosphere to the event and celebrating the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. This session vividly interpreted the purpose of the event to stimulate innovation and promote cross-age science popularization education.
Figure 19 Ocean-themed parent-child coloring competition works
Figure 20 "Go Amigo" Performance
Figure 21 "Go Amigo" Performance
Figure 22 Chairman Chen Liuqi presenting an appreciation flag to Ms. Lam Suk Man, Principal of S.K.H. St. Matthias' Church Nursery School
Figure 23 Mr. Li Kit Ming and Ms. Wong Wing Sze presenting awards to the Junior Kindergarten Group of the Parent-Child Coloring Game
Figure 24 Mr. Li Kit Ming and Ms. Wong Wing Sze presenting awards to the Senior Kindergarten Group of the Parent-Child Coloring Game
After fierce competition among the participating teams of the Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge and strict review by the referees, various awards such as the Outstanding Pioneer Team Award, Fashion Craft Innovation Award, and Frontier Innovation Team Award were finally selected. At the award ceremony, the organizer spoke highly of the outstanding performance of the participating teams and invited guests to present certificates to the winning teams.
Figure 25 Mr. Qiu Chengli and Mr. Lui Kam Leung presenting awards to winners of the Outstanding Pioneer Team Award
Figure 26 Chairman Chen Liuqi and Mr. Ma Guobin presenting awards to winners of the Extraordinary Creativity Team Award
Figure 27 Vice Chairman Li Jiaxuan and Mr. Yang Xiaofeng presenting awards to winners of the Fashion Craft Innovation Award
Figure 28 Ms. Ma Juanjuan and Professor Fung Kam Wing presenting awards to winners of the Frontier Innovation Team Award
Figure 29 Ms. Li Minyi and Ms. Li Xiaoyan presenting awards to winners of the Exquisite Workmanship Team Award
Figure 30 Vice Chairman Tam Kam Weng and Mr. Zhang Yang presenting awards to winners of the Excellent Collaboration Team Award
Figure 31 Mr. Li Zan and Mr. Ma Yuepeng presenting awards to winners of the Excellent Expression Team Award
Figure 32 Mr. Lin Mingsen and Ms. Huo Manqi presenting awards to winners of the Greater Bay Area Technology Innovation Team Award
With the announcement of the last award, the 2024 "Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong & Macau Selection)" and "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Celebrating 27th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return Event" came to a successful conclusion. The teenage contestants left a deep impression on everyone with their extraordinary innovative thinking, excellent practical ability, and tenacious fighting spirit. Their persistent pursuit of marine technology, unremitting exploration of knowledge, and firm belief in dreams fully demonstrated the spiritual outlook of contemporary youth growing up with the motherland and forging ahead with the times. This event was hosted by Mr. Li Hao and Ms. Chen Muqing.
Figure 33 Closing Ceremony Site
This "Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong & Macau Selection)" is the first selection competition organized by HKSPSF in Hong Kong and Macao, actively responding to the call of the "Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge" series of activities co-sponsored by the Chinese Institute of Electronics and the Chinese Society of Oceanography, and entrusted by the Organizing Committee of the National Competition. The competition centers on underwater unmanned systems, aiming to stimulate teenagers' interest in marine science and technology, impart scientific methods, build systematic thinking, convey the scientist spirit, and discover and cultivate future innovative talents in unmanned systems and smart ocean technology. After fierce competition, excellent teams representing Hong Kong and Macau will be selected to advance to the 2024 National Youth Information Literacy Competition Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge, showing the innovative talent and fighting spirit of Hong Kong and Macao teenagers on the national stage.
As the debut in Hong Kong and Macao, the "Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong & Macau Selection)" also received strong support from many units, including the Science Popularization Education Professional Committee of the China Science Writers Association, the Youth Work Committee of the Chinese Society of Oceanography, Datong Publishing Media Co., Ltd. (a member of Bauhinia Culture Group), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Research and Innovation Office of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Yau Tsim Mong Youths Society, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Hong Kong Top Talent Services Association, China Resources Enterprise, Think Academy Hong Kong, Pacific Coffee, Science Fiction Creation Research Base of the China Science Writers Association, Science Fiction Committee of the China Science Film and Video Association, Industrial and Science Fiction Film and Television Expert Committee, National Science Popularization Education Base of the University of Macau, Center for Science and Engineering Promotion of the University of Macau, Science and Fantasy Growth Foundation, Lai Chack Middle School, The Society of Operations Engineers (Hong Kong Region), The Macao Institution of Engineers, Sino United Electronic Publishing Ltd., Education Convergence, The Association of Chinese Middle Schools in Hong Kong, The Association of English Medium Secondary Schools, The Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council, National Children's Science Fiction Alliance, Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, Macao International Youth Innovation and Creativity Association, Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation, New Territories School Heads Association, The Hong Kong Association for Computer Education, Hong Kong Tong School Council, and more.
Figure 34 Group Photo of Staff
Editor: Li Zan, HKSPSF