Wong Kam-fai, a professor at Chinese University of Hong Kong known for his contributions to information technology, described the opportunities offered by national projects as "a diamond mine" for young people in the Hong Kong SAR who are interested in science careers.

Wong, who is associate dean of external affairs for the university's engineering faculty, recalled the efforts he made two or three decades ago to win a chance to work in programs initiated by the United States or Europe, which then dominated cutting-edge technology.

Now, however, people around the world are seeking to work with China's top teams, he said.

Wong encouraged young people in the region to attempt to better grasp where opportunities might lie in the future.

Wong said Hong Kong's scientific development is hindered by such things as a lack of resources, such as experimental samples. With deeper involvement in national projects and collaboration with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, he believes the problem can be eased and research can advance further.