Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, was selected as a payload specialist for the Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission, the China Manned Space Agency said on Saturday (May 23).
When addressing Hong Kong's youth, Lai said that only when young people have opportunities to develop can Hong Kong have a future.
According to Lai, Hong Kong is not only a witness to the nation's development but also a participant and contributor. "For me, having grown up in Hong Kong since childhood, the Lion Rock Spirit has long been engraved in my heart... This belief in self-strengthening in adversity and never giving up resonates with the spirit of China's manned space program."
She added that it is precisely this perseverance and determination that have brought her step by step to where she is today.
Lai also had something to tell Hong Kong's young people: "Dreams are not out of reach, nor do they discriminate based on background. As long as we care for our country and home, love life, stay true to ourselves, and contribute our wisdom and strength to Hong Kong and the motherland, every one of us can shine in our own way."
Finally, Lai expressed her gratitude in Cantonese to those who have supported and cared for her.
"Thank you all for your support and care. I will keep working hard. Let us strive together, and we will surely have a better tomorrow."
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