As an ecosystem enabler for the life sciences industry, the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) has been organising its annual Mentorship Scheme since 2020 to nurture the next generation of talent and support the development of the life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. This year’s Mentorship Scheme Kick-Off was successfully held on 5 March 2026, alongside a Spring Gathering, bringing together 200 mentors, current and past mentees, and industry experts to celebrate a new cohort of mentor mentee pairings.

Prof Tony Mok, Chairman, Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK delivered a keynote speech on the practical application of scientific breakthroughs, encouraging mentees to learn from seasoned industry leaders. He remarked, “Bringing scientific research to market is never easy. Every step – from building a team to securing funding – is crucial. Potential commercialization opportunity unlocks itself when novel technologies align with actual clinical indications. Mentees who make the most of what the Mentorship Scheme offers will find it a meaningful springboard for building a solid foundation for a successful career path.” 

The Mentorship Scheme prepares aspiring life sciences students with essential workplace hard and soft skills through guidance from experienced industry experts. This cohort, with over 110 mentees, will gain diverse perspectives and practical experience from mentors across but not limited to business development, data analytics, healthcare, investment, and science communication.

The Kick-Off also featured an Alumni Chat with Dr Carol Lee, a 2021-cohort mentee-turned-young-mentor since 2025, with mentees Lucky Tsoi (2023-25) and Brandon Julio Hadisaputro (2024-26), to share their growth and key takeaways throughout their mentorship journeys.

The Young Mentors Scheme, a companion initiative to the Mentorship Scheme, invites alumni aged 35 or below to mentor undergraduate freshmen and college students. Drawing their relevant experience, young mentors can provide targeted and practical guidance on academics and career. Now in her role as an Assistant Lecturer at the School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK, Dr Carol Lee shared, “I benefited immensely from HKLSS’ supportive community as a former mentee and am now grateful for the opportunity to give back as a young mentor and inspire other to reach their goals.” 

Mentee Lucky Tsoi described her experience as a mentee and intern at the HKLSS Summer Internship Program as a gateway to exploring the sector’s diverse career paths and deepening her understanding of translational research in application. As a non‑local student, Brandon added that the Mentorship Scheme helped him recognise the importance of building networks in turning ideas into reality. Inspired by this, he proactively connected with industry professionals during his following Summer Internship Program, humbly gaining valuable insights elevate the experience.

In the 2026/27 Budget, the HKSAR Government outlined plans to integrate development of life and health technology at upstream, midstream and downstream levels, signalling a clear policy direction to drive the sector’s growth. Prof Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS said: “We are encouraged to see the Government accelerating the life and health technology development with AI application. The need for talent of relevant calibre in the life sciences sector is steadily increasing. The Mentorship Scheme will connect these young professionals with the sector through guidance and cultivation, with the hope that our efforts will gradually help build momentum towards a thriving life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong.”

Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) hosted the Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025/26 at AIRSIDE last Saturday (27 September 2025) to recognize the academic excellence and aspirations of outstanding life sciences students in Hong Kong. Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Board Chair of HKLSS, presented the Scholarship Awards to six undergraduate students selected from a record high of over 120 nominations. Also attending the celebratory occasion was Mr Meng Zhou, Partner - Head of Private Investment Team of Nan Fung Trinity, who enlightened the awardees with his words of encouragement.

Professor Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS, congratulated the awardees in his welcome remarks, “As the leading youth organization devoted to building a dynamic life sciences ecosystem locally, we are not only delighted about the applicants’ competencies but also impressed by seizing the ample learning and career opportunities in our city, regardless of their nationality. With the HKSAR government’s blueprint to develop the life and health technology industry, including its latest proposal for the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation as announced in the Policy Address last week, we are confident that the prospects for the field here are increasingly promising. This reinforces Hong Kong as an ideal place for the future pillars of life sciences to realize their ambitions.”

International Awardees with Local Commitment

Launched in 2022, the Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards invite applications from students enrolled in life sciences or biomedical science programs at Hong Kong UGC-funded institutions. This year’s edition once again garnered an overwhelming response, attracting over 120 entries – the highest number ever – from which six candidates representing five universities (i.e., City University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and The University of Hong Kong) were chosen. In addition to a life sciences scholarship of HK$50,000, awardees also gain access to HKLSS Mentorship Scheme, along with priority enrollment in HKLSS Summer Internship Program.

During the ceremony, three awardees represented the cohort to deliver their vote of thanks. Tai Wing Yin, a third-year Biomedical Sciences student at The University of Hong Kong, shared, “My journey into life sciences began with a curiosity about the human body and a desire to make a meaningful impact. That passion led me to Biomedical Sciences, a field where we can drive innovations to improve well-being, which has since evolved into an aspiration to contribute to the life sciences industry in Hong Kong. The scholarship allows me and my fellow awardees to move closer to our goals.”

Rahman Syed Rayan, a year 3 Applied Biology with Biotechnology major at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, remarked, “Coming from the beautiful country of Bangladesh, I stand before you today as a proud recipient of the Scholarship Awards. Alongside this pride comes a tremendous weight of responsibility – to continue working hard and strive to revolutionize the field of life sciences research. By enriching my expertise through this award, I aim to contribute to both Hong Kong’s and the world’s biomedical research communities.”

Santoso Rachelle Jacinda, shared the same enthusiasm for giving back locally. Now in her penultimate year of the Biological Sciences program at City University of Hong Kong, she said, “Being an international student from Indonesia, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to HKLSS for the support they have provided to all life sciences students in Hong Kong – support that extends beyond financial aids through this scholarship. Their mentorship and internship programs, as well as study tours, have given us a platform to connect with each other. I look forward to being part of this inspiring community and bringing my dedication to it.”

This summer, Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) and HK Wuxi Trade Association co-organized Wuxi-Shanghai Study Tour, bringing more than 50 tertiary students to visit leading pharmaceutical companies and R&D institutions in Wuxi and Shanghai. Alongside a series of cultural activities, the youth gained valuable insights into the latest developments in life sciences in China.

Among the Study Tour participants were interns from HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program 2025. As the Program drew to a successful close in early August, a closing ceremony was held at AIRSIDE last Saturday (9 August 2025) to showcase the highlights of both the Study Tour and the Program and to celebrate the growth of the budding life scientists. In attendance were Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Board Chair of HKLSS; Professor Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS; representatives from participating corporations; interns; Study Tour members; and distinguished guests.

Professor Ken Wong remarked, “Hong Kong Life Sciences Society is delighted that the HKSAR government is dedicated to transforming our city into an international center for life and health technology. Nurturing local talent and attracting those from overseas to Hong Kong are the core objectives of our annual Summer Internship Program. Since last year, with the support of the HK Wuxi Trade Association, we have especially rolled out the Wuxi-Shanghai Study Tour prior to the Program. By doing so, our interns got to see firsthand the full picture of China’s advancements in life sciences before having a real taste of work in the sector, making the entire experience more comprehensive and impactful.” 

Study Tour Provides Macroscopic View on China’s Developments

Held from 24 to 28 June 2025, the Wuxi-Shanghai Study Tour took undergraduate and postgraduate students from biotechnology, healthcare, or business disciplines from local and overseas schools to visit renowned pharmaceutical companies and R&D institutions, such as AstraZeneca (China) and Roche Accelerator, as well as high-tech industrial development zone Wuxi (Mashan) National Life Science Park. The exposure gave the group a window on the innovative technology infrastructure and prospects of the two cities, which will help them explore their future career paths.  

Aside from company visits, the five-day tour also featured cultural excursions at iconic attractions, including Huishan Ancient Town in Wuxi, and Jing’an District, the Bund, and Zhangyuan in Shanghai. The thoughtfully designed itinerary invited the young minds to comprehend the present through the lens of the neighborhoods’ past and culture. Additionally, HKLSS hosted welcoming dinners in both cities, creating opportunities for the youngsters to network and build connections with local practitioners and industry experts.

Internship Offers Up-Close Encounters at Real-life Workplaces 

Following the Study Tour, HKLSS officially kicked off its Life Sciences Summer Internship Program. Held annually since the establishment of HKLSS, the Program continued to attract an overwhelming response this year, receiving an unprecedented 700+ local and international applications competing for approximately 50 places. The 2025 cohort also saw a record number of interns selected from diverse backgrounds, with the majority coming from Hong Kong and mainland China, while a few were from other Asian and African countries. They were assigned to a record high of 30 participating corporations, including prestigious start-ups, venture capitals, NGOs, and healthcare and pharmaceutical companies in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. 

The opportunity to work side by side with seasoned researchers and biotechnologists during the six-week internship has proven to be an important reference point for career planning. The Program has therefore been well-received by aspiring students and highly recognized by local educational institutions and industry partners alike since its launch seven years ago. HKLSS remains committed to continually innovating new initiatives to uphold its mission of nurturing life sciences talent and stimulating the overall ecosystem in Hong Kong. 
 

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To foster intellectual exchange among life sciences entrepreneurs and advance technological innovation and investment, Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) and Swiss Biotech Association co-organized the “Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Conference: Perspectives from Hong Kong and Switzerland” with sponsorship from Invest Hong Kong. Today’s conference successfully convened leading experts, entrepreneurs, and investors from Hong Kong and Switzerland to share insights and practical experiences in life sciences entrepreneurship and investment. Speakers engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the current state and future trends of life sciences entrepreneurship and its ecosystem, thereby exploring potential investment opportunities and collaborations to drive sustainable industry growth.

Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR, in a pre-recorded speech extended her sincere gratitude to the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society and the Swiss Biotech Association for facilitating this invaluable opportunity for professionals from both regions to connect, share and collaborate. She said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to promoting innovation and technology (I&T) development. The Government adopted an industry-oriented approach and identified technology industries with an edge and of strategic importance to Hong Kong, such as life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, advanced manufacturing and new energy technology. To put Hong Kong’s advantages in scientific research in good use, a HKD 6 billion has been allocated to support local universities in setting up life and health technology research institutes and foster cross university/institutional and multi-disciplinary collaboration in life and health sciences research. The Government will continue to support entrepreneurs, researchers, and science organizations to make Hong Kong a life sciences innovation hub. As part of the Greater Bay Area and a gateway to Mainland China and APEC, Hong Kong offers unique research and business opportunities.

Mr Daniel Freihofer, Consul General of Switzerland in Hong Kong, stated, “Bringing together brilliant minds from Hong Kong and Switzerland to exchange ideas, share experiences and spark new collaborations is exactly the kind of initiative that strengthens our already strong ties. Switzerland is home to more than 1,000 biotech and life sciences companies, covering everything from pharmaceuticals and medical technology to next-generation therapies. There is already strong Swiss engagement in Hong Kong’s biotech sector. More Swiss start-ups and investors are looking to this region as an exciting place for expansion and collaboration. Collaboration has always been a driving force behind breakthrough innovation and I have no doubt that the connections made here will help shape the future of biotech in both regions.” 

Mr Antony Leung, Vice Chairperson of HKLSS; Chairman of Nan Fung Group and Chairman and Co-founder, New Frontier Group, said, “The life sciences sector is at the forefront of addressing critical global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. Translational research, particularly in biomedical sciences, demands highly trained talent, interdisciplinary collaborations, a mature capital market, and access to a large consumer market. This conference is the first key event of HKLSS this year, where counterparts from Switzerland, Hong Kong and Mainland China gather to explore the current and future trends in life sciences entrepreneurship and investment. This exemplifies our two visions: first, to foster international and interdisciplinary collaborations; and second, to help position Hong Kong as a life sciences hub for talent, research, and investment. We hope to build a vibrant life sciences ecosystem for Hong Kong and the region.

Dr Bettina Ernst, Vice-President, Swiss Biotech Association and Chief Executive Officer, BERNINA BioInvest, who possesses over 10 years of experience in healthcare ventures, shared, “Today’s event is a reminder of the power of partnerships—whether it’s between start-ups and investors, or researchers and entrepreneurs. By building bridges between Switzerland and Hong Kong, we are not only creating opportunities for growth but also shaping the future of life sciences together. The exchange of ideas between academia, government, and industry leaders demonstrated the collaborative spirit required to drive this sector forward. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of our speakers, panelists, moderators, and participants for making this event a resounding success.” 

Insightful Sharing from Experts, Accompanied by Start-ups Showcases

Dr Qiusong Tang, Head of Roche Accelerator, shared insights in the plenary session on “Catalyzing Biotech Innovation in Hong Kong: Bridging Swiss Excellence to China’s Ecosystem”. He emphasized Roche's commitment to advancing biotech innovation through strategic partnerships and investments. By strengthening industry partnerships, harnessing China’s innovative capabilities, and leveraging the diverse R&D strengths among Hong Kong, China's Mainland, and Switzerland, the synergy can unlock potential and accelerate growth, ultimately contributing to global life sciences breakthroughs. 

Dr Eric Adam, Chief Operations Officer, HAYA Therapeutics SA, shared the company’s focus on RNA therapeutics for cellular reprogramming to treat rare and chronic diseases. He introduced its lead program and vision for heart failure treatment, which aim to enter phase 1a clinical trials next year. 

One of the conference highlights was the outstanding start-ups that showcase their technologies and products to counterparts. Speakers from Swiss start-ups include Mr Erik van den Berg, Chief Executive Officer, Memo-Therapeutics AG; Dr Christian Leisner, Chief Executive Officer and Director, CDR-Life AG; and Dr Andrea Chicca, Chief Executive Officer, Synendos Therapeutics AG. They introduced their corporate philosophies and unique edges via live streaming. This session was moderated by Ms Tinnie Chau, Principal, Private Equity, Ally Bridge Group.

On the Hong Kong side, Dr Lydia Leung, Chief Executive Officer, Belun Technology; Prof Zongli Zheng, Co-Founder and Chairman, GenEditBio; and Dr Eddy Wu, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Arctic Vision, presented to onsite and online audience. This session was moderated by Dr Chuen Yan Leung, Partner (Healthcare Investment), Value Partners Group and Co-founder, Silver Dart Capital.

Bilateral Knowledge Exchange: Unveiling New Investment and Collaboration Opportunities

The conference also explored the potential in investing and enhancing biotech ecosystems. Dr Igor Fisch, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, NewBiologix; and President, FONGIT, presented via live streaming on start-up incubation. He introduced FONGIT, a non-profit foundation based in Geneva, which supports over 220 biotech start-ups by offering coaching, financing, space and labs, among other resources. The platform has resulted in over 250 patents and new products.

Mr Emmanuel Hui, Member of the Advisory Board of HKLSS and Chief Executive Officer, Tiger Jade Pebble Accelerator, brought a wealth of knowledge in start-up acceleration anchored in Hong Kong. As founder of an early-stage biomedical accelerator, he outlined that healthy start-up development relies on regulatory clarity, market-driven KPIs, an effective business model, and good marketing. Compared with Switzerland, he believes Hong Kong has a comparable population, quality of academia, and a free economy, but it will take time for Hong Kong to build on its heritage of translational science. He looks forward to the day that Hong Kong will have as many homegrown pharmaceutical giants as Switzerland does.

In a fireside discussion moderated by Dr Bettina Ernst, panelists Dr Eric Adam; Mr Emmanuel Hui; Dr Grace SN Lau, Head of Life and Health Technology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; Prof Anderson Shum, President, The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences; and Mr Andy Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology, Invest Hong Kong, provided valuable insights into fostering the robust growth of Hong Kong's life sciences ecosystem. They conducted a comparative analysis of the ecosystem development in both regions, highlighting similarities and differences. It is a shared objective for the organizers, supporting organizations and participants to foster mutual learning and the adoption of best practices, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel investment prospects and collaborative opportunities.

On 12th October, the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS or the Society) held a Presentation Ceremony at the AIRSIDE headquarters of Nan Fung Group for the Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards (the Scholarship Awards), honoring 10 outstanding undergraduate students in life sciences and biomedical science. Like last year, this year’s selection process utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate applicants’ overall abilities in the first round, followed by a second-round interview which served to identify students with the greatest potential.

Over 100 Nominations Received, Recipients from 5 Local Universities

The Scholarship Awards were established in 2022 by HKLSS with a goal of supporting outstanding undergraduate students to pursue life sciences or biomedical studies in local universities. The Awards have received overwhelming responses since its inauguration, and this year made no exception as over 100 nominations were received. The 10 recipients who stood out are second- or third-year students from City University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and The University of Hong Kong, who are studying in related fields of biomedical engineering biochemistry, and biomedical sciences.

In addition to the HK$50,000 scholarship, each awardee will also be entitled to participate in the Society’s 12-month Mentorship Scheme and be given priority to apply for the Summer Internship Program in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen. While the scholarship enables students to focus on their studies, the diverse learning opportunities that come with it can also broaden their horizons, enrich their academic and professional experiences, and support their all-round development so as to nurture them into future leaders in the life sciences and biotech industries.

Apart from excelling academically, scholarship recipients should also show their academic and career aspirations. The selection process included two rounds of interviews: with last year’s successful implementation of AI, the first-round interview continued to use the technology to evaluate applicants’ abilities and soft skills, whereas the second-round interview was conducted by industry experts, including representatives from startups, biomedical centers, and biotechnology companies, who assessed students’ potential and suitability based on industry standards and trends.

A Presentation Ceremony that Promotes Diverse Exchange within the Industry

(Photo 2: Mr Andy Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology at Invest Hong Kong and the Guest of Honor, delivers words of encouragement)

Mr Andy Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology at Invest Hong Kong, was the Ceremony’s Guest of Honor who also delivered words of encouragement, while Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Board Chair of HKLSS, presented the awards.

Prof Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS, said in his speech, “This year marks the 5th anniversary of HKLSS. We have strived to attract, nurture, and unite life sciences talent in Hong Kong by promoting knowledge exchange, collaboration, and participation, so as to strengthen the local life sciences ecosystem. The scholarship not only recognizes students’ past efforts but, more importantly, encourages and supports their future professional development in the life sciences industry.”

Representatives from various universities and nominators of the scholarship also attended the Ceremony. The Society hoped to bring together organizations from various professional fields to foster further exchange.

Recipients Express Gratitude for Guidance on Future Paths

During the Ceremony, two scholarship recipients shared their gratitude on behalf of all awardees. Fu Tianlu, a second-year student majoring in biochemistry at The University of Hong Kong, said, “I am very grateful to HKLSS for the scholarship, which allows me to continue my research in biological sciences and hopefully pursue a PhD. When I complete my studies, I hope to use my expertise to help the people of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area live healthier and longer lives.”

Printer Roshni Olga, a third-year biotechnology and business student at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said, “I hope to develop innovative therapeutics to address unmet healthcare needs. With this scholarship, I am one step closer to my goal. The Mentorship Scheme and Summer Internship Program will also help me find my footing in Hong Kong.”

The Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS), dedicated to cultivating professional talents in life sciences since its establishment in 2018, continues to provide the vastly popular Summer Internship Program. This year saw the 6th edition of the program, which both the number of applicants and final admissions reached record highs. It also marks the first time internship opportunities being offered in Shenzhen, in addition to Hong Kong and Shanghai. The expansion allows undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain a deeper understanding of the frontier developments and technological innovations in the life sciences industry in Mainland China. The program concluded with a closing ceremony last Saturday, where participating organizations and the distinguished guests witnessed the interns’ growth.

The six-week Life Sciences Summer Internship Program is conducted annually from early July to mid-August. This year, over 400 applications were received, of which, many had come from students studying abroad. In the end, 42 undergraduate and postgraduate students from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and abroad were selected. The students interned at 23 organizations including start-ups, venture capital firms, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, and non-governmental organizations in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The internship offered them with opportunities to explore in pioneering research and technologies, which equipped them for future careers.

Prof Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS, said in his speech, “Exposing our talent to diverse perspectives and career paths is a key part of preparing them for the future. This is the reason we launched our summer internship program back in 2019. By engaging talent to work and live in the three cities, we can further enhance cross-cultural exchange and learning opportunities for our interns. This cross-city collaboration is crucial as we collectively work to cultivate the next generation of life sciences leaders.”

Prof Wong added, “Before the internship program began, we also launched a five-day study tour to Wuxi and Shanghai, in partnership with the Hong Kong Wuxi Trade Association. This allowed our interns to gain insights into different aspects of the industry that are not easily accessible in Hong Kong alone.”

Program Expands to Shenzhen, Benefiting Both Employers and Students

Shenzhen-based Signet Therapeutics participated in the program for the first time. Dr Shu Zhuo, Vice President and Head of R&D at Signet, expressed his delight with the company’s involvement. He mentioned that Signet, located in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, aims to attract Hong Kong talents for internships and exchanges. Dr Zhuo said, “Our company has developed a focused and systematic training program specifically for interns, covering areas from organoid platforms to drug pipelines, allowing students to gain substantial experience within six weeks.” He also praised the Hong Kong students for their global perspective and communication skills, stating, “Their innovative thinking is remarkable, enabling them to effectively analyze and solve problems, which enriches our working environment. For R&D companies like ours that require constant innovation, such cultural exchange is essential.”

Internship Program Equips Overseas Students in Future Career Planning

16 students participating in this year's summer internship program are from overseas universities. Among them, Susan Pan, who is enrolled in the HKU-Cambridge Undergraduate Recruitment Scheme (Natural Sciences), interned at Signet’s R&D department this summer through HKLSS’s program. She said, “I believe Shenzhen's life sciences and pharmaceutical development is among the best in the country. As the hub of the Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen has great potential for joint development with Hong Kong. During my internship in Shenzhen, I was able to interact with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds, all of whom are highly motivated and eager to explore.”

Susan values this internship, which provided her with a more concrete vision for her future career, such as first-hand experience of laboratory work and experiment processes. She encouraged other peers who are considering to join the Internship Program, “Be proactive in engaging and communicating with your colleagues. Be brave to ask questions and learn from your seniors. Enjoy this internship as it is an invaluable opportunity to learn and explore.”

In-Depth Understanding of Hetao Development

A record number of postgraduate students participated in the HKLSS Summer Internship Program this year. Tony Xie, a PhD candidate at the University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Medicine, chose to intern in Shenzhen, joining the The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center. Tony believes that participating in the internship as a postgraduate student has many benefits, “In addition to broadening my horizons and opening up possible career paths, I believe employers will view graduates who have completed an internship as more experienced and prepared, and it serves as an advantage in the job market. Interning in Shenzhen required adapting to cultural differences at the beginning, but I gradually realized that their equipment and working environment are very similar to those in Hong Kong, making it easier for us to adapt.”

Students participating in the Internship Program noted that the HKLSS internship is highly regarded by their academic institutions and various corporations. The program also includes workshops, site visits, and exchange activities that enrich the participants’ understanding and better prepare them for their future careers. HKLSS will continue strengthening its collaboration with laboratories and biotech companies in Shenzhen and Hetao area. Additionally, it aims to provide study tour opportunities in more locations in the fields of research, testing, and artificial intelligence for local and overseas students.

This content is only available in Traditional Chinese or Simplified Chinese.

This content is only available in Traditional Chinese or Simplified Chinese.

Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS), which endeavors to nurture talent in the life sciences field, held its 5th Anniversary Celebration at AIRSIDE last night. Over 200 distinguished guests, including HKLSS advisory board members, mentors, employer representatives, industry and institutional partners, mentees and mentee alumni gathered to celebrate HKLSS’s contribution in providing extensive career opportunities for life sciences students, assisting them in leveraging Hong Kong’s access to Mainland China, attracting non-local students to pursue career development in Hong Kong, as well as positioning Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a hub for life sciences and technology in Mainland China and globally.

Celebrative moments on stage with distinguished guests

Established in 2018, HKLSS aims to construct a dynamic life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong through knowledge exchange, cross-sector collaboration and public engagement, as well as nurturing and attracting talent. In the five years since its founding, HKLSS has already convened over 2,000 members and 50 collaborators in both Hong Kong and Mainland China. Mr Vincent Cheung, the Founder and Board Chair of HKLSS, expressed in his welcoming remarks, “HKLSS will continue its commitment to enhancing the talent pipeline and fostering growth in the life sciences community. Our Society will amplify efforts to strengthen talent cultivation, in order to position Hong Kong and the GBA as a leading life sciences and technology hub not only in Mainland China but globally.”

Mr Vincent Cheung gave out welcoming remarks

Since its inception in Shanghai in 2019, HKLSS Summer Internship Program has assisted 180 students in completing their internships. Among them, 97% of students have pursued career opportunities or continuing education in the life sciences professions upon graduation. Cheung added, “We are dedicated to attracting and retaining non-local students, encouraging them to pick Hong Kong as their preferred location for advanced education, research, and forming technology firms. Through various activities, including seminars and workshops, we are actively targeting non-local students in Hong Kong and overseas, encouraging them to pursue life sciences careers in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Furthermore, we hope to foster science communication and raise awareness about the significance of life sciences in our daily lives. Through these efforts, HKLSS aims to contribute to the country's growth and positively impact the life sciences ecosystem.”

Honorable Duncan Chiu delivered opening remarks

Honorable Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation), said, “The HKSAR Government has been striving to develop life sciences and compete for talent in recent years, including proactively nurturing local talents and attracting expats to pursue career development in Hong Kong. I hereby convey my deep gratitude to HKLSS for its efforts over the past five years. Not only has HKLSS provided the Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards, which has supported outstanding undergraduate students to pursuing life sciences and biomedical sciences programs at six local universities, it has also established the Mentorship Scheme and Summer Internship Program. Such initiatives can “build nests to attract phoenixes”, helping retain talents for the innovative technology industry and Hong Kong by supporting locals and students from the Mainland to explore career opportunities and providing necessary support throughout their journeys. I wish HKLSS another five prosperous years in nurturing more new blood. Let us contribute to the development of Hong Kong as an international innovative technology centre together.”

Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung encouraged students in his keynote address

Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung, Member of the HKLSS Advisory Board, and Henry Fok Professor in Infectious Diseases and Chair of Infectious Diseases at the Department of Microbiology of The University of Hong Kong, encouraged students by sharing his experiences of becoming a specialist in both Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, “The purpose of science is to reveal what is hidden below the surface, or to remove what is covering reality; or to put it simply, to discover. No matter if you want to become a great doctor or scientist, you have to acquire good core values—fairness, compassion, humility and excellence — as well as learn to investigate an issue and compare it with these core values. We should reflect on ourselves daily, not to mention having the courage to acknowledge and rectify mistakes made. Young people have to be a team player who respects others and is sensitive to the needs of other team members.”

Nearly 100 experts from the life sciences and biomedical sectors have participated in the Mentorship Scheme since its inauguration in 2019, benefiting over 330 mentees. Two groups of mentors and mentees shared their experiences and takeaways about the Scheme. A mentee said the scheme offers a unique lens to understand industry opportunities and is beneficial to future career planning. A former mentee has become a “Young Mentor” this year. He believed that identifying personal strengths and weaknesses, building a unique mix of generalist and specialist skills, as well as personal branding were beneficial areas of focus for growth. As a mentor, he wanted to facilitate the personal discovery process and offer advice to the mentees based on his time-tested career journey. He believed mentees can obtain possibly different but complementary suggestions and inspirations by connecting with mentors at different career stages.

The 5th Mentorship Scheme has selected 100 participants from a record-high number of applications. They will follow 80 professional mentors, including three new “Young Mentors”. The HKLSS mentors include multiple notable figures, such as Dr Celine Chan, the Chief Operating Officer of Centre for Novostics; Professor Tom Cheung, the S H Ho Associate Professor of Life Science of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Mr Vincent Cheung, the Founder and Board Chair of HKLSS and the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nan Fung Group; Dr Benjamin Li, the Founder and the Director of Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited; and Mr Antony Leung, the Group Chairman of Nan Fung Group.

Looking ahead, HKLSS will remain committed to investing in talent development and building closer relationships with start-ups and science organizations. Through these efforts, HKLSS aims to contribute to the country's growth and positively impact the life sciences ecosystem. HKLSS will also publish life sciences talent survey results tracking students and graduates of relevant university programs over three years, and launch enhanced supporting services for further studies and career development.