Responding to International Calls, the National Blueprint for Building a Space Power, and Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan
On 3 October 2026, the “2026 Biodiversity Space Exposed Seeds Nursery Project Awards Ceremony cum World Space Week Celebration,” organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD), was successfully held. The ceremony recognised the six months of biodiversity space exposed seeds research and learning outcomes of nearly 300 students from 36 primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong, bearing witness to their passion and interest in space technology, biodiversity, and sustainable development. It actively responded, at the level of nurturing young talent, to the emphasis on building a “space power” in the National 15th Five-Year Plan Outline and Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan, as well as Hong Kong’s proactive integration into the national agenda.
Responding to World Space Week, Cultivating Students’ Spirit of Space Exploration
The United Nations designates 4–10 October each year as “World Space Week,” commemorating the beginning of the human space age and the international consensus that space serves peaceful development. This year’s theme is “Rocket Revolution,” emphasising that space technology is changing the way we explore the universe and address Earth’s challenges at an unprecedented pace. World Space Week reminds us that advancement in space technology must ultimately return to the core purpose of serving sustainable development.
On 4 October last year, World Space Week set a new record — 102 countries and regions around the world held nearly 50,000 events, and the “2025 Biodiversity Space Exposed Seeds Nursery Project” Awards Ceremony was also one of the global events, gathering scientific institutions, schools, and communities worldwide in celebrating humanity’s great achievements in space exploration. This year, we build on that momentum, continuing to respond to this global occasion through concrete action, showcasing to the world the passion and commitment of Hong Kong’s primary and secondary school students towards space technology and sustainable development, and once again integrating Hong Kong’s voice and achievements into the international action of World Space Week.
Responding to Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, Aligning with the National Strategy of Building a Space Power
Professor Karen Cheung, Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development and President of the UNESCO Hong Kong Association, delivered the welcome address. She stated that Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan emphasises the integrated advancement of education, technology, and talent development, and that the “Biodiversity Space Exposed Seeds Nursery Project” is a concrete implementation responding to this direction. Using space technology as an entry point, the project combines biodiversity and education for sustainable development to cultivate students’ cross-disciplinary competencies, aligning closely with the national “Space Power” strategy and the direction of “integrated development of education, technology, and talent” in Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan.
The project also responds to the vision previously put forward by the Hong Kong Education Bureau to fully integrated aerospace and space science education into the basic education curriculum as a key entry point to deepen STEAM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics).
Address and Commendation by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Mr. MA Wai Chung, Peter, Assistant Director (Agriculture) of the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (AFCD), delivered the officiating address. Mr. Ma commended the project’s important value in the context of climate change. He encouraged students to seek more resilient seeds varieties through space breeding exploration and to bring research outcomes into all subjects of study and industries. The Department was greatly encouraged by the students’ serious attitude, meticulous observation, and innovative spirit throughout the space seeds research and learning process.
Six Months of Cultivation: On-site Presentations and Exhibitions Praised by the Judging Panel
Since the project was launched on 12 April this year, “World Space Day,” it has undergone six months of meticulous cultivation and now bears rich fruit. At the opening ceremony in April 2026, teachers and students were introduced how space seeds respond to two core United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: “SDG2 – Zero Hunger” and “SDG15 – Life on Land.” Six months on, through hands-on planting, data recording, and comparative analysis, students have tested the effects of the space environment on seeds through hands-on experiments and gained a deep understanding of the critical importance of protecting seed genetic diversity for future food security. This process is a great practice of “interdisciplinary learning” and “scientific literacy.”
The project invited expert judges with extensive practical experience and academic knowledge, including:
- Mr. MA Wai Chung, Peter — Assistant Director (Agriculture) of the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
- Professor Karen Cheung — President of the UNESCO Hong Kong Association, Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development
- Professor Hon-Ming Lam — Professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong School of Life Sciences, Person in Charge of the Hong Kong Seed Technology and Education Center
- Dr. HAU, Billy Chi Hang — Assistant Dean (Taught Postgraduate Programmes) and Principal Lecturer at the School of Biological Sciences of the Faculty of Science of The University of Hong Kong
- Mr. Raymond Mak — Co-founder & Chief Empowerment Officer of the Farmacy HK Ltd
The competition received 21 Space Seeds Nomination Reports and 46 Space Seeds Cultivation Experience Reports. After judging and discussion, twelve groups of students with the highest overall scores delivered on-site presentations, and Gold and Silver Awards were selected for the two competitions across primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary categories. Professor Hon-Ming Lam, speaking as the representative of the judging panel, encouraged students to maintain their curiosity and explore the unknown with innovation, while reminding them to think critically and discern carefully when using artificial intelligence in their projects.
The on-site exhibition area featured display boards from 10 schools, showcasing images and data from the cultivation process to guests, teachers, and students, embodying the students’ six months of diligent research and learning.
Enriching Extended Learning Experiences
In 2025, the HiESD signed a “Beijing-Hong Kong Youth Space Seeds Cooperation Agreement” with Shenzhou Lupeng Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., carrying out research and learning exchanges at the “Biodiversity Space Breeding Research and Learning Centre” in Beijing.
To further extend the learning experience of the “Biodiversity Space Exposed Seeds Nursery Project,” the HiESD will hold the “Dreams of Beijing ‧ Seeds of the Stars” Space Seeds and Biodiversity Research Trip from 18 to 23 December 2026. The exchange tour is funded by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau’s “Home and Youth Affairs Bureau Youth Mainland Exchange Funding Scheme,” giving Hong Kong secondary students the opportunity to travel to Beijing to conduct experiments, field visits, and learning at national level centres and labs.
At the event, the Bauhinia Culture Group also donated space seed paper and additional space seeds, encouraging schools to continue carrying out space seeds STEAM learning activities.
From Scientific Exploration to the Flower of Social Inclusion
This year, special schools actively participated in the project, including Lutheran School for the Deaf and Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School. The team from Lutheran School for the Deaf won the Gold Award for Evaluation and Growth in the Primary Category of the Space Seeds Cultivation Experience Competition and received the Report Contents Award in the Space Seeds Nomination Competition. The team from the Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School won the Gold Award for Overall Achievement in the Junior Secondary Category and the Silver Award for Scientific Research in the Space Seeds Cultivation Experience Competition, as well as the Gold Award for Overall Achievement and the Best Local Characteristics Award in the Space Seeds Nomination Competition. The participation of special schools well demonstrates the project’s commitment to diversity and inclusion for all students, enabling all interested students to explore the space seeds together and let the flower of science bloom.
Award Ceremony: A Moment of Celebrating Achievements
In the grand awards presentation session, in addition to presenting awards for the various categories of the Space Seeds Nomination Competition and the Space Seeds Cultivation Experience Competition, the organisers also presented Certificates of Appreciation to all participating schools, encouraging them to continue promoting biodiversity and space exposed seeds activities. The ceremony concluded successfully in an enthusiastic atmosphere of exchange and sharing.
The HiESD sincerely appreciate support from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Hong Kong Seed Technology and Education Center, the Hong Kong Space Museum, the UNESCO Hong Kong Association, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Education Alumni Association, The Education University of Hong Kong Alumni Association, and the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers for their continued support of the project. We also express our gratitude to the Sha Tin Methodist College, a UNESCO HKA Member School and Net Zero Demonstration, for their full support in arranging the venue for the award ceremony.
The HiESD will continue to organise sharing sessions, online expert talks, biodiversity research and learning activities, and other events for participating schools, and will commence a new chapter of the project in next April.
For details, please visit the project website: https://hiesd.org/wp/hk/spaceseeds2026/
For enquiries, please contact: +852 2312 7696 / esd@unescohk.org
Award List:
Space Seeds Nomination Competition — Overall Achievement Awards:
Gold Award (Primary): Ma On Shan Ling Liang Primary School — Ling Liang Farmers
Gold Award (Junior Secondary): Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School — Junior Secondary Gardening Team
Gold Award (Senior Secondary): HKSYC & IA Chan Nam Chong Memorial College — CNC 1
Silver Award (Primary): Ma On Shan Ling Liang Primary School — Ling Liang Set Sail
Silver Award (Junior Secondary): Caritas Fanling Chan Chun Ha Secondary School — Caritas Team 1
Silver Award (Senior Secondary): Yu Chun Keung Memorial College — YCKMC-S1
Space Seeds Nomination Competition — Other Special Awards:
Primary Category:
Best Scientific Research Award: Ma On Shan Ling Liang Primary School — Ling Liang Farmers
Best Local Characteristics Award: Ping Shek Catholic Primary School
Best Innovation and Creativity Award: Ma On Shan Ling Liang Primary School — Ling Liang Set Sail
Best Report Contents Award: Lutheran School for the Deaf — Team 1
Junior Secondary Category:
Best Scientific Research Award: Caritas Fanling Chan Chun Ha Secondary School — Caritas Team 1
Best Local Characteristics Award: Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School — Junior Secondary Gardening Team
Best Innovation and Creativity Award: Yu Chun Keung Memorial College — YCKMC-J2
Best Report Contents Award: YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College — YHKCC STEAM Team
Senior Secondary Category:
Best Scientific Research Award: Yu Chun Keung Memorial College — YCKMC-S1
Best Local Characteristics Award: HKSYC & IA Chan Nam Chong Memorial College — CNC 1
Best Innovation and Creativity Award: Yu Chun Keung Memorial College — YCKMC-S2
Best Report Contents Award: Hong Kong Teachers’ Association Lee Heng Kwei Secondary School — LHK2
Space Seeds Cultivation Experience Competition — Overall Achievement Awards:
Gold Award (Primary): Pui Ching Primary School — Pui Ching Eco Ambassadors Team A
Gold Award (Junior Secondary): Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School — Junior Secondary Gardening Team
Gold Award (Senior Secondary): ELCHK Lutheran Academy
Silver Award (Primary): Hong Kong Taoist Association Wun Tsuen School — Wun Tsuen Dream Planters
Silver Award (Junior Secondary): Hong Kong Management Association K S Lo College — Little Seeds That Changed
Silver Award (Senior Secondary): Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Kwok Yat Wai College — Team 2
Space Seeds Cultivation Experience Competition — Other Special Awards:
Gold Award (Primary):
Scientific Research: Hong Kong Taoist Association Wun Tsuen School — Wun Tsuen Dream Planters
Cultivation Practices: Baptist Hung Hin Shiu Rainbow Primary School
Report Contents: Bonham Road Government Primary School — Planting Star Dreamer
Evaluation and Growth: Lutheran School for the Deaf
Silver Award (Primary):
Scientific Research: The Mission Covenant Church Holm Glad Primary School
Cultivation Practices: Pui Ching Primary School — Pui Ching Eco Ambassadors Team A
Report Contents: Pui Ching Primary School — Pui Ching Eco Ambassadors Team B
Evaluation and Growth: Kowloon City Baptist Church Hay Nien Primary School — Team 2
Gold Award (Junior Secondary):
Scientific Research: Yu Chun Keung Memorial College — YCKMC-J1
Cultivation Practices: Hong Kong Management Association K S Lo College — Little Seeds That Changed
Report Contents: Yu Chun Keung Memorial College — YCKMC-J1
Evaluation and Growth: Hong Kong Management Association K S Lo College — Little Seeds Set Off Again
Silver Award (Junior Secondary):
Scientific Research: Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School
Cultivation Practices: Yu Chun Keung Memorial College — YCKMC-J2
Report Contents: Hong Kong Management Association David Li Kwok Po College — Team 1
Evaluation and Growth: YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College — YHKCC STEAM Team
Gold Award (Senior Secondary):
Scientific Research: ELCHK Lutheran Academy
Cultivation Practices: Society of Boys’ Centres – Shing Tak Centre & School — Team 1
Report Contents: Concordia Lutheran School – North Point
Evaluation and Growth: HKSYC & IA Chan Nam Chong Memorial College — CNC 1
Silver Award (Senior Secondary):
Scientific Research: Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Kwok Yat Wai College — Team 2
Cultivation Practices: Concordia Lutheran School – North Point
Report Contents: Society of Boys’ Centres – Shing Tak Centre & School— Team 1
Evaluation and Growth: Yu Chun Keung Memorial College — YCKMC-S1
Participating Schools: (In no particular order)
- Pun U Association Wah Yan Primary School
- Po Leung Kuk Mrs Chan Nam Chong Memorial Primary School
- Baptist Hung Hin Shiu Rainbow Primary School
- Bonham Road Government Primary School
- Pui Ching Primary School
- Hong Kong Taoist Association Wun Tsuen School
- The Mission Covenant Church Holm Glad Primary School
- Shau Kei Wan Government Primary School
- Sik Sik Yuen Ho Lap Primary School
- St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School
- Lutheran School for the Deaf
- Ping Shek Catholic Primary School
- Ma On Shan Ling Liang Primary School
- Kowloon City Baptist Church Hay Nien Primary School
- St Patrick’s School
- Hong Kong Management Association K S Lo College
- YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College
- Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School
- HK & KLN Kaifong Women’s Association Sun Fong Chung College
- Hong Kong Management Association David Li Kwok Po College
- Pui Tak Canossian College
- Yu Chun Keung Memorial College
- The Church of Christ in China Ming Kei College
- Caritas Fanling Chan Chun Ha Secondary School
- Chinese Foundation Secondary School
- Concordia Lutheran School – North Point
- Ko Lui Secondary School
- HKSYC & IA Chan Nam Chong Memorial College
- Society of Boys’ Centres – Shing Tak Centre & School
- ELCHK Lutheran Academy
- Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School
- St Paul’s Secondary School
- Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Kwok Yat Wai College
- Shun Tak Fraternal Association Cheng Yu Tung Secondary School
- Hong Kong Teachers’ Association Lee Heng Kwei Secondary School
- Kowloon True Light School