We hold the inauguration ceremony in June 2019 at The Mills to mark the official launch of our organization and announce our strategic plan and activities, including the flagship Summer Internship Program, for building a dynamic life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong. Designed to provide local university students with eye-opening workplace learning and networking opportunities, the Program is being held in Shanghai this year, offering 30 participants first-hand experiences in mainland China’s thriving life sciences sector. 

Our first Mentorship Scheme commences, enabling mentees to engage in direct dialogue with seasoned experts (i.e., Mr Antony Leung, Prof Yuen Kwok-yung and Prof Tom Cheung) and enlightening them about their future direction. As COVID-19 hits the world, we organize another knowledge exchange platform, Coronavirus Talk Series, bringing together world-renowned practitioners to share insights with our members and the general public, as well as highlighting the significance of life sciences as the answer to the unprecedented challenge of our time.

Recognizing communication as key to popularizing life sciences, we not only co-develop Hong Kong’s first science communication course with HKU SPACE, but also emphasize its importance in our Summer Internship Program. By supporting interns in designing their first public engagement project, The Scientist’s Brew, we groom them to become skilled science communicators. As part of our ongoing mass communication efforts, we regularly share industry updates with the public, including the findings of our longitudinal Talent Survey that began in 2019.

We establish HK$1m Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards to encourage undergraduate students to pursue life sciences related programs in UGC-funded institutions, benefiting 13 young talents this year. Beyond the classroom, immense enthusiasm for the discipline is also evident as our interns take great pleasure in co-hosting public events with external parties, where they share with visitors the scientific secrets behind their hand-crafted brews. And, we are glad to enjoy the fruits of our all-out efforts, as our membership exceeds 1,000!

Our 5th anniversary is a year of consolidation. We extend the scope of our Summer Internship Program to offer placement opportunities in both Shanghai and Hong Kong, giving interns unparalleled exposure in two cities. Our Mentorship Scheme is expanded, with Scheme alumni now acting as young mentors for new mentees. As our interns unveil their second public project, The Scientist’s Kitchen, we are thrilled to welcome our 2,000^th member, representing a remarkable increase of 1,000 members in just one year!