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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Co-op@CUHK programme hosted a field trip to Hainan from 19 to 22 May for sixty-three first-year undergraduate students from the Interdisciplinary Data Analytics and X Double Major Programme (IDADM). Following the recent milestone space journey of Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Dr Lai Ka-ying, the expedition offered students first-hand insights into the development of aerospace technology and other key national industries in the region. Through various study visits and exchanges, students also explored how Hainan leverages its unique advantages and strategic roles to develop emerging fields, such as deep-sea technology and biotechnology. 

Hainan officially became a Free Trade Port (FTP) close to the end of 2025. Historically a vital node on the Maritime Silk Road, Hainan is endowed with abundant natural resources and a geographically advantageous port. With the implementation of more flexible trade policies, the province has evolved into an international tourism hotspot and a premier gateway to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. To seize the emerging opportunities of the Hainan market, Co-op@CUHK organised a four-day “From Space to Sea” field trip, during which students visited key scientific landmarks, including the Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Site, the Wenchang Spaceflight Supercomputing Center, the National Nanfan Research Institute of CAAS and the Nanhai Institute of Harbin Engineering University.

Professor Irwin King Kuo-chin, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), who led the delegation, remarked: “We are delighted to have led 63 of our first-year undergraduate students on this expedition, which was profoundly inspiring for them. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the Hainan government and local corporations to cultivate the next generation of global leaders.”

Ms Crystal Ho, Director, Guangzhou, for the HKTDC, emphasised the Council’s role as a bridge connecting Hong Kong universities with Hainan’s cutting-edge innovation hub to support youth entrepreneurship and high-level regional cooperation.

Witnessing aerospace excellence

At Sanya Yazhou Bay, students explored the frontiers of deep-sea technology and Nanfan seed breeding (using Hainan’s warm winters to accelerate crop breeding cycles). The journey continued to the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Site, where students gained rare access to launch pads and operational facilities.

Katie Chen Rouyu, an Interdisciplinary Data Analytics and Computer Science and Engineering student, noted: “I previously saw Hainan only as a tourist destination. This trip has revealed a thriving ecosystem of finance, technology and trade. I am now seriously considering future placements here.”

Another undergraduate, Kyle Chan Ho-him who studies Interdisciplinary Data Analytics and Integrated BBA, was impressed by the integration of big data in aerospace. He said: “I hope to return to Hainan for an internship in the future, researching satellite data and cross-border data flows, and contributing my interdisciplinary skills to the national space industry.”

The delegation also visited the Cloudscape Library in Haikou and participated in the forum “When Youth Meets FTP”, organised by the Office of the Free Trade Port Working Committee of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, with support from the Publicity Department of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee and Hainan University. CUHK students and representatives from Hainan University discussed the achievements of the Hainan FTP and synergies between the two regions. Kevin Huang Siyuan, a CUHK student of Interdisciplinary Data Analytics and Electrical and Computer Engineering, commented: “I have been deeply impressed by the vitality of Hainan after the implementation of independent customs operations for the FTP. I see tremendous value in interdisciplinary integration in its development. Hainan focuses on cutting-edge fields such as the digital economy and AI, and promotes industrial upgrading through smart regulation and big data governance. This aligns perfectly with my studies. I also experienced the high-level development of the Hainan FTP on this visit.”

The expedition drew to a close at Hainan Huayan Collagen Technology Co., Ltd., where students gained insights into its R&D in fish collagen peptides and witnessed the entire manufacturing process in a transparent factory. They deepened their understanding of the biotechnology industry’s development and market prospects, helping them prepare for their future careers.

The expedition successfully concluded with the staunch support and detailed coordination of HKTDC and the Hainan authorities. Co-op@CUHK will continuously facilitate the connection of corporate partners in various industries and enhance collaboration with the Chinese Mainland to provide CUHK students with diverse placement opportunities, and nurture a new generation of young talents equipped with global perspectives for our country.

About Co-op@CUHK

Launched in 2021, Co-op@CUHK is Hong Kong’s first university-industry co-operative education programme. It equips students with career readiness while offering corporations a channel to recruit promising talent. For industry partners interested in further collaboration or student recruitment opportunities, please contact Co-op@CUHK at coop-recruit@cuhk.edu.hk.