Wu Bo, a professor in Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, said he hoped that the good prospects will boost the confidence of Hong Kong's young people in pursuing scientific careers. Wu, leading a team of young scientists, had joined the nation's deep-space exploration efforts, including participation in the Tianwen 1 spacecraft mission that successfully landed a rover on Mars in May.

Wu, a veteran contributor to national space missions, said he has met many aspiring undergraduates who were drawn by his experience with space missions and sought his help with their graduation projects in related field.

He said he hoped that cross-border scientific collaboration and new links to national projects could open up more career options for the city's young people. He said that so far, few have stayed on this track due to intense competition for positions with local research institutions.

Wu also said he hoped that future students interested in science eventually will have more development directions, such as continuing their scientific research, starting a business or participating in major national or international projects.