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China’s inaugural domestically built Antarctic Research Icebreaker, "Xuelong 2", has successfully completed its 40th Antarctic scientific expedition, and made a historic five-day visit to Hong Kong from April 8 to 12. This visit marked the ship’s first port of call upon its return, and it was supported by the Foundation to enhance local youth’s understanding of the country’s technological development. Co-hosted by the Green Future Foundation Association and the Polar Research Institute of Hong Kong, in collaboration with the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals as one of the activities, the "Gaia Dialogue: Xuelong 2 Scientists Meet Hong Kong Students", was held at the Hong Kong Science Museum on April 10.

The dialogue session took place both online and offline, and attracted the participation of over 500 students from more than 20 secondary schools and tertiary institutions. The event was officiated by Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, the Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Despite thousands of miles away, the Session connected the students with the scientists at the Zhongshan Station in Antarctica. Mr HU Zejun, the Station Leader of Zongshan Station and a Professor of Space Physics from Polar Research Institute of China, Mr JI Tuo, the Associate Professor of Astronomy from Polar Research Institute of China who is responsible for astronomical observations, and Mr WANG Anliang, the Senior Engineer responsible for Sea Ice Mechanics and Dynamics, shared their remarkable experiences. Their stories of perseverance and dedication left an indelible impression on the students.

Moreover, the Dialogue featured two distinguished speakers: Dr YANG Huigen, a renowned aurora expert from the Chinese Polar Research Institute of China (Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration), and Professor LI Zhengyang, an expert in astronomical optics and Deputy Director of the New Telescope Technology Laboratory at the Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. They explained the process of polar scientific research and the interconnection between the polar regions and the Earth. The event also included two guest moderators: Dr Rebecca LEE, the world's first woman to have set foot on the North Pole, South Pole, and Mount Everest, as well as Mr LAM Chiu-ying, former Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, who had visited the Zhongshan Station in Antarctica. During the event, students actively posed questions, and in the closing remarks, the scientists encouraged the students to engage in polar exploration and contribute to the field of scientific research.

In addition to the dialogue session, there was a vessel tour, a Cultural Gala and an academic symposium. The Foundation’s support for the “Xuelong 2” visitation activities aims to foster a profound appreciation of the nation's scientific research accomplishments among the youth in Hong Kong, and to cultivate a deeper understanding and heightened awareness of environmental conservation and scientific endeavours.