Astronaut boosts space education interest

Lai Ka-ying’s historic space mission on the Shenzhou-23 mission has triggered a sharp rise in interest in aerospace education across Hong Kong.

A learning centre reported inquiries for courses in satellite design and space science have more than tripled, especially among students aged three to 17. Fees range from about HK300toHK650 per hour.

Education providers and industry leaders are now pushing for dedicated aerospace learning hubs, suggesting schools, cruise terminals and unused facilities could be turned into immersive space education centres. The goal is to build long-term programmes that include satellite systems, rockets and hands-on STEM training.

Officials and educators also say Hong Kong should align its development with China’s wider aerospace strategy, expand STEM curriculum links and create stronger pathways into research and industry opportunities.

Harry Styles voices support for Palestinians

Harry Styles signalled his support for the Palestinian people during the kick-off weekend of his Together, Together tour in Amsterdam.

In a video posted online, the same day the pop star played the second of 10 total shows at Johan Cruyff Arena, a fan in the crowd yells, “Viva Palestina!” The shouting fan visibly draws Styles’ attention. In response, he says decisively, “Correct.” With just one word, the singer has made it clear how he feels about the conflict in the Middle East, which reached a boiling point in 2023.

Aqua breaks up after 30 years

Aqua has announced they are splitting up, saying it feels like “the right moment to say goodbye.”

The group became globally famous with the 1997 hit “Barbie Girl,” one of the UK’s best-selling singles ever, along with chart-toppers “Doctor Jones” and “Turn Back Time.”

In a statement, the band thanked fans for supporting them over the past three decades, saying they wanted to end things while “the love for the music” remained strong. Aqua sold around 33 million records and became one of the most successful bands of its time.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 13th, 2026