Brief Introduction
Registered Office:
19th Floor, Three Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong
I. Forward
Since the dawn of astronomy, humanity has relentlessly pursued the mystery of the universe and gradually discovered some of her secrets and acquired some fundamental understanding. However, there is still a long way to go to unveil the whole picture of the universe, exploit cosmic resources and trek among the stars. Therefore, exploration of astronomic science and aerospace technology, which allows us to transcend Earth and venture into space, remains a paramount and shared objective for humankind.
Space technology has emerged as a pivotal avenue of development for China and the rest of the world in the 21st century. Space technology is indeed the epitome of the zenith of innovation and technological advancement for only the best products may be used in space development. Therefore, supporting the development of astronomic science, space science education and space technologies through charity is crucial for fostering an advanced economy. As a cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong should diversify into the realm of charitable space technology and science education. By doing so, it can promote the development and commercialization of space technologies, and a new, space-oriented economy as a significant driver of economic growth. It is also an area where Hong Kong can serve as a bridge for exchange among civilian organizations from various countries and regions, thereby enhancing its status as a vibrant and dynamic international city.
II. Establishment of the Foundation
With this vision in mind, Hong Kong (International) Aerospace Charitable Foundation Limited (香港(國際)航天慈善基金會有限公司) was established as a company limited by guarantee and registered with the Companies Registry of Hong Kong on 12 October 2022. On 21 November 2023, it applied to the Inland Revenue Department under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance for tax exemption as a charitable organization and on 14 February 2023, in less than three months, it obtained from the Inland Revenue Department a tax exemption certificate under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance.
Officially registered with the Companies Registry of Hong Kong
Under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance
Granted in less than three months
III. Objects of the Foundation
With distinguished and reputable core members of the Foundation, esteemed for their status and credibility in Hong Kong, we will lead the younger generation towards steady development of our Foundation to progressively achieve the following objectives:
To raise money to support the development of space industry; to facilitate the training and subsidize the education of talents in space technology; and to promote research in relation to high-end, cutting-edge or fundamental space technologies by academics, science and technology and private sectors, including establishing scholarships at aerospace universities and donations of various teaching facilities for space technologies.
To establish various prizes, scholarships and honor to recognize and award scientists, astronauts and inventors and creators of relevant technologies recommended by the Foundation as having outstanding or significant contributions to the development of space technologies, as well as individuals who have made important or outstanding contribution to the development of space technologies.
By leveraging on Hong Kong's position as an international city, to motivate, connect and unite people from around the world and commercial institutions both domestically and internationally, along with all entities or individuals willing to contribute to the development of space technologies. This collective effort aims to jointly support and donate to the development of the aerospace industry.
In the long-term, to plan for the application to the Hong Kong Government for the allocation of land for the establishment of aerospace science primary and secondary schools, activity and exchange centers, and space technology courses or research institutes in Hong Kong. Through various activities, including visits, study, exchanges and discussions with aerospace or science entities in Mainland China and other parts of the world, to nurture young people in Hong Kong, to participate in the research and development of space technology projects in China and internationally.
To raise funds to promote and subsidise various research projects related to deep space exploration and other research and development activities in space technologies. Additionally, to support, subsidize and nurture young people of Hong Kong, to become national astronauts, payload specialists or space scientists.
To promote civilian exchange through space science education by initially sponsoring young people from countries in Southeast Asia to visit Hong Kong and Mainland China for learning and exchange in space technologies.
To promote, support and assist the Hong Kong Government in establishing a space technology museum or a permanent gallery to record and showcase the milestones of space technology development in China and other parts of the world. This initiative will also honor scientists, space technology personnel and astronauts who have made outstanding contributions to the development of space technologies and astronomy research.
To promote and assist the Hong Kong Government in studying, planning, and creating the NewSpace Economy. This includes designing and building a commercial space centre, establishing Hong Kong as an international commercial aerospace hub, especially in promoting investment, financing and providing various commercial aerospace financial services. This initiative aims to assist small, medium and micro enterprises in Mainland China, as well as commercial aerospace companies in other regions, in raising funds for development. It seeks to support and advance the development of a comprehensive commercial aerospace industry chain, particularly in areas such as space logistics, space passenger transportation, lunar mining and smelting, Earth-Moon communications, cis-lunar logistics, space tourism, commercial satellites design, research and development, manufacturing, commercial rocket design and research, and launching.
In general, by using space science education and space technology development as a means, to build a shared future for humanity in a harmonious, peaceful, rational and scientific way, and strive towards the peaceful development of outer space.
IV. Organization Structure of the Foundation
In order to achieve the above important purposes and objects, the Foundation aims to develop itself into a reputable and big charitable organization in Hong Kong and the world. Therefore, its organization structure and daily operations must adhere to the principles of fairness, openness, and transparency, aligning with the standards of good corporate governance in modern society. Moreover, its management team must be of good standing and conduct in order to gain the trust and credibility of all sectors within the community. The structure of the Foundation should also prevent excessive concentration of power in order to enhance credibility. To this end, two independent boards, each with distinct functions, have been set up as the core management structure of the Foundation:
whose members are known as Trustee Directors
The Board of Trustees shall exercise control over the Foundation's financial authority and will be responsible for overseeing its finances and assets. This includes the approval of funding for space education projects, space science research initiatives, space innovation and technology projects, award recipients, donation targets, donation projects, and daily expenditures as recommended by the Board of Executives. The Board of Trustees will also be responsible for the approval of the annual and quarterly budgets prepared by the Board of Executives and overseeing the utilization of the Foundation's cash reserves for prudent and sound investments to mitigate the risks of asset or cash depreciation.
whose members are known as Executive Directors
The Board of Executives holds authority over all matters of the Foundation that do not fall under the purview of the Board of Trustees. This includes the implementation of the Foundation's purposes and objectives, the day-to-day administration, the establishment of committees and sub-committees or project committees, and the appointment of their members. Additionally, the Board is responsible for the recruitment of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and staff at all levels, office leasing, external relations, fundraising activities, the establishment of awards and the recommendation of recipients, event project development, donation project creation, community promotion, member recruitment, and local and international publicity. To facilitate its operations, the Board of Executives may establish sub-committees or Special Task Forces as needed.
October 2024