On 13th November, Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School (PKXYS) successfully held its second lecture of "Pui Kiu Xinyi Master Classes." The school was honoured to welcome SUN Hailu, Director of Science Education of BGI BIOVERSE, as the guest speaker. With his engaging sense of humour and dynamic presentation style, Director SUN delivered a fascinating science talk titled "From the Plateau to the Deep Sea: Unveiling the Secrets of Genetic Technology." The session not only deepened students' understanding of genetic technology, but also sparked their curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring the natural world.

At the event, Director SUN Hailu captivated the audience with a series of compelling true stories. Using vivid animated explanations, documentary photos, and videos, he took students on a journey into a world full of natural wonders. From the breathtaking views of Mount Everest, the "Roof of the World," to the thrilling descent of the Challenger submersible into the mysterious depths of the ocean, every scene left the audience in awe of nature's vast beauty and complexity.

During his talk, Director SUN demonstrated an impressive knowledge of various species, emphasising the immense potential of plant and animal resources in extreme environments. He explained how, through careful collection of biological samples and data analysis, scientists have discovered numerous new microorganisms and other species. These discoveries have led to the identification of highly effective bioengineering enzymes and bioactive substances with potential applications in medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, and beyond. Such advancements make significant contributions to technological progress and societal development. Using relatable examples from everyday life, Director SUN skilfully made complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging. His clear, entertaining explanations kept the students thoroughly absorbed and eager to learn. The session was filled with excitement, with waves of applause throughout.

Looking ahead, PKXYS will continue to organise a diverse range of master classes, centred around its educational philosophy of "Nurturing Brilliant Generations." These events will allow students to embrace the power of knowledge, explore the fascinating and dynamic world of various professions, and help them discover their own interests. Through this, they will be inspired to set and pursue their ideals, creating a brighter future for themselves and society.

Appendix: Brief Introduction to the Guest Speaker

Dr. SUN Hailu

Director of Science Education of BGI BIOVERSE

Academic Achievements:

Graduated from the Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Engaged in long-term research on plant and animal population genetics, systematics, and evolution.

Rich experience in the application of sequencing technologies in molecular breeding and species identification of plants and animals.Contributed to projects such as the Ministry of Science and Technology's rice breeding programme and the establishment of SNP marker standards for crop strains under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Scientific Research Publications:

Co-author of a recent study on primate genomes, published in the prestigious journal Science.

Participated in a large-scale avian study conducted by BGI in collaboration with multiple international organisations, with results published in a special issue of Science.

Patents and Standards Development:

Published and filed multiple patents during the course of scientific research, including those related to plant and animal identification.

Contributed to the development of international, national, and regional standards, such as those for the identification of animal-derived materials in fur garments, plant and animal origin identification in food, and forensic identification standards for plant and animal evidence.

Author: Communications Department and Moral and National Education Department (Sec)