We extend our warmest congratulations to CH CHONG of 4Y for his stellar achievements in first nailing the Gold Award at the Hong Kong Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (HKOAA) – and subsequently represented HK and brought home an Honourable Mention from the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA)!

Meaning so much more than stargazing, the IOAA and HKOAA trainings and competitions on both local and international levels required a masterful grasp of theoretical knowledge including celestial mechanics, quantum physics, cosmology – not to mention analytical acumen to parse complex astronomical data. Kudos to CHONG’s intellectual curiosity and endurance in exploring how the cosmos began, evolved and operates.

The IOAA 2026 brought together over 300 contestants from more than 60 countries and territories, making it the largest IOAA event since 2006. The IOAA aims at inspiring the next generation of astronomers, astrophysicists, and space enthusiasts, while fostering international friendship through scientific collaboration.