Yang Liwei in Macao
By Carol Wong

China's first astronaut Yang Liwei and the manned space mission delegation had a spectacular reception when they arrived in Macao SAR on November 5.

It was Yang's first visit to Macao. Although it lasted for only two days, he participated in many social activities and was overwhelmed with cheers and admiration. The name of "Yang Leiwei" was mentioned everywhere from TV, newspapers, to buses, schools and working places.

Yang has brought Macao people into the "space era" and introduced space science and technology to the younger generation. Chief Executive Edmund Ho said that the success of the first manned space mission has promoted China's international status and residents of Macao are proud of this success.

As the first astronaut from China, Yang has immediately become the Hero for all the Chinese people. Many children are looking at Yang as their idol. A Primary 2 boy said, "Uncle Yang is brave and I want to become a spaceman in the future like him."

On November 6, Yang had a gathering with over 1,000 students and teachers. "Opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared," Yang said. He emphasized that people must have faith in themselves in order to accomplish tasks regardless of their future profession.

As a university student and a fan of Yang, I had an unforgettable experience on November 5 as I took pictures with him. It was in the welcoming banquet hosted by the SAR Government for the space delegation. The company I worked for was responsible for organizing that banquet. Yang is a superman in my heart.

China's space programme came a long way. It was initially proposed in 1958 and developed into a concrete programme in 1965, leading to the launch of its first satellite on April 24, 1970. However, it was not until October 16, 2003 that the country finally accomplished the spectacular mission of sending a man into outer space. Colonel Yang Liwei, an ex-fighter pilot, made this 45-year-old national
dream a reality. The picture of him waving the Chinese flag in space has become a historical moment and remains cherished forever in my memory.