Like Majumdar and Secretary Chu, Hockfield is a scientist-by-training and has a deep appreciation for the positive role government can play in fostering innovation.
They delivered brief speeches expressing their deep appreciation of the programme and suggesting that more such training workshops should be held in the area in future.
Think of it as an ongoing training rotation, and if it promotes more discussion, learning and appreciation among you and your partner(s), that is a very good thing.