Inspiring young people to unlock creativity and supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international technology hub

Hong Kong, June 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Innovation Foundation (‘HKIF’) encourages the younger generation to cultivate an innovative mindset.  It presented the inaugural Hong Kong Science Fair on 25-26 June 2022, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where young innovators from 120 shortlisted teams showcased their creative ideas and innovations. At the award presentation ceremony, the works of 10 award-winning teams were announced as Mrs Carrie Lam, GBM, GBS, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr Alfred Sit, JP, Secretary for Innovation and Technology; members of the Hong Kong Science Fair judging panel Dr George Lam, BBS, Former Chairman of Hong Kong Cyberport, and Professor Wei Shyy, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Dr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of the HKIF; and Ms Nikki Ng, Deputy Chairman of HKIF, along with other guests, celebrated the creativity and industrious research of the youths and their achievements.

Innovation and technology (I&T) are key to the future. The Hong Kong Government is committed to promoting I&T development as Hong Kong grows into an international technology research and development centre. Themed ‘Think Big Be Innovative’, the inaugural Hong Kong Science Fair encourages the youth to unleash their creativity and helps to nurture I&T talents from a young age. The Science Fair enjoys strong support from Hong Kong Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Hong Kong, MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node, and over 40 partners from various sectors.

Mrs Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Haong Kong Special Administrative Region, GBM, GBS, said, ‘The Government has been actively promoting the development of innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong, and the I&T ecosystem is becoming more vibrant as a result. I would like to extend my thanks to the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation for their zeal in offering opportunities for the younger generation to nurture a love for science and technology and hone their innovative thinking skills. The inaugural Hong Kong Science Fair has been a most valuable experience for students. It is inspiring to see how they have been able to tap their creative spark and apply the knowledge and passion they have for science and technology to their innovative projects, with the opportunity to exchange ideas and gain insights from scientists and experts in the field of I&T. I hope that industry players, school principals, and teachers, will continue to work hand-in-hand with the Government to cultivate the minds of our young people and equip today’s young inventors with the skills to fulfil their potential in I&T and scientific research, for the betterment of society and the development of Hong Kong as an international I&T hub.’ 

Mr Alfred Sit, JP, the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, said, ‘As the COVID-19 epidemic has accelerated the pace of digital transformation around the world, there has been keen demand for I&T talent in various sectors. To ride on the wave of digital transformation and seize the opportunities, we must nurture I&T talent in their early years. The current-term Government has implemented a series of measures in the past five years to nurture I&T talent and provide students with more opportunities in learning and practicing I&T at different stages. With such opportunities, they can accumulate experience and lay a solid foundation to shine in the I&T sector. With staunch support from our country, vigorous promotion by the HKSAR Government, participation by the sector, public trust and youth’s passion, I am sure that Hong Kong’s I&T development can reach even greater heights.’

Dr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, said, ‘We are honoured to have the opportunity to present the inaugural Hong Kong Science Fair. This holds special meaning to us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region this year. Nurturing innovation and technology talents from a young age is vital to the personal and professional growth of our young generations, to help them prepare for the future.  This is crucial to Hong Kong’s growth as an international I&T hub.  Students have come together thanks to their love of science and technology, and the passion and dedication they have demonstrated over the past few months, amid the pandemic, is truly inspiring. I would like to sincerely thank the students for participating, to the parents, teachers, and headmasters for supporting our young innovators, and encouraging them to pursue their dream, empowering them to present their creative ideas and inventions today.’

The inaugural Hong Kong Science Fair has received more than 400 project submissions from over 1,200 Primary 4 to Secondary 6 students and teachers-in-charge across 140 local schools. Participating teams have devised innovations on an array of thematic topics, from ‘Smart City & Smart Home’ and ‘Medical & Healthcare’ to ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Life Full of Surprise’. Parents visited the Science Fair together with their children, while the 120 shortlisted teams shared their creative ideas and research processes with visitors in an exchange of I&T experiences. The teams also actively enlisted the support of visitors for the ‘Most Popular Award’ as they drew them in to the world of creative I&T.  The winners of the ‘Primary’, ‘Junior Secondary’ and ‘Senior Secondary’ divisions selected by the professional judging panel were revealed and PLK Fung Ching Memorial Primary School (Team 54), Po Leung Kuk Lee Shing Pik College (Team 103) and Heung To Middle School (Team 404) clinched the Gold Awards. Ying Wa Primary School (Team 545) also garnered the ‘Most Popular Award’ through on-site voting by the participants. Details of the winning projects can be found at the enclosed Appendix.

The Science Fair features three specially curated thematic interactive zones to encourage the younger generation to explore the beauty of science and foster an innovative mindset.  The three interactive zones are: the Sticky Elf Workshop, a Flight Simulation Experience by aviation tech company Aerosim, and an AR Drawing installation themed ‘Space Odyssey’, which have attracted lots of young innovators who have a strong interest in innovation and technology to immerse in a variety of fun-filled AR and VR interactive games and experiential activities.