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The Government will continue to promote the development of innovation, technology and creative industries by providing infrastructural resources, manpower training and sponsorship programmes in order to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness as a knowledge-based economy, said the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So.
Mr So visited Po Leung Kuk Yao Ling Sun College in Tsuen Wan District today (June 8) and shared with students the Government's vision and policy objectives in promoting technological development. He said he was glad to learn that the school had successfully fostered an atmosphere of scientific research by adopting a "science in education" teaching approach. He said this had encouraged the students to actively take part in research and development (R&D) activities and helped the school win awards in various open competitions.
Mr So said he was impressed to see the school launching various energy saving measures to educate the students through practical examples of how natural resources could be better used, including the installation of solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines to transform solar and wind energy into other forms of energy; and the invention of a mobile system to control the electricity supply for air-conditioning.
Some students briefed Mr So on their winning inventions and research projects, which included a multi-purpose solvent made of fruit skin that could dissolve polystyrene foam; a suspension bridge made of simple materials such as balsa wood and wires that could support a weight of 10.5kg; a "bloom-able" lampshade made of waste materials such as plastic bottles and plastic pieces; and a thematic report on the sustainable development of Nam Sang Wai.
Mr So praised the students for using their creativity and scientific minds to come up with designs that had even won recognition in the commercial market, saying that it was exactly the Government's objective to encourage commercialisation of innovative ideas from R&D institutes. He added that the Government was dedicated to providing an environment that is conducive to the cultivation of students' interest in science. He encouraged the students to keep up their hard work and join the R&D profession in the future.
Mr So invited the students to attend "TechnoFrontier" science lectures organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), saying that students could exchange views with experts from various scientific fields and enhance their science knowledge. The lectures will cover the latest information on innovation and technology, including nanotechnology, sports and science, R&D and design, and architecture in the future.
Meanwhile, the ITC and the Chinese University of Hong Kong have jointly set up the "Innovation and Technology Student Association". The association organises such activities as seminars on future science and technology, internship in research programmes, IT reporters, summer camps and an innovation and technology ambassador scheme to stimulate young people's interest in science, engineering and technology.
Mr So also recommended those who are interested in digital animation to join the "Hong Kong Youth 3D Animation Competition 2009" organised by the ITC, Hong Kong Cyberport and Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association Science Innovation Centre. The competition will provide software and free training courses on animation production for the participants.
Concluding his visit, Mr So encouraged the students to work hard and make the best use their spare time to further develop their potential in creativity and innovation.
Ends/Monday, June 8, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:43
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