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The InnoCarnival 2010 kicks off at the Hong Kong Science Park, Sha Tin today (November 6) with an aim to promote innovation and technology culture among the community.
Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), the InnoCarnival 2010 forms a highlight of the InnoTech Month 2010. The nine-day event will be held from November 6 to 14 with the themes centred around Intelligent Living, Green Technology and Innovative Robotics.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the InnoCarnival 2010, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau hoped the activities of this year's carnival, biggest ever held, could enable the public experience the achievement of innovation and technology in Hong Kong and arouse the interest of parents and youngsters.
She said, "The success of innovation and technology development depends on community recognition and support. I hope that the public can work together with the Government to promote innovation and technology and contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy in Hong Kong."
She noted that the SAR Government had been committed to promote innovation and technology development. At the beginning of this year, the Government has allocated $4.9 billion to develop Phase 3 of the Science Park. With the completion of the first buildings in 2013, 4,000 research and development (R&D) related jobs will be created. To encourage R&D investment, the Government has launched a Research and Development Cash Rebate Scheme with allocation of $200 million in April this year. The scheme also promotes closer co-operation between enterprises and local R&D institutes.
Mrs Lau noted that there were no lack of success stories in innovation and technology development in Hong Kong. Two Hong Kong enterprises, supported by ITC's Small Entrepreneur Research Assistance Programme and participants of Incubation Programme of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation were among the 12 finalists in the Asian Innovation Awards 2010 organised by the Wall Street Journal Asia and Credit Suisse AG last month. One of them, Intuitive Automata, won the "Credit Suisse Technopreneur of the Year Award" with a robotic weight-loss "coach" for its commercial potential. In addition, the many awards won by local students in technology competitions overseas and in the Mainland are ample proof of the boundless innovation of the youngsters.
With the main theme of "Transform Tomorrow Today", the activities of the carnival are targeted at the younger generation. In particular, many activities are tailored-made for the youngsters, including workshops, innotech competitions and exhibitions featuring entries of three main students science competitions.
More than 40 organisations, including universities, government departments, research institutes and youth groups will set up some 100 exhibition booths at the Science Park to show their latest research and development achievements. Moreover, Presidents of four universities and renowned scholars will host seminars to share their views on innovation technology with the participants.
Other highlights include Hong Kong Electrical Vehicle Parade - the largest scale of its kind in Hong Kong to date; robotic and science competitions; model and exhibits of Hong Kong Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai China; two-metre-high robotic models; newly launched "TechUniverse" interactive games at Science Park, as well as a number of guided tours.
The carnival also introduces for the first time elements for the elderly, displaying many items of innovative and technological inventions closely related to the living of the elderly so that they can better understand how technology can improve their quality of life.
Members of the public are welcome to take part in the activities, which are all free of charge. ITC will provide free shuttle bus services between the venue and Sha Tin Town Hall/the MTR University station during the carnival period, and shuttle bus services are available between Kowloon Tong and the venue on Saturdays and Sundays. More details can be obtained by visiting the website: ce.hkfyg.org.hk/itm/ .
Other guests attending the opening ceremony include Legislative Council member, Dr Samson Tam; Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Nicholas Brooke; Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr E Anthony Tan; Executive Director of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, Dr Rosanna Wong; Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Ms Christine Fang; Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Miss Elizabeth Tse; and Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Miss Janet Wong.
Ends/Saturday, November 6, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:01
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