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The Education Bureau (EDB) is sparing no efforts to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in order to foster students' innovative thinking, the Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, said at the opening ceremony of the Student Education Fair on Science, Technology and Mathematics 2016 today (January 22).
Mr Ng said, "Our country's economic development during recent years has created huge demand for professional talents in science and technology. If Hong Kong can make use of its advantages to capitalise on this opportunity and actively cultivate innovative thinking in young talents, it will bring many opportunities for the young people to unleash their potential."
He added, "We hope that through the promotion of STEM education at schools, more learning activities will be provided for students to effectively integrate their knowledge in science, technology and mathematics, thus allowing them to make use of their inquiring ability, as well as collaboration and problem-solving skills. It is also hoped that students can cultivate positive values and attitudes, and develop creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship."
Mr Ng said that the EDB would enhance co-operation among teachers and provide more teaching examples for their reference. The EDB would also co-operate with professional bodies and organise more STEM activities for students, so as to create a good learning atmosphere for the promotion of STEM education.
At today's opening ceremony, the President of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong, Professor Tsui Lap-chee, delivered a keynote speech on the significance of promoting students' interest and innovation in STEM-related areas. Also officiating at the ceremony was the Director of the Management Division for Schools Run by Non-governmental Sectors (Division of Foreign Exchange & Cooperation) of the Shenzhen Municipal Education Bureau, Ms Peng Yao.
The two-day Student Education Fair on Science, Technology and Mathematics 2016 is jointly organised by the EDB and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP). It is one of the activities of the "Appreciate Hong Kong" Campaign.
Themed "Promotion of STEM Education - Unleashing Potential in Innovation", the event aims to showcase students' achievements in STEM-related areas.
A total of 80 local primary and secondary schools as well as more than 10 tertiary institutions and professional bodies have set up exhibition booths on various STEM-related themes at the fair. The fair also features biotechnology workshops, astronomy programmes, talks and sharing sessions. Participants can also take part in STEM activities such as making robots and experiments in bacterial DNA extraction. There is also information on further studies and career opportunities in STEM-related fields. In addition, the HKSTP has organised guided tours for participants to explore the exhibits of Hong Kong Science Park. Participants are also welcome to visit Smart Living@Science Park to see 40 local inventions that apply STEM-related knowledge.
The fair is being held from 10am to 5pm at the Grand Hall, Convention Centre 3, Hong Kong Science Park, Sha Tin. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Programme details are available at the website (www.educationfair.hk).
Ends/Friday, January 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 12:58
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