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An opening ceremony for the integrated science programme HK SciFest 2016 was held today (March 5). Organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum and held in collaboration with 40 partners, the festival offers over 120 science exploration activities to encourage public interest in science and technology.
Speaking at today's opening ceremony at the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li, said the department has organised HK SciFest annually since 2014. The past two festivals were well received by the public, with attendances of over 200 000 and 300 000 in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Ms Li noted that the HK SciFest this year has been organised with a theme for the first time. The unique geographical environment of Hong Kong has created an ideal habitat for human and also many species, she said. In this context, "Biodiversity and Conservation" was chosen as the theme this year to show the biodiversity of Hong Kong, allowing for participants to experience the beauty of nature as well as complementing the opening of the Biodiversity Gallery of the Science Museum in the middle of this year.
Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the President of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong, Professor Tsui Lap-chee, the Museum Director of the Hong Kong Science Museum, Ms Karen Sit, and representatives of the programme partners.
HK SciFest 2016 runs from February 27 to April 26. Wide-ranging in content, the festival offers activities including field visits, science competitions, family days, science drama shows, fun experiment classes, science game booths, science workshops, exhibitions, guided tours and lectures, and covers popular topics including life science, chemistry, physics, engineering, astronomy and environmental conservation. The event aims to encourage everyone to explore and have fun in science.
"Biodiversity and Conservation" themed programmes include field visits to see the beautiful coral community of Hoi Ha Wan in Sai Kung or the colourful butterflies at Fung Yuen in Tai Po, carrying out an ecological survey at Chi Ma Wan peninsula, Lantau Island, or following researchers to observe the Chinese white dolphins in the waters off Lantau.
For details and the application methods for activities of HK SciFest 2016, please visit the website hk.science.museum/ms/scifest2016.
Ends/Saturday, March 5, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:06
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