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Over 300 students attended the launch ceremony for the Enriched IT Programme in Secondary Schools today (November 7). They pledged their full commitment to enhance their knowledge and skills in information technology (IT) through active participation in the Enriched IT Class and related activities.
The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, together with members of the Steering Committee from the information and communications technology industry and academia, as well as principals of partner schools, witnessed IT Class students swearing in.
Mr Tsang said, "Technology is the major driver of global economic developments. To sustain Hong Kong's competitiveness, we must promote innovation and technology to build a knowledge-based economy with diversified industries.
"The IT industry has been one of the fastest growing sectors in Hong Kong. It has also been one of the three sectors with the most severe manpower shortage in Hong Kong for two consecutive years. The Enriched IT Programme is launched at the right time to help develop a strong and agile young generation for the technological development of Hong Kong."
Mr Tsang encouraged IT Class students to make full use of the learning opportunities to develop in IT. He hoped that the Enriched IT Programme could help them carve a successful career in IT to contribute to the advancement of the community.
The Enriched IT Programme in Secondary Schools was launched in the 2015/16 school year. Eight secondary schools have been selected to provide intensive IT coaching to students (from secondary two to secondary six) who are interested and talented in IT. The eight partner schools will run four cohorts of Enriched IT Class from the 2015/16 school year to the 2022/23 school year.
To foster a pro-IT atmosphere and stimulate students' interest in IT in the school community, the partner schools will each organise three IT activities every school year. In addition, other secondary schools will be invited to organise some 30 IT activities each school year, which would allow students from other schools to join.
For details about the Enriched IT Programme in Secondary Schools, please visit the programme website at www.eitp.gov.hk .
Ends/Saturday, November 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:17
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