The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) announced a collaborative framework agreement (CFA) to establish a strategic partnership. The partnership aims to promote TechEd, foster students’ interest in innovation and technology (I&T), provide them with the FutureSkills needed for the 21st century, and cultivate local talent in the field of I&T.
In support of Hong Kong’s aim to become an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub, the government has been actively promoting STEAM education in primary and secondary schools to enhance the city’s global competitiveness.
To further align with the government’s direction and policies, and provide high-quality extramural education services, including specific areas of TechEd, to gifted students and those with potential, HKPC and HKAGE have signed a collaborative framework agreement (CFA). Through this partnership, they will actively exchange, explore, and promote the all-around development of TechEd, offering more opportunities for students to enhance their TechEd knowledge, encouraging them to pursue careers in the I&T industry, and building a sustainable supply of I&T talent.
Leveraging HKAGE’s extensive educational experience in the local academic community and HKPC’s expertise in training and technological support, this collaboration aims to promote TechEd to over 8,000 primary and secondary school students of HKAGE, integrate TechEd into school curricula, and establish a comprehensive TechEd learning ecosystem.
HKPC and HKAGE have collaborated closely to promote TechEd and foster students’ interest in innovation and technology (I&T). Through joint efforts, they have organised events such as the “AR/VR Course (Level II): Creating Virtual • Hong Kong” and “TecHunt Game Day”, which allowed HKAGE students to learn about various emerging technologies including virtual technology, 5G, cyber security, AI, robotics, Industry 4.0, and Internet of Things, through interactive games, preparing them for the future of work in the digital era. HKPC has also invited HKAGE students to participate in the “Youth Aerospace TechEd Programme” to experience national space technology achievements.
Looking ahead, the two organisations will continue their collaboration to provide HKAGE students with diverse TechEd activities, such as local and overseas I&T competitions, I&T study tours to overseas and the Greater Bay Area, entrepreneurship workshop series, FinTech training programs, and more. These initiatives are aimed at meeting the evolving market demands and challenges, while nurturing students to become future leaders in the I&T industry.
The General Manager of InnoPrenuer and FutureSkills at HKPC expressed that the National 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub and nurturing local technology talent is crucial.
In 2022, HKPC conducted an ‘Online Survey – Nurturing Our Own Home-Grown STEM Talent 2022’ and found that nearly 90% of parents support exposing children to TechEd from an early age. Thus, HKPC is pleased to collaborate with HKAGE, leveraging HKPC’s experience and strengths in TechEd, along with HKAGE’s extensive academic network, to provide more opportunities for primary and secondary school students to learn TechEd.
Moving forward, the organisations will work closely together and actively engage with various sectors to build a comprehensive ecosystem for TechEd, cultivating future I&T talent and enhancing Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness.
The Executive Director of HKAGE expressed satisfaction in reaching the CFA with HKPC, a leader in the innovation and technology (I&T) and industrial fields. Through this collaboration, the Executive Director hopes to enhance the competency of gifted students in InnoTech and raise their awareness of the applicability of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) knowledge in solving everyday problems.
Additionally, the collaboration aims to provide gifted students with exposure to cutting-edge technologies and facilities that may not be available in schools. The Executive Director further hopes that this experience will inspire gifted students to design and invent innovative products for the benefit of society.
