The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, visited Wan Chai District today (May 27) to gain a deeper understanding of the implementation of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiatives at a secondary school and technology applications at an elderly home. He also met with District Council members.

The Chairman of the Wan Chai District Council (WCDC), Mr Stephen Ng, and the District Officer (Wan Chai), Mr Rick Chan, joined Mr Yang for the district visit. Mr Yang first went to SKH Tang Shiu Kin Secondary School to learn more about the school's work and achievements in promoting STEM education. He was also shown some of the students' creations, which they had made using their scientific knowledge and skills to create products. While chatting with students who had taken part in rocket car competitions, Mr Yang encouraged them to seize opportunities in STEM-related activities or competitions to gain more exposure and widen their horizons.

Mr Yang said that under the proposed IT Innovation Lab in Secondary Schools initiative, each publicly funded secondary school would be provided with a maximum funding of $1 million in the coming three school years for facility upgrades and organisation of more IT-related extra-curricular activities. The initiative aims to help students grasp the latest technologies and lay a solid foundation in digital technology in schools. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer will set up a one-stop support centre to provide professional support to the schools.

The visit was followed by a tour of the Buddhist Li Ka Shing Care and Attention Home for the Elderly. Mr Yang said that technology applications and innovation help enhance the quality of life of the elderly in both the community and institutional settings. He said he was pleased to note that the elderly home had made good use of the Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care for the wider adoption of innovative care solutions. Set up by the Government last year, the fund promotes the application of technology products and solutions to improve the quality of life of service users as well as reduce the burden and pressure on care staff and carers.

Before concluding the visit, Mr Yang held a tea gathering with members of the WCDC and exchanged views on innovation and technology issues of mutual concern.

-ENDS-