Chief Executive Carrie Lam today visited a Tsing Yi school to learn more about the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and listened to the students’ views and suggestions on the upcoming Policy Address.

At Po Leung Kuk Lo Kit Sing (1983) College, Mrs Lam received a briefing on the school’s experience in promoting STEM education, and viewed the students’ award-winning works in various competitions as well as a display of STEM teaching materials.

They included sumo robots, 3D printing technology, a hydroponics system and virtual reality devices.

Mrs Lam told the students she was pleased to see that they are devoted to STEM learning. She encouraged them to keep up their efforts and be brave in their endeavours to explore their interest and potential in STEM.

The Chief Executive pointed out that the current-term Government has devoted substantial resources to innovation and technology (I&T) development and attaches great importance to the promotion of STEM education in schools to stimulate students’ interest in I&T and innovative thinking as well as popularise science.

She said in the past few years, the Government has implemented various measures to support STEM education in schools, including updating the curriculum, strengthening training for teachers, providing financial and other support and organising large-scale learning activities.

The Government will continue to enhance the relevant measures to develop students’ interest in STEM from a young age and strengthen learning to ensure a steady supply of talent for Hong Kong’s I&T development, Mrs Lam added.

She then proceeded to the school hall to attend a session with students on the upcoming Policy Address. In addition to some 60 Secondary 5 and 6 students of the school, about 800 students from 16 other Po Leung Kuk schools joined the session through video conferencing.

During the hour-long session, about 20 students put forward their views covering youth development, education, I&T, healthcare and environmental protection. They also expressed views covering national security education and enhancing support for Hong Kong athletes.

Mrs Lam thanked the students for actively giving their views on the upcoming Policy Address.

She said Hong Kong enjoys the institutional strength of “one country, two systems” and a number of traditional advantages. She stressed that, together with the country’s strong support in the National 14th Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong’s development in a number of key areas, the future of Hong Kong is very promising.

She encouraged the students to fully equip themselves and be courageous to pursue their dreams and develop bright prospects for themselves.