On the final day of a visit to Shanghai, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin and a delegation consisting of members of the Legislative Council Panel on Education toured a university and an innovation hub, and exchanged views with Hong Kong youths in the city.

The education chief and the delegation this morning visited the Zhangjiang AI (Artificial Intelligence) Robot Valley to learn about the latest developments and achievements in Shanghai’s innovation and technology (I&T) industry.

Ms Choi said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to supporting universities in undertaking academic research in different areas, and provides assistance for them to do so through various subsidy schemes.

She added that in recent years universities have been advancing I&T research and nurturing talent in the sector, explaining that relevant programmes have been increased, activities such as study tours to scientific research institutions organised, and students encouraged to join start-ups.

Ms Choi also highlighted that the Education Bureau promotes science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education in primary and secondary school through various ongoing strategies. These include renewal of the school curriculum, strengthening teachers’ professional development, providing necessary resources and assistance to schools, and supporting students with STEAM potential.

Later, Ms Choi and the delegation visited Fudan University’s Institute of Science & Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence to learn about its work on AI education.

They also met the school’s leadership to discuss ways of boosting higher education co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong.

In addition, Ms Choi and the delegation met Hong Kong youngsters studying or working in Shanghai to learn about their studies and career development there, and spoke to them about the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The education chief concluded her visit and returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.