Young people talented in innovation and technology continue to emerge in Hong Kong

Today, I attended a ceremony to recognise the achievements of Hong Kong students in international competitions.

With their outstanding scientific research projects, three secondary students from Hong Kong have achieved the best results ever at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), which is the world's largest science competition for high school students. So, in addition to the six former Hong Kong winners we now have three more local students who will have asteroids named after them for winning the competition.

Hong Kong students also won one silver, one bronze and two honourable mention awards at the International Sustainable World (Energy, Engineering & Environment) Project Olympiad (I-SWEEEP), and first prize at the International Children and Youth Animation Film Festival (VAFI).

These remarkable competition results speak volumes about local students' talent for science, technology and creativity. They also show that Hong Kong, with a wide pool of talent, is well equipped to develop innovation and technology industries.

In the past, the Chief Executive seldom officiated at this kind of event. However, I especially attended today's ceremony not only to cheer on our award-winning students, but also to make it clear to our students and the whole community that I support and attach great importance to innovation and technology. I hope that the community will pay more attention to Hong Kong people's achievements in innovation and technology, appreciate the efforts of our engineers, scientists and scientific researchers, and thank them for their contributions to society.

At the ceremony, I presented awards to the winners and chatted with them. Despite difficulties and setbacks, which are common in research, these students persevered and finally completed their projects with flying colours. I am deeply impressed by their enthusiasm for science and technology.

The current-term Government will endeavour to promote the development of innovation and technology so that young people interested in these areas can unleash their potential and enjoy wider and better career pathways.

May 21, 2014