Meeting students who excel in maths and physics

Hong Kong's future development depends on our younger generations. The HKSAR Government therefore places great emphasis on youth development and endeavours to "let youth flourish" and "unleash Hong Kong's potential", as I stated in my Policy Address this year.

In recent months, I have had more chances to communicate with young people. For instance, I recently attended a youth employment forum cum launch ceremony of Mainland internship projects for local university students. I also exchanged views with students and young technology entrepreneurs at an IT Chat Room event, and talked with students at a debate competition co-organised by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the Y.Elites Association Limited. I also met with primary students who were awarded with "Star Bright" scholarships at Government House, and attended a ceremony to recognise the achievements of Hong Kong students in international competitions.

Today, I met with several students who excel in mathematics and physics, and who will go abroad in July to participate in two competitions, namely, the International Mathematical Olympiad and the International Physics Olympiad. I took the opportunity to encourage them to do their best and expressed my hope that they would take advantage of the competitions to broaden their horizons and enrich their experience.

These two international competitions aim to promote mathematics and physics education, strengthen connections and co-operation among mathematicians and physicists around the world, and nurture and motivate young people who are gifted in the two subjects. Hong Kong students have participated in these two competitions many times before with very good results.

The students I met today showed great interest in science and mathematics. Some of them told me that they wanted to pursue a career in related fields. I know that some of them have also done very well in other competitions. In addition to their own diligence, the care and support of their teachers and parents have also been instrumental in their successes.

My conversations with these students have reaffirmed my belief that Hong Kong has many talented people and is well equipped to develop innovation and technology industries. The underlying reasons behind my proposal for the establishment of an Innovation and Technology Bureau are that I want to see more effective and systematic co-ordination and implementation of policies on innovation and technology, and to provide a favourable environment for our young talent to build a successful career in innovation and technology.

June 16, 2014