Special Initiatives in Mathematics and Science Education
The promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Hong Kong aligns with the worldwide trend in education of equipping students with the capability to meet the changes and challenges of rapid economic, scientific, and technological developments in society and around the world.53 STEM education in Hong Kong is designed to promote interest in STEM and develop the capacity for innovation among students by enhancing their creativity and problem solving skills through challenging them to integrate and apply their knowledge and skills across disciplines in solving authentic problems and practicing good citizenship. STEM education also assists students with further studies, career planning, and the nurturing of diversified talents and capabilities in science and technology. The 2015 Policy Address states that the EDB will reform and enrich STEM curricula and learning activities and enhance teacher training to allow primary and secondary students to realize their potential fully.54 The CDC issued a document in 2015, Promotion of STEM Education—Unleashing Potential in Innovation, consolidating input from various stakeholders in education and other sectors of the community and providing recommendations and proposed strategies for the promotion of STEM education among schools in Hong Kong.55 The recommendations and strategies in this document will have direct bearing on school-based curriculum development over the next decade and the ongoing renewal of the school curriculum. Apart from renewing the relevant curricula and strengthening project learning, STEM will be promoted through enriching student learning activities, providing suitable learning and teaching resources, enhancing teacher professional development, partnering with key players in the community, and conducting reviews while disseminating good practice.56
The establishment of the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) by the government in 2000 aims to create a vibrant IT ecosystem with excellent software and hardware support for the collaboration of key players on research, development, and innovation activities. The ITC manages the Innovation and Technology Fund, the Applied Research Fund, and the Research and Development Cash Rebate Scheme for the development of innovative ideas and technology businesses.57 It also organizes awareness campaigns, promotional activities, conferences, talks, etc., to arouse the interest of the public in general, and supports innovation and technology-related competitions such as the Hong Kong Student Science Project Competition and the Joint School Science Exhibition. The Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Scheme provides recognition to outstanding science undergraduates in local universities and encourages them to pursue innovation and technology as a career.58