SCED visits Yuen Long District (with photos)

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, visited a secondary school in Yuen Long District today (May 30) to learn more about its experience in technology and creative education. He also called on a social enterprise café and met with the representatives of industrial and commercial organisations in the district.

Mr So first dropped by the Shun Tak Fraternal Association Yung Yau College, which has seen its students win numerous awards in local and international technology and animation contests. Their Portable Air-quality and Weather Measuring System was selected from more than 700 entries to scoop the Best Student Invention Grand Award at the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2014. With the sponsorship of Create Hong Kong, students from the school took part in the International Children and Youth Animation Film Festival (VAFI) held in Croatia earlier this year. Among more than 110 entries from 32 countries and regions, the animation "BIAS" made by the students was awarded the Blue VAFI first prize.

Mr So met with teaching staff and students to learn more about the winning projects and the participants' creative experience. He said he was glad that the students had shown great interest in innovation and technology and creative arts, and expressed the hope that they could continue their pursuits in the relevant fields and contribute to Hong Kong's development.

"The school has set a good example in promoting innovation and technology as well as creative education. The creative atmosphere inside the campus, together with the advanced teaching facilities, encourages students to unleash their creativity and has resulted in remarkable achievements in different competitions," he said.

Mr So then proceeded to POH Wai Yin Association Teen Club and visited the facilities of this youth centre. He held a meeting with representatives of the industrial and commercial organisations of Yuen Long District at Pok Oi Café, a social enterprise, to exchange views on the local business environment.

Run by Pok Oi Hospital, Pok Oi Café aims to provide job training and counselling for youths in the community, enhancing their capability and opportunities to get employed.

Before concluding his visit, Mr So met with the Vice Chairman of the Yuen Long District Council, Mr Wong Wai-shun, and District Councillors to exchange views on district matters.

Friday, May 30, 2014