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Following is a speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Frederick Ma, at the Opening Ceremony of Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Jockey Club Learning through Engineering, Art and Design (LEAD) Centre today (October 6):
Dr (Rosanna) Wong, Mr (Michael) Lee, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to join you all this morning at the Opening Ceremony of the LEAD Centre. Having watched the LEAD video just now, I must say I am deeply impressed by the creativity of our younger generation.
In the knowledge-based economy of the 21st Century, innovation and technology are the key drivers for sustainable economic growth. The HKSAR Government is committed to creating an environment conducive to the development of innovation and technology, mainly through providing funding support for R&D and design, promoting technology entrepreneurship, and strengthening our technological infrastructure. At the same time, we also actively promote an innovation and technology culture in the community especially among our younger generation and provide a nourishing ground for our talent.
Since 2005, we have been organising an annual Innovation Festival to promote innovation, technology and design to the general public, particularly the younger generation. This year's festival began in August and we are pleased that the various festival activities, including the Innovation Expo, workshops and competitions, were well received by schools and students. Two more roadshows and a design exhibition will be held in Taikoo Shing, Tuen Mun Plaza and InnoCentre respectively before the festival concludes on November 7. I encourage you all to visit the roadshows and the exhibition to see the innovative work of our researchers and designers.
Promoting an innovation and technology culture is a long-term initiative that requires the support of different sectors of the community. The LEAD Project, with the mission to nurture and sustain innovation and creativity in young people, and with the strong commitment from local and overseas universities, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, schools, youth centres, teachers and students, is a perfect example of community partnership in promoting innovation and technology.
I am delighted to learn that the LEAD Project has made significant progress since its launch as a pilot project in 2005 and has met with encouraging and positive feedback. Through the crossover of multi-disciplinary studies including engineering, art and design, the LEAD Project is able to unleash and develop the creativity of our younger generation. I have no doubt that the project will help nurture local creative talents at a young age and bring far-reaching effect to the economic development of Hong Kong.
I would like to thank the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups for launching this meaningful project in Hong Kong, and the support from the MIT Media Laboratory, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charitable Trust in making the LEAD Project a success. While the Government will continue to work hard to promote innovation, technology and design, we look forward to having your unfailing support in Hong Kong's strive for creative excellence.
Thank you.
Ends/Saturday, October 6, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:50
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