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The InnoCarnival 2012, organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission, opened today (November 3) at the Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin. The nine-day carnival, which runs from today to November 11, aims to promote a culture of innovation and technology in the community and features a range of activities and innovations.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, said, "The Government firmly believes that innovation and technology are key drivers for economic development. We are committed to developing a knowledge-based economy in Hong Kong and striving to become a regional innovation hub with continuous progress".
Mr Tsang noted that many elements, including talent and capital, are crucial to the development of innovation and technology. To facilitate the development of the technology industry, the Government adopts a multi-pronged approach to promote co-operation among the government, industry, academic and research sectors in R&D and technology transfer. Nurturing talent as well as a culture of innovation and technology has been top of the agenda, with the InnoCarnival as the focal point, he said.
This year's InnoCarnival has three main themes, namely Life Science, Green Technology and Information and Communication Technology. More than 60 organisations, including universities, R&D centres, technology enterprises, government departments and professional and youth bodies have set up around 80 exhibition pavilions or booths to showcase their latest R&D results.
About 25 talks, 150 InnoTech workshops and over 400 sessions of guided tours are open to members of the public. Other highlights include an electric vehicle exhibition, the Hong Kong Tech Challenge Game, Hong Kong Technology and Renewable Energy events, exhibitions, books and smart phone apps for children popular science education and the showcasing of an "intelligent home" and Telehealth System for the elderly.
For the first time the carnival will stage a multi-media variety show - InnoNight - on November 10. The evening programme combines technology, creativity and multi-media technique, with a laser show, music, dance and magic performances.
A photo contest with the themes "Happy Moments" and "Night Illumination" is also new to the carnival. Including an Open Category and Student Category, fabulous prizes are on offer and the winning entries will be displayed at the venue.
Members of the public are invited to attend and admission is free. For programme details and enrolment for the activities, please visit www.itm.gov.hk or contact the InnoTech Month's partner - the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (Tel: 2561 6149, email: itmonth@hkfyg.org.hk).
Other guests attending the opening ceremony today included the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So; Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Nicholas Brooke; Legislative Council members Mr Charles Mok, Dr Elizabeth Quat and Dr Lo Wai-kwok ; Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Miss Janet Wong; Executive Director of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, Dr Rosanna Wong; Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Ms Christine Fang; and Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr E Anthony Tan.
Ends/Saturday, November 3, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:58
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