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The Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-Kim, today (May 9) congratulated the Hong Kong teams for their commendable results in winning one gold medal, five bronze medals, eight honorable mentions and a special award for "Most Creative Solution in Experimental Examination" at the 17th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO).
With the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology as the host organisation, this year's competition was held in Hong Kong from May 1 to 9 for the first time, attracting a record high of 26 countries/regions to participate in the competition. Following the practice of all organising cities for the APhO, Hong Kong sent an additional guest team to participate in the event in order to provide more opportunities for local gifted physics students to broaden their horizons through exposure to the international arena.
The prizes won by Hong Kong students include a gold medal for Secondary Five student Tai Wai-ting from Queen Elizabeth School, and bronze medals for Secondary Five student Yu Hoi-wai from La Salle College, Secondary Four student Li Shing-yan from Shun Tak Fraternal Association Leung Kau Kui College, Grade 11 student Frankie Lam from Diocesan Boys' School, Grade 11 student Jeff York Ye from GT (Ellen Yeung) College and Secondary Five student Lydia Mak from Good Hope School. Secondary Five student Li Yang-hong from Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School won both the "Most Creative Solution in Experimental Examination" award and an honourable mention. In addition, Grade 11 student Brian Yang from Diocesan Boy's School, Secondary Five student Poon Sze-wang from Queen's College, Secondary Five student Choi Wang-hei from Ying Wah College, Secondary Five student Lee Kin-ming from St Margaret's Co-Educational English Secondary and Primary School, Secondary 5 student Cheung Ho-yeuk from La Salle College, Secondary Five student Jonathan Leung from Wah Yan College, Hong Kong and Secondary Five student Cheng Wai-chung from Diocesan Girls' School also got an honourable mention each.
Mr Ng said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is glad to be able to support this meaningful event. This year's good results mark the success of collaboration among the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Baptist University and the EDB.
"With a view to enhancing the international competitiveness of Hong Kong through nurturing diversified talents in the science and technology fields, the EDB is strengthening STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, including furthering curriculum development, organising a cross-disciplinary symposium for teachers, enhancing teacher training, holding a Student Education Fair in Science, Technology, and Mathematics, and strengthening collaboration among schools, tertiary institutions, professional bodies and the industries concerned."
The APhO contestants were trainees under the Physics Enhancement Programme at universities, and were commissioned by the HKAGE. Following outstanding performances at the Hong Kong Physics Olympiad 2015, these students were selected to take part in a series of enhancement courses before taking part in the 17th APhO. The participation in the APhO was funded by the EDB.
The APhO aims to promote physics education and strengthen interaction and co-operation among physics experts in Asia, as well as to train and inspire teenagers who are highly talented in physics. Details of activities are available on the 17th APhO's official website (apho2016.ust.hk/) and Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/apho2016).
Ends/Monday, May 9, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:09
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