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The Secretary for Education (SED), Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, today (May 16) met the student contestants of the 17th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) and congratulated them again on their commendable results. At the APhO recently hosted by Hong Kong for the first time, the Hong Kong Team seized one gold medal, five bronze medals, eight honourable mentions and a special award for Most Creative Solution in Experimental Examination.
Mr Ng praised the students for their passion in science, and their outstanding performance and achievement in the competition. He encouraged them not only to value the experiences obtained at the APhO but also to persevere with hard work in science and its application with a view to making further achievements for themselves, their schools and Hong Kong as well as contributing to society.
Mr Ng added that the good results of the Hong Kong Team fully demonstrated the giftedness, potential and achievements in physics of Hong Kong students and also marked the success of collaboration among schools, the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Baptist University and the Education Bureau (EDB).
The EDB has been putting in place the recommendations of the Policy Address to strengthen 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 student contestants achieved outstanding performances at the Hong Kong Physics Olympiad 2015 and were then selected to take part in a series of enhancement courses before taking part in the 17th APhO. During today's meeting, the awardees shared with the SED their preparation for the competition as well as their interactions and exchanges with other contestants from around the world, and the joy of winning the awards. The SED also listened to their opinions on STEM education.
Ends/Monday, May 16, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:17
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