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The Assistant Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas Chan, said today (November 16) that as an important task of the Innovation and Technology Commission was to make Hong Kong a knowledge-based, world class economy, it organised from time to time various promotional activities to raise public awareness of and interest in innovation, technology and design.
Officiating at the prize presentation ceremony of the Hong Kong Youth 3D Animation Competition 2008 at Victoria Park, Mr Chan said, "The Hong Kong Youth 3D Animation Competition 2008 is one of our main activities of the year. It aims to provide an opportunity for the younger generation to showcase their talent and develop their potential in innovation, technology and design through the promotion of 3D animation technology, and to enhance public awareness of the importance of creative education and creative industries."
The Hong Kong Youth 3D Animation Competition is co-organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission, Cyberport and the Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association Science Innovation Centre. All participating students have free access to the 3D software provided by Autodesk, the official software supplier and can join the free training session conducted by Summit Technology (HK) Limited in order to better understand the technology. The winners will attend more in-depth training in December.
To tie in with the Beijing Olympics, "Space Games 2108" was the theme for this year's competition. "The competition this year has met with an overwhelming response. More than 500 students from about 100 schools participated in it, reflecting the interest of our new generation in innovation and technology," Mr Chan said.
Mr Chan noted that digital entertainment and 3D animation were very popular in the community and would bring tremendous business opportunities.
He said, "Hong Kong and places worldwide are competing to nurture talent in computer animation."
Also attending the ceremony were the Director of the Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association Science Innovation Centre, Dr Jimmy Wong, and the Assistant Manager (Marketing) of Cyberport, Ms Shirley Lam.
Ends/Sunday, November 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:50
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