The Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, visited Southern District this afternoon (April 24), where he met with members of Southern District Council and called on teachers and students of a secondary school and a post-secondary institution.
      
     Accompanied by the District Officer (Southern), Mr Chow Chor-tim, Mr Ng first went to Southern District Council and met with its Chairman, Dr Chu Ching-hong, Vice-chairman Mr Chan Fu-ming and other council members on various education and local issues.
      
     Mr Ng then went to the Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI) in Pokfulam, where he toured its facilities and chatted with students to learn more about their study life and career plans.
      
     The HTI of the Vocational Training Council houses a variety of training facilities including a training restaurant, a training hotel and a training spa. It provides full-time certificate and diploma programmes for school leavers of Secondary Three and Secondary Six, as well as supervisory and skills upgrading programmes for in-service professionals. By serving real customers, students can gain valuable practical experience and prepare themselves for entering the hotel and tourism industry.
      
     Mr Ng then visited Aberdeen Technical School. At its STEM Education Centre, he was briefed by the school principal and teachers on their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum and learning activities, such as laser and plasma cutting techniques.
      
     Mr Ng pointed out that in support of schools to promote STEM education, the Education Bureau announced last month that a grant of $200,000 would be offered to each secondary school within this school year. Schools could make use of the grant flexibly to start or enhance school-based STEM education catering for the interests and needs of their students, such as procuring resources, organising activities, and supporting students to participate in related local, national and international competitions.
      
     Mr Ng also observed student activities and visited dormitories to learn more about students' study and campus life.   

Ends/Monday, April 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:00

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