Strengthening Multisectoral Collaboration to Cultivate I&T Talents

FHKI Hosts Ceremony for the Commercialisation of the “STEM Product Certification Framework” and Discusses the Future of STEM+A Education

 

To drive the development of certification of STEM products, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) today (3 May) organised the Signing Ceremony for "Commercialising the STEM Product Certification Framework” and, also, the “Future Development of STEM+A Education Sharing Session".  The event was honoured by Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, who was the officiating guest and Tony Wong Chi-kwong, Government Chief Information Officer, who was the presenter of our certificates. The occasion was well attended by about 130 market leaders and experts from new industries, I&T, and education sectors. Together, they witnessed the close collaboration between FHKI and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) towards nurturing talents in innovation and technology.

During the Signing Ceremony, Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Steve Chuang, FHKI Chairman, Peter Shum, FHKI Vice Chairman, Prof Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU and Prof Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, joined to witness Bonnie Chan, FHKI Director-General, and Prof Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, signing the Agreement, heralding a new chapter of strategic partnership between FHKI and PolyU.

Further to the terms of the Agreement, the FHKI will leverage the outcome of the STEM Product Certification Framework for educational and commercial purposes, while PolyU will utilise the same for academic and research enhancement. Together, both institutions will actively promote the STEM Mark to broaden its application and impact, further solidifying their commitment to advancing STEM+A education.

The journey to develop the STEM Product Certification Framework began in 2019, spearheaded by FHKI Honorary President Dr Sunny Chai and Vice Chairman Peter Shum. Prof Winco Yung, the then Professor of PolyU’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, was entrusted with its creation. After dedicated efforts, the Framework was successfully launched and, also, establishing Hong Kong’s inaugural STEM Mark earlier this year. To date, 35 STEM products and services have received the STEM Mark certification; these respective companies were recognised at the Signing Ceremony.

In his Welcome Remarks, FHKI Chairman Steve Chuang highlighted the collaborative efforts between FHKI and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in nurturing innovation and technology talents for Hong Kong. He emphasised the seamless cooperation in developing the STEM Product Certification Framework, "The STEM Mark exemplifies the formidable power of collaboration across government, industry, academia, research, and investment sectors. PolyU is dedicated to academic research, while FHKI and the industry reflect market needs, manage production, and attract investments. Together, we transform research outcomes into practical applications and solutions. This not only assists consumers in selecting STEM products but, more importantly, encourages the industry to continuously improve and launch premium products. Undoubtedly, this will further enhance the quality of STEM education and cultivate the necessary talents for the development of innovation and technology and new industries in Hong Kong."

Prof Sun Dong, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, stated, "The 'STEM Mark' upholds FHKI long-standing commitment to quality assurance. In collaboration with PolyU, FHKI has introduced the 'STEM Mark' STEM Product Certification Framework, which merges professional knowledge with a robust certification system. Through stringent and objective auditing standards, this framework supports both the industry and consumers in evaluating the effectiveness and quality of STEM products. This enables consumers, particularly parents and educators, to confidently choose appropriate STEM products for their children and students, thus promoting the popularisation and advancement of STEM education. The 'STEM Mark' also exemplifies cross-sectoral collaboration in promoting local I&T development and building a vibrant ecosystem. This effort aligns with the Government's strategy to nurture I&T talent."

Prof Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, shared his enthusiasm regarding the partnership, noting, “PolyU actively promotes impactful research and innovation, translating its research and development into practical real-world applications to address the world's most pressing challenges. We are delighted to collaborate with FHKI in jointly developing an objective and comprehensive STEM product certification framework that meets industry needs. We firmly believe that this framework will contribute to enhancing the quality of STEM products in the market and raising the overall standard of STEM education in Hong Kong. Looking ahead, we anticipate further collaboration with FHKI to drive advancements in the fields of STEM and STEAM.”

FHKI also hosted a sharing session titled "The Future Development of STEM+A Education," where scholars and industry representatives discussed the progressive trajectory of STEM+A (STEAM) education. This initiative aspires towards aligning with future economic developments and cultivating a new generation of talent for new industries and the innovation and technology sectors in Hong Kong.

Picture 1: Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry (back, middle), Steve Chuang, FHKI Chairman (back, left 2), Peter Shum, FHKI Vice Chairman (back , left 1), Prof Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU (back, right 2) and Prof Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU (back, right 1), joined to witness Bonnie Chan, FHKI Director-General (front, left), and Prof Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU (front, right), signing the Agreement, heralding a new chapter of strategic partnership between FHKI and PolyU.

 

 

 

 

Picture 2: FHKI Chairman Steve Chuang delivered his welcome remarks.

 

 

Picture 3: Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry delivered a speech.

 

Picture 4: FHKI Deputy Chairman Peter Shum introduced the STEM Mark Certification Program.

 

 

 

Picture 5: (From left to right) Bonnie Chan, FHKI Director-General; FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman Ricky Chan, FHKI Honorary President Dr Sunny Chai; Tony Wong Chi-kwong, Government Chief Information Officer; FHKI Vice Chairman Peter Shum; FHKI Chairman Steve Chuang; Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Prof Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU; Prof Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof Winco Yung, Senior Consultant and Former Centre Director, Centre for Advances in Reliability and Safety (CAiRS) of PolyU; FHKI Deputy Chairman Jude Chow and Gary Lau.

 

Picture 6: 35 STEM products and services have received the STEM Mark certification; these respective companies were recognised at the Signing Ceremony.

 

Picture 7: Guests posed for a group photo.

 

 

 

Picture 8: Dialogue with Certified "STEM Mark" companies during the sharing session.

 

 

Picture 9: A sharing session titled "The Future Development of STEM+A Education",  where scholars and industry representatives discussed the progressive trajectory of STEM+A (STEAM) education.

*Please visit here for higher resolution photos.

*For detailed information regarding the first batch of products and services receiving STEM Mark certificates, please click here to download the Appendix.

 

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