Six students representing Hong Kong achieved remarkable results in the 18th International Junior Science Olympiad, which was held online. They are (from left) Suen Ming-to, Kyan Cheung, Wong Chun-lam, Mai Tai-sheuk, Ng Shuk-hei and Choi Ho-long. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
HONG KONG – A team of six students representing Hong Kong achieved remarkable results at the 18th International Junior Science Olympiad by winning two gold and four silver medals.
In a statement, the government said the excellent results showed that Hong Kong students continue to excel in renowned international competitions.
"The impressive results of the Hong Kong team this year have demonstrated our students' tremendous potential in science and technology,” said Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung.
The International Junior Science Olympiad is a science competition for secondary school students aged 15 or below. It covers physics, chemistry and biology up to the senior secondary level and comprises of written assessments and science experiments on unfamiliar problems that require analytical and problem-solving skills
Ng Shuk-hei (St Paul's Co-educational College) and Suen Ming-to (St Paul's Co-educational College) each won a gold medal. Silver medalists were Kyan Cheung (Victoria Shanghai Academy), Choi Ho-long (PuiChing Middle School), Mai Tai-sheuk (Queen's College) and Wong Chun-lam (G.T. (Ellen Yeung) College).
The IJSO is a science competition for secondary school students aged 15 or below. It covers physics, chemistry and biology up to the senior secondary level and comprises of written assessments and science experiments on unfamiliar problems that require analytical and problem-solving skills.
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The competition was suspended last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed this year with the United Arab Emirates hosting the event from December 12 to 21.
Around 320 contestants from 70 countries or regions participated in the competition. Due to the epidemic, contestants participated in the IJSO 2021 in their own country or region under online monitoring, and joined online activities.
Yeung said the Hong Kong team was fully funded by the Education Bureau to join this competition. He added that the EDB will continue its support on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to nurture technology talents and encourage them to pursue a career in innovation and scientific research.
To further promote the development of gifted education, the government has so far injected $1.6 billion into the Gifted Education Fund, Yeung said, adding that the Advisory Committee on Gifted Education is currently vetting applications for funding support in the 2021/22 school year.
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“Through quality off-school advanced learning programs, it is hoped that gifted students at the primary and secondary levels are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to embrace the rapid economic, scientific and technological developments, as well as the changes and challenges in society, thereby enhancing the versatility and international competitiveness of our talents," Yeung said.