PolyU Fun-Tech Competition 2024/25: Empowering Secondary Students with Digital Skills for Future I&T Leadership
The “Fun-Tech Competition 2024/25,” organized by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission, has concluded. The initiative sought to enhance the digital skills of secondary students and foster talent in innovation and technology (I&T). Running from September 2024 to May 2025, the competition attracted over 1,000 participants from 29 schools. It culminated in an award presentation ceremony that recognized students for their creativity and digital skills.
Competition Structure and Activities
This year’s competition included various components such as an academic conference, workshops, online classes, and guided tours that focused on current technology trends, particularly in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technologies. Participants engaged in a creative contest that involved producing VR videos or designing applications employing RFID technology. Students were categorized into junior and senior groups, promoting the application of their skills to real-world scenarios and societal challenges.
Award Ceremony and Attendees
The award ceremony featured attendees such as Dr. Jeff Sze, Under Secretary for Education of the Education Bureau of the HKSAR Government, Prof. Wing-tak Wong, PolyU’s Deputy President and Provost, and Prof. Eric Chui, Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT). These guests interacted with the winning students, while educational leaders from participating schools expressed their support.
Significance of Digital Technology in Education
Dr. Jeff Sze highlighted the significance of digital technology in education, noting that the competition provided a platform for students to explore creativity and develop a deeper understanding of cutting-edge technologies. He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education as a means of nurturing I&T talent.
Collaboration and Educational Technology
Prof. Wing-tak Wong commended the project for integrating educational technology with STEAM education and fostering collaboration between PolyU and local secondary schools. He remarked that the solutions developed during the competition represented a blend of creativity and practical application aimed at benefiting society.
Dedication to Knowledge Exchange
Prof. Eric Chui reaffirmed the department’s dedication to knowledge exchange, stating that the projects undertaken by students aligned with the goal of fostering socially responsible future leaders. Dr. Rodney Chu, the Project Coordinator, acknowledged the commitment demonstrated by both students and teachers during the various phases of the competition, including evaluations, rehearsals, and presentations.
Results and Educational Innovation Summit
Following evaluations by the judging panel, the champions and runners-up in various categories were announced. Additionally, a Teaching and Learning Summit focused on educational innovation took place after the award ceremony, where international educators shared insights on integrating STEM tools into secondary education.
Conclusion
The Fun-Tech Competition 2024/25 aimed to expose students to advanced technologies while fostering collaboration between education and industry, contributing to the emergence of a technology-savvy and socially conscious generation. Detailed results and winning projects can be accessed on the project’s website.
This information was originally reported by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
