Speech by Permanent Secretary for Education at Esri Young Scholars Award Presentation Ceremony

Dr Winnie Tang, distinguished guests, scholars, students, ladies and gentlemen,

   Good afternoon.  It is my pleasure to be here today at the Esri Young Scholars Award Presentation Ceremony 2024. 

2.   The Esri Young Scholars Award (YSA) honours outstanding achievements by undergraduate and graduate students worldwide who harness Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology to develop innovative applications that benefit our communities. Hong Kong students stand proudly among these talented individuals, showcasing exceptional talent in using geospatial science and GIS to tackle real-world challenges. As shown in the presentation, we can leverage on the power of GIS in a wide array of functions closely related to our daily lives, ranging from city management, census, transport services, emergency services, recreation and culture, health and welfare, to business applications.  This year’s winning entries also showcase innovative applications such as helping consumers make wiser choices in daily purchases, and analyzing certain socio-economic issues.  I am grateful to ESRI for its generosity in sharing the valuable educational resources with our schools so that students can have access to this platform from a young age.  Indeed, GIS is a useful tool conducive to Hong Kong’s development as a smart city.

3.   The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region attaches great importance to attracting, nurturing and retaining talent. Education accounts for around one-fifth of Government’s annual recurrent budget.  Five of our universities in Hong Kong are among the top 100 in the world.  In a city like Hong Kong which is devoid of natural resources, talent is the most valuable asset to proper Hong Kong’s development in an increasingly technology-driven global landscape.

4.   In nurturing talent, we place great emphasis on developing skills for tomorrow. Our goal is to see 35% of university students pursuing studies in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) disciplines within three years, preparing them for success in the digital economy.  Furthermore, with the immense opportunities presented by the “Eight Centres” under the 14^th Five Year Plan, we aim for 60% of undergraduate students to engage in relevant disciplines within the same time frame.  Those studying in Hong Kong will gain a competitive edge and be ready to capitalise on opportunities arising from national strategies, equipping themselves with the knowledge, skills and exposure needed for success, thereby making a global impact across various fields, including geospatial sciences.

5.   I commend Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited for its steadfast support of the YSA, which inspires and empowers the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Today’s ceremony is a platform to celebrate the brilliance and innovation of Hong Kong's young minds. The students we honour have not only excelled in their academic pursuits but have also used their knowledge and skills to drive positive change in our community — a testament to the excellence of Hong Kong's education system and the calibre of our future leaders.

6.   Once again, I offer my sincere congratulations to all the awardees. I understand some of you will have the opportunity to have overseas exchanges to broaden their horizon and learn from distinguished experts. I sincerely invite all of you to further develop your careers in Hong Kong.  I have full confidence that young scholars like you will continue to make us proud and lead the way in contributing to the betterment of our society.  I wish you all a rewarding and enjoyable time today.  Thank you very much.