Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association Science Innovation Centre (Science Innovation Centre) ,is the first centre of its kind in Hong Kong for students and teachers aiming at promoting science and creativity education, is associated with Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association.
In 1986, due to the social change in our community, “Student Times Press” decided to take on a major re-structuring and change its name to “Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association”. In addition to the publication of “Hong Kong New Generation” bi-weekly magazine, we also strengthened our work in nurturing young people through a variety of programs and activities. These programs included popularization of science, creativity education, leadership training, national education, research and survey, liberal education, exchange visits and joint school activities.
Our activities had received widespread support from students and the public. These activities included “The Top 10 News of the Year voted by Hong Kong Secondary School Students” co-organized by our association in 1991; the “Hong Kong New Generation IQ Contest” hosted by us for 8 consecutive years from 1990 to 1998; the “Hong Kong Youth Invention Competition” beginning in 1997; the “9th China Adolescent Invention Contest cum Science Forum” held in August 1998 in Hong Kong and undertaken by us; the first “Survey on the Creativity Education of Hong Kong Youth” hosted by us in 1998; and the over 100 exchange study tours held by us since 1986. In our silver jubilee year (i.e. January 1999), our association was granted the non-profit charitable status, which had set an important landmark in the development of the new generation!
To fully promote science and creativity education across the community, we launched the “New Generation Youth Invention and Environmental Education Program” in July 2000 with the full financial backing from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Quality Education Fund. Between 2001 and 2002, we held a number of discussion forums on creativity education for primary and secondary school principals and teachers throughout Hong Kong. Apart from providing support to teachers’ training, we had also organized science & invention competitions for Hong Kong students. Since 2002, our annual competition had been renamed “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Youth Science & Technology Invention Competition” with the main sponsorship coming from the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Intel Corporation had also began their partnership with us by funding our most outstanding science students to compete in the annual “Intel International Science & Engineering Fair” held in the USA. Our association is now the sole organizer of various national and international science competitions and is responsible for selecting and leading the top students to participate in these events every year. These competitions include “China Adolescent Science & Technology Innovation Contest”, “Awarding Program for future Scientists”, “China Adolescent Robot Contest” and “Intel International Science & Engineering Fair”.
Starting from 2004, Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association become the sole regional organizer of INTEL ISEF in Hong Kong. Winners of the First and Second Place Grand Awards will have minor planets named after them by the “International Astronomical Union” (IAU). Until 2013, there are already 6 times of the Hong Kong students received such awards.
In 2006, the Hong Kong SAR Government supported us in setting up the education centre named “Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association Science Innovation Centre” at the former site of the Sai Kung Outdoor Field Studies Centre. This is the first centre of its kind in Hong Kong for students and teachers aiming at promoting science and creativity education. Science lectures, workshops and various science related activities are organized for students, teachers and parents. The Centre continues to host the various local, national and international science and invention competitions.
In 2009, the HKNGCA Science Innovation Centre funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust organized a three-year project – "Science Innovation Talents Nurturing and Promotion Scheme". The scheme includes activities in three main categories, namely, Science Innovation Elite Training, Talks and Workshops, Achievement Sharing and Promotion. Integrating the popularization of science education, cultivation of creative thinking, training of invention and scientific research skills as well as mentorship program, we are committed to nurture the outstanding students with potentials. Apart from training the elite students, we also aim at educating the public, including local students, teachers and parents through science talks and workshops. Achievement sharing and promotion events, such as exhibitions and online promotion, will also be organized to allow public participation in science and innovation activities, while promoting the achievement of the scheme in the community.
HKNGCA Science Innovation Centre's activities are becoming more diverse in recent years, competition such as the "Hong Kong Youth 3D Animation Competition", "Science Achievers Cup" and the "Hong Kong Youth Science Fiction Writing Competition". All of them received huge support from schools and the public. The top winner of the Hong Kong Youth 3D Animation Competition will have the opportunity to practice their skills and techniques and learning more knowledge of industry operations during internship; Science Achievers Cup encourage students to think creative, student need to assembly and design of A.I. vehicles by themselves; the winner of the "Hong Kong Youth Science Fiction Writing Competition" will have the opportunity to compete in the "Ngai Science Fiction Award".
Looking into the future, we will continue to uphold our motto, “Vision, Creativity, Erudition, Responsibility’. With the support from all parts of the society, we will continue to provide all-rounded and high quality services to young people and give support and professional training to teachers. We will work hand-in-hand to build up a new generation of talented leaders for the future of Hong Kong.