(Hong Kong, 29 August 2024) –
The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), announces the successful conclusion of the Youth Start-up Internship Programme (YSIP). This year's programme recorded a 45% year-on-year growth in job applications, with close to 1,000 aspiring talents vying for the 100 internship positions. Beyond work, HKSTP has planned a series of engagement activities to immerse interns in Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, as well as showcase career opportunities in the booming Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Officiating in the closing ceremony, Alice Mak, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, said, “The government has launched the YSIP and provided subsidies for start-ups to recruit student interns such that young people have the opportunity to gain in-depth understanding of the operations of start-ups and the entrepreneurship ecosystem of Hong Kong. The enthusiasm and creativity of our young people underpins the development of our innovation and technology industry. By nurturing young I&T talents, YSIP bridges both our youths and the I&T industry to achieve a win-win scenario.”
Aldous Mak, CFO of HKSTP, said, "This year's YSIP has been an extraordinary journey for both the interns and their host employers. The enthusiasm and innovative potential displayed by these young talents are truly inspiring. YSIP is key to the foundation of our strategy to revitalise the local I&T sector with fresh, talented minds equipped to drive innovation and technological advancement in Hong Kong and internationally. The programme is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of I&T leaders."
About 60 Park Companies across disciplines such as AI, green tech and biotechnology participated in YSIP this year. The interns joined enriching activities ranging from workshops on personal growth, design thinking, social etiquette, as well as networking events with industry players. They also visited the Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian and tech giants such as BYD. These gatherings reinforced the bonding among the like-minded interns.
A tour to SenseTime was also organised where interns explored cutting-edge smart city applications. The visits further led the interns to HKSTP's Tseung Kwan O InnoPark, which highlighted the latest development in digital transformation and manufacturing, underlining HKSTP’s pivotal role in regional technological integration.
YSIP provides full-time students from local tertiary or post-secondary institutions aged between 18 and 30 with 3 to 6 months internship opportunities at start-ups in Science Park. Each internship position will be entitled to a salary subsidy up to HK$11,200 per month provided by the Government.
Timothy Adesanya, a Physics and Green Energy student from Nigeria at Hong Kong Baptist University, completed his internship at LeafIoT Technology Limited, a startup in urban tree management utilising IoT, AI and blockchain technology. “The exposure to a thriving I&T ecosystem challenged my preconceptions about career limitations with a physics degree,” he said, “YSIP has broadened my professional network and enhanced my skills such as public speaking. These valuable experiences have not only prepared me for a promising career in Hong Kong’s I&T sector but also equipped me with the knowledge to tackle energy and infrastructure challenges back in my home country Nigeria.”
Herman Chan Pak Kwan, Managing Director at LeafIoT, said, “The workshops organised by HKSTP have transformed Timothy from a novice to an integral part of our team now set for full-time employment in my company. YSIP is a very good platform for startups to train interns and talent with the support from both the government and HKSTP.”
LifeSparrow Solutions Limited, a startup specialising in AI-driven drone technology for search and rescue operations, showcased another compelling success story. “I was inspired by the vibrant culture at HKSTP. The exposure has shifted my career aspirations towards enhancing aviation technology with innovative solutions,” said Alicia Cheung, who has just graduated from aviation engineering at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Jerry Ng, Chief Marketing Officer of LifeSparrow, emphasised the mutual benefits of YSIP, “We appreciate how interns like Alicia bring fresh, innovative ideas to us. Alicia’s experience at HKSTP, along with the entrepreneurial spirit and creative culture here, has solidified her desire to pursue a future in the dynamic I&T ecosystem.”
