(Hong Kong, 15 August 2024) – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) concludes its “Talent In Action” Summer Talent Fest in a ceremony with rounds of interactive sharing by interns and cutting-edge tech showcases by Park companies. More than 350 international and local talents participated this year, setting a record for the Fest. Elite students from the global top 50 ranked prestigious institutions including Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, Tsinghua University, the National University of Singapore, University College London, The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, among others, were drawn to Science Park to learn about the vast opportunities in Hong Kong’s thriving innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem.
HKSTP is dedicated to nurturing talent with an aim of strengthening the city’s I&T talent pipeline. Following the success of a pilot programme last year, HKSTP has expanded its Global Internship Programme to cover more institutions worldwide. Around 30 interns were selected from over 1,000 applications to work in Park companies from strategic industrial areas such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence and data science, financial technology, advanced manufacturing and new energy.
The Global Internship initiative complements an array of HKSTP’s talent programmes, including the Long-term Internship Programme, in collaboration with the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK); the Beyond Dreams I&T Talent Nurturing Programme, supported by the China Resources Charitable Foundation; the Youth Start-up Internship Programme, in partnership with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, and the “JC PROcruit C" Programme, jointly organised with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which collectively offer hundreds of placements and internships at HKSTP and Park companies for two to twelve months.
This cohort encompasses interns from both esteemed international and local universities, fostering a global talent hub at HKSTP for grooming future tech leaders and sparking co-creation among innovators.
Attending the Summer Talent Fest closing ceremony, Paul Chan, Financial Secretary, welcomed all interns including those from the Mainland and abroad. "Talent is the cornerstone for our future. Innovation and technology is a priority policy area of this Government in promoting our economic development. With a free, open and multicultural environment, a burgeoning circle of startups, a vibrant financial ecosystem, and a deep pool of local and international talent, Hong Kong has built a flourishing I&T ecosystem with boundless opportunities for innovators,” he said.
Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, said, “By blending local insights with global perspectives, we have set innovation in motion, shaping a promising future for Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem. The talent displayed by these individuals has been exceptional, and their contributions are crucial in maintaining our competitive edge globally. We remain committed to supporting these young innovators by providing them the necessary resources and opportunities to turn their potential into significant technological advancements."
A series of activities were tailored for participants to experience the rapid-developing I&T sector in Hong Kong. These include Greater Bay Area (GBA) Exploration Tours to Shenzhen and Guangzhou with visits to tech giants such as Tencent, tours to world-class research centres and tech enterprises such as Centre for Novostics and Cornerstone Robotics, engagements with industry leaders, and specialised workshops to boost entrepreneurial and innovative skills.
Varun Madan, a junior studying Computer Science at Stanford University, said that working as an AI Research Intern in Fano Lab and the overall programme were eye-opening. “Visiting the GBA was a great experience. My key takeaway was that it is a very business and technology-friendly place, and that the pace of innovation development is very fast. In the next 5-10 years, I hope to make a large impact in the field of AI, and I definitely am considering working in collaboration with HKSTP sometime in the future.”
“This internship has been an amazing journey, and I’ve gained a better understanding of the opportunities available to engineers like me in Hong Kong. One of the highlights was the visit to Science Park’s Shenzhen branch. I had the chance to look at a live demonstration of a surgical robotic arm in total knee arthroplasty, “said O-Teen Kwok, a student at Imperial College London studying master’s degree in engineering, Mechanical Engineering. “Overall, this experience has reinforced my belief that Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem is filled with potential for engineers who want tackle real-life challenges through sustainable solutions. I’m increasingly drawn to developing my career here.”
Lefinno Kwok, who studies Computer Science at The University of Hong Kong, said that networking with global interns have provided insights into his career development, “Interacting with international talents widens my network and perspective in various professional fields and personal communities in a first-hand context. I see a great potential in future collaborations and ventures, ranging from chip manufacturing, fund and financial management, bioengineering to customer relations. There are some top tier talents amongst this cohort that can greatly benefit any ventures I wish embark on currently or in the future.”
The closing ceremony showcased a diverse range of exhibitions from Park enterprises including Digital Domain, Huawei, Locobike, Pons.AI, XOXO, etc. In the I&T Power Show & Tell session, founders of successful startups such as BuyandShip, Breer Limited and LifeSparrow Solutions Limited also enlightened audiences with their insights and entrepreneurial journeys.
HKSTP will continue its mission to support and expand a robust I&T ecosystem by attracting and nurturing talent from both global and local sources. This year's achievements underscore Hong Kong's significant role in the international I&T landscape.
