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The “Innopreneur Experience Journey,” jointly organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), has launched its third cohort. The opening featured notable attendees including the Head of Innofacturing at HKSTP, alongside representatives from participating enterprises and over 80 students.
This year’s programme has introduced the “Star Student Award,” offering two exemplary students the chance to intern at a company in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This opportunity aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam’s economic development, corporate culture, and customs, as well as the broader ASEAN region.
In his welcome remarks, the FHKI Chairman emphasised the significant impact of technological advancements on both personal and professional spheres. He highlighted the burgeoning need for skilled professionals in Hong Kong’s rapidly growing new industries and innovation and technology (I&T) sectors, which anticipate requiring over 200,000 professionals in the future.
The Chairman underscored the importance of the “Innopreneur Experience Journey” in this context, aligning with FHKI’s dedication to fostering new talent through initiatives like the Q STEM Certification Scheme and collaborations with educational and talent training institutions in both the local and Greater Bay Area. He expressed confidence that the program’s site visits and internships would significantly expand students’ perspectives and attract fresh talent to the I&T sectors, thereby infusing them with new ideas and energy.
The Chairman of HKSTP echoed this sentiment, expressing satisfaction with the continued partnership with FHKI and the opportunity to offer students a unique internship experience through collaboration with park companies. He reiterated that nurturing I&T talent is a top priority for HKSTP. Beyond providing robust support to tech companies, HKSTP actively organises training activities in collaboration with various organisations to enhance the local talent pool. The HKSTP Chairman highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, which combines China’s and other countries’ advantages, attracting top talent and steadily advancing Hong Kong’s vision of becoming an international innovation and technology hub.
The one-month “Innopreneur Experience Journey” is packed with diverse activities. Over 80 students from 10 schools will participate in a two-day internship program at 32 FHKI member companies and HKSTP partner companies, serving as corporate mentors for the event. Students will also visit ASTRI’s Technovation Centre located in Hong Kong Science Park, HKTVmall (Hong Kong TV Shopping Network Company Limited), and The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)’s Open Lab in Tseung Kwan O InnoPark.
The closing ceremony of the Journey is scheduled for August 2024 at the Data Technology Hub in Tseung Kwan O InnoPark. A highlight of the event will be a contest where students will compete for the prestigious “Star Student Award” by delivering a three-minute speech on their internship experiences. A judging panel will select four outstanding students based on criteria such as personal growth, industry knowledge, and presentation skills.
This internship aims to enhance their understanding of the integration of technology and industry, providing insights into local business operations and work culture, and broadening their international perspectives.
The Group CEO and Vice Chairman of a company and FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman, who also serves as one of the corporate mentors of the Journey and sponsor of the “Star Student Award,” introduced Vietnam to the audience. He highlighted Vietnam’s significant position within ASEAN and the growing number of Hong Kong businessmen establishing factories and investing in the country. He emphasised that the strengthening bonds between Vietnam and Hong Kong in various sectors, including economy, trade, and education, will significantly benefit students who undertake internships with local companies in Vietnam, enhancing their future careers and overall life planning.