HKPC and 500+ Students Set Guinness World Record on Mass Robot Programming Taking Lead in I&T Development and Application, FutureSkills Training and STEM Education to Nurture Future Talents

(Hong Kong, 22 August 2021) Hong Kong has set a new world record again! The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), being an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) & robotics technology, FutureSkills training and STEM education, has been leading the promotion of the innovative application of related technology research and development (R&D) as well as FutureSkills training for future talents. The “Mass Robot Programming for New World Record” event was held today, the biggest of its kind in Hong Kong, at Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, in which over 500 students successfully set a new Guinness World Record on the most people programming robots simultaneously within one hour. Ms Rebecca Pun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, officiated at the event to share her joy on the achievement.

This record-setting feat was funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), and supported by the Education Bureau, Eastern District Office, educational groups and business associations. After more than six months of training and rehearsal, over 500 students from 70+ schools simultaneously programmed robots including humanoid robots, vehicles, and drones to perform various actions within a specified time to orchestrate a large-scale robot performance. The event aimed to stimulate young people's interest in robotic science and technology applications, help them master computational thinking and programming skills, and thus contribute to the development of local innovative talents.

Mr Willy Lin, Chairman of HKPC, said, “HKPC always attaches great importance to talent training. Through FutureSkills and STEM training courses, it strives to equip young people with skills needed to master the future workplace. Beside training courses, by leveraging our expertise, we continue to attract young people with the hottest and most advanced technology applications and induce their passion and interest in scientific research. As early as 2017, we have taken the lead in setting the trend, using computer-aided design software (CAD) and 3D printing technology to form a giant Victoria Harbour model to create the Guinness World Record. This year once again, we act as the pioneer for the industry, arousing public attention to the development of AI and robotics with the ‘Mass Robot Programming’ world record setting. We are delighted to witness the enthusiasm and dedication of young people in robotics. We would also like to thank the teachers and students who took part in the initiative, participating groups, organisations, consultants and mentors, and the HKPC team for their support and cooperation in strictly abiding to the restrictions and requirements set by the HKSAR Government and organisers to ensure the event can be carried out under safe conditions and make this event a great success.”

Ms Rebecca Pun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, said, “I am very pleased to attend the closing ceremony of ‘Mass Robot Programming for New World Record’ today, witnessing everyone working together to create the new Guinness World Record of ‘Mass Robot Programming’. The ITC has always been committed to cultivating the society’s I&T culture and strongly supports the grooming of I&T talents. Our ‘General Support Program’ provides funding for projects that foster Hong Kong’s I&T culture. Over the years, it has funded more than 280 projects with a total funding amount of HK$470 million. Funded activities in 2020 also include this one. The learning and application of robotics is an important subject of STEM, and robotic devices are also widely used in manufacturing and service industries. This event showcases the creativity and enthusiasm on technology application of young people in Hong Kong. Their passion in this respect is really appreciated. I hope that the young people who participated in this event will continue to work hard to become Hong Kong's I&T talents and make our citizens' lives better through I&T. Finally, I am especially grateful to the teachers for inspiring students’ interest in robotic applications and HKPC for organising this meaningful event, which can give full play to students’ talents and make this event a great success.”

In support of the HKSAR Government’s determination to develop Hong Kong into an international I&T hub, HKPC is committed to nurturing I&T talents, promoting STEM education at different levels for young people to master the skills of the future and embrace the digital era. In preparing for this record-setting attempt, HKPC has organised more than 40 robotic programming workshops for teachers and students to share the basic principles, programming skills and latest applications of robotics, so as to enhance students' relevant knowledge and cultivate independent thinking, hands-on implementation and problem-solving abilities. HKPC will continue to leverage its technological advantages to inject new impetus into Hong Kong’s R&D ranks, and continue to support the government to step up efforts to encourage young people to participate in engineering, science, technology and innovation activities, strengthen Hong Kong’s technical education, with the aims of expanding the local talent pool and enhancing international competitiveness of Hong Kong.

- Ends -

Ms Rebecca Pun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (fourth from left), and the HKPC team posed for a group photo with the representative of the Guinness World Records after successfully setting the world record on mass robot programming.

Group photo of the participants of the “Mass Robot Programming for New World Record” event after successfully setting the new world record.

Ms Rebecca Pun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, said the “Mass Robot Programming for New World Record” event showcases the creativity and technology of young people in Hong Kong and their passion in that respect is really appreciated. She hopes that the young people who participated in this event will continue to work hard to become Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) talents and make citizens' lives better through I&T.

Mr Willy Lin, Chairman of HKPC, said HKPC always attaches great importance to talent training. Through FutureSkills and STEM training courses, it strives to equip young people with skills needed to master the future workplace, and also, by leveraging its expertise, continues to attract young people with the hottest and most advanced technology applications and induce their passion and interest in scientific research.

The Guinness World Records certificate for the new world record on the most people programming robots simultaneously