HKPC and Quality Education Fund Join Force to Promote e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme Fostering the Application and Development of Innovation and Technology in the Education Sector

(Hong Kong, 10 August 2023) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) recently announced a collaboration with the Quality Education Fund (QEF) to jointly promote the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme (the Programme). The QEF has reserved HK$500 million in total for the implementation of the Programme, including about HK$260 million for funding the development of the projects and around HK$240 million for sponsoring publicly-funded schools to use the project deliverables. 23 projects have been selected for funding, covering innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, big data and Metaverse. As a strategic partner of the QEF, HKPC will leverage its strong scientific research capabilities and extensive industry network to actively provide a range of consulting services for the grantees, including technical support, marketing strategies, and project showcasing, to help them establish marketing networks, successfully implement their projects, and explore opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and international markets for long-term sustainable development.

A launching ceremony was held earlier. Speaking at the launching ceremony, the trustee of the QEF and the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle LI, welcomed HKPC to become the strategic partner of the QEF to provide professional advice and mentorship support for the grantees, helping them to better understand the latest market development and build a marketing network.

Dr Lawrence CHEUNG, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC, said, “HKPC is extremely honoured to cooperate with the QEF, while supporting the ‘Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint’ to encourage the education sector to utilise technology and equip students for the future, enhancing their competitiveness. We are committed to raising awareness and promoting wider access to Education Technology (EdTech) for the education sector and the public, providing greater support for future education planning and promoting the development of ‘Smart Campus’.”

HKPC has spared no effort in boosting EdTech and talent development. It has been working closely with the education and innovation and technology (I&T) sectors, and business community and organising “Industry Network Clusters” consultation sessions across various industries to collect diverse perspectives and insights. Additionally, it leverages its strengths and signs collaboration agreements with different schools, education institutions, and technology enterprises to promote the application of EdTech, teacher training, and technological research. Through various activities such as the launch of “TechEd Playground” and “Summer TechEd Fest”, HKPC aims to enhance the awareness and interest among teachers, parents, and students in EdTech. Furthermore, the “InnoPreneur Network” platform established by HKPC provides networking opportunities for the funded projects and the industry, to facilitate the sharing of the latest information in the education sector and other industries, as well as partner matching, to foster the application and development of I&T in the education sector.

Through the Programme, HKPC aims to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness across multiple subjects and encourage and support the education sector to continue developing innovative teaching solutions with emerging technologies. It also aims to provide more opportunities for local students to access EdTech, benefiting secondary, primary and kindergarten students, as well as students with special educational needs. By staying abreast of emerging technological trends, we can equip students with the skills and knowledge they need in the future.

To learn more about the funded projects, please visit the dedicated webpage: https://elafp.edb.edcity.hk/projects.php?lang=en.

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HKPC, the QEF and the representatives of the 23 funded projects gathered at the launching ceremony, joining hands to foster application and development of I&T in the education sector.

Ms Michelle LI, the Permanent Secretary for Education (centre), Dr Lawrence CHEUNG, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC (right) and Ms Karen FUNG, General Manager, InnoPrenuer and FutureSkills of HKPC (left) took a group photo at the ceremony.