HKPC Academy and Coding101 Jointly Launch "STEM Instructor Training Certificate Programme Cohort V" Cultivating Local STEM Instructors with I&T Trend to Enhance Hong Kong's International Competitiveness

(Hong Kong, 12 September 2023) To assist Hong Kong’s STEM education industry in cultivating emerging talent and enhancing their professional qualifications, HKPC Academy and Coding101 jointly launch the "HKPC Academy x Coding101 STEM Instructor Training Certificate Programme Cohort V" (the Programme). The Programme aims to cultivate local STEM instructors through practical training and professional guidance, thus enlarging Hong Kong's future talent pool in innovation and technology (I&T).

This year, HKPC Academy partners with Coding101 for the first time, adding interactive training content and practical exercises in the Programme to enhance the practicality and accreditation to assist participants in mastering innovative education technologies and application solutions. The Programme, covering Micro:bit Basic, Cospaces VR, Python Codebooks and Microsoft Azure AI-900, has attracted over 80 participants. Upon completion, participants will be awarded the "STEM Instructor Certification" certificate, becoming recognised professional STEM instructors and embarking on their careers in STEM education. Some participants expressed that the various case studies and strategies shared by the instructors benefitted them greatly. They not only gained an understanding of how to utilise technology to enhance course design and flow effectively but also learned how to improve interactions and effectiveness in teaching.

Ms Karen FUNG, General Manager, InnoPrenuer and FutureSkills of Hong Kong Productivity Council, said, "The 'National 14th Five-Year Plan' has clearly supported Hong Kong's development into an international I&T centre. While recruiting overseas talent is essential, Hong Kong must also actively cultivate our local talent. According to the results of the 'Online Survey - Nurturing Our Own Home-Grown STEM Talent 2022', over 80% of STEM educators thought their experience and knowledge in STEM were insufficient and over 50% claimed they learned their STEM knowledge through self-learning online. HKPC Academy has been sparing no effort in promoting technology education (TechEd) and nurturing local talent and we are delighted to collaborate with Coding101 in launching courses. New curricula of the Programme include guidance to the use of professional-grade equipment in HKPC’s makerspace, enabling participants to transform their creative ideas into products. Participants not only gain access to the latest teaching information but also acquire practical hands-on experience. HKPC Academy will continue leveraging our expertise in professional training, and our well-equipped training facilities, providing various innovative, high-quality, and high-value-added training services for the development of smart campuses."

Mr Jeffrey LEE, Co-Founder of Coding101, said, "Since its launch in 2021, the Programme has trained nearly 400 STEM professional instructors, supplying newly trained talent into the STEM education industry in Hong Kong. Coding101 is honoured to collaborate with HKPC Academy to organise this year’s Programme, with strong support from Microsoft Hong Kong. The Programme not only allows participants to learn and discuss various STEM topics but also engage in different forms of programming teaching practicum. Moreover, participants can join maker workshops as members of the Inno Space, where they can explore even more possibilities. Through the Programme, we believe we can provide participants with a rich learning experience and further promote the development of STEM education."

Inno Space of HKPC Academy aims to provide TechEd and services to local primary schools, secondary schools, and universities, while supporting local startups and nurturing future talent in I&T. We sincerely invite you to join "The TechEd Network Partnership Scheme". As a member, you can regularly participate in maker workshops, academic exchange activities, machinery training courses, and TechEd events. Additionally, you will have full access to the makerspace, facilities, and participate in workshops at Inno Space, allowing you to unleash your creative potential.

Register for membership now:

• Institutions: https://innospace.hkpc.org/en/service#forschoools
• Individuals: https://innospace.hkpc.org/en/join#InnoSpaceMember

For more information about HKPC Academy’s training courses, please visit: https://www.hkpcacademy.org/ or email to academy@hkpc.org.

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HKPC Academy and Coding101 jointly launch the "HKPC Academy x Coding101 STEM Instructor Training Certificate Programme Cohort V" to cultivate local STEM instructors to enhance Hong Kong's international competitiveness.

Ms Karen FUNG, General Manager, InnoPrenuer and FutureSkills of Hong Kong Productivity Council, said it is honoured to collaborate with Coding101, adding basic safety training and usage guidelines for Inno Space and Inno Prototype, as well as maker workshops. This allows participants to not only access the latest information in STEM but also gain practical experience.