Press Release

(15 July 2024, Hong Kong) – In today's rapidly evolving world, academic excellence is no longer the sole indicator of potential. Nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped with creativity, leadership skills, and a global perspective is paramount for societal advancement. The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) understands this crucial need and is dedicated to cultivating students' diverse talents, particularly in leadership, empowering them to thrive across various fields.

To celebrate these gifted students' remarkable achievements, the HKAGE held its inaugural Academy Awards for the Gifted  on 11 July 2024 at the Lau Ming Wai Academic Building, City University of Hong Kong. The grand ceremony honoured over 100 HKAGE student members who have excelled in local, national, and international competitions, along with an alumna who has made significant contributions to the HKAGE and society. Ir Prof LAM Hiu Fung Alan, JP, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the HKAGE, officiated the ceremony. The event drew prominent figures from the education sector, all gathered to witness the rise of a new generation of gifted individuals.

Celebrating and Honouring Students' Diverse Talents

The ceremony honoured students across various disciplines, with awards presented for achievements in leadership, innovation, and STEAM fields. These included the presentation of gold, silver, and bronze awards to the first cohort of graduates of the HKAGE Leadership Training Programme, as well as various awards recognising the achievements of outstanding students.

Addressing the audience, Ir Prof LAM Hiu Fung Alan, JP, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the HKAGE, emphasised HKAGE's commitment to nurturing future leaders and innovators for Hong Kong. He stated that The Academy Awards for the Gifted 2024 aimed to highlight and acknowledge the students' dedication and accomplishments. He expressed his hope that the awardees would persevere in their pursuits, leveraging their diverse talents to contribute to Hong Kong's development. Ir Prof LAM also highlighted the importance of encouraging diverse development for gifted students, especially in today's evolving global landscape, where skills beyond academics are increasingly crucial. He encouraged all students to draw inspiration from the awardees, strive for excellence, and become pillars of society.

Recognising Outstanding Gifted Students and Showcasing Achievements in Gifted Education

Dr WONG Kam Yiu Jimmy, Executive Director of the HKAGE, described The Academy Awards for the Gifted as the "Oscar" of the HKAGE, representing the highest recognition of the gifted students’ achievement. He highlighted the diverse backgrounds and talents of the awardees, and said that the ceremony aimed to recognise outstanding students while showcasing the results in promoting gifted education in a diversified approach. Dr WONG encouraged the awardees to maintain their passion, delve deeper into their respective fields, and contribute to society.

Ms WONG Shin Tung, Winner of the Outstanding Alumnus Award: Giving Back to Society

Ms WONG Shin Tung, winner of this year's Outstanding Alumnus Award, has demonstrated remarkable compassion and empathy for others since she was young. Actively involved in HKAGE initiatives, she inspires her peers through her actions while engaging in various volunteer services. Ms WONG graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a degree in Chinese Medicine and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Master of Buddhist Counselling at The University of Hong Kong. She is the founder of Kusala Education, and is committed to promoting mindfulness across different fields and share this innate peace and joy with the wider community in innovative ways. Ms WONG's dedication to social good and innovation exemplifies the qualities HKAGE aims to instill in its students.

Outstanding Graduate Awardee SUEN Ming To Tiffany: Applying Scientific Knowledge on the International Stage

SUEN Ming To Tiffany, the Outstanding Graduate Awardee, has displayed a strong affinity for science from a young age, demonstrating sharp observation and problem-solving skills. Her passion for physics and mathematics has led to remarkable achievements in international competitions. In 2023, Tiffany and her teammate won the gold award in the Infomatrix World Finals. Additionally, her team participated in the "Safe Cracking" International Physics Tournament 2023 in Israel and earned three awards. Tiffany's journey highlights the potential of gifted students, extending beyond academics to encompass problem-solving, teamwork, and innovative thinking, ultimately contributing to a better society.

Leadership Training Programme Gold Award Winner CHENG Ching Nam: Demonstrating Leadership and Serving the Community

Twenty-five students received gold awards in the HKAGE’s inaugural Leadership Training Programme, including CHENG Ching Nam, a S5 student from Buddhist Hung Sean Chau Memorial College. Serving as the Head Prefect and Vice-Chairperson of the House Committee at his school, Ching Nam demonstrates exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to community service. He also received the Outstanding Student Award and Community Service Award at the 17th Wong Tai Sin District Outstanding Students Selection – Senior Gorup. Reflecting on his experience in the HKAGE Leadership Training Programme, Ching Nam shared how the programme's diverse activities, such as workshops, leadership camps, and talks by prominent figures, provided him with priceless skills and knowledge. He particularly valued the structured training on developing effective habits for teenagers. Ching Nam's journey exemplifies HKAGE's commitment to nurturing future leaders with strong interpersonal skills and a deep sense of social responsibility.

Principal's Nomination: Identifying Gifted Students in Non-Academic Areas

Notably, Ching Nam joined HKAGE through the Principal’s Nomination introduced last year. Under this initiative, each secondary school can nominate one student of Secondary 2 to Secondary 4 with exceptional leadership potential to the HKAGE. Nominated students, being exempted from the Screening Programme, are invited to submit their personal profiles directly for assessment. This initiative will continue with a view to recruiting a wider range of gifted students with diverse talent.

Student Project Exhibition: Showcasing Innovation and Social Responsibility

Following the award ceremony, guests visited booths showcasing student projects from various HKAGE programmes. These included an "eco-friendly tableware rental kiosk" designed to promote environmental sustainability and a "self-testing tool for early detection of cerebellar degeneration," which combines technology and medicine using artificial intelligence to detect early signs of the disease. These projects not only demonstrated the students' innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities but also highlighted their awareness of social issues and their dedication to using their knowledge for the betterment of society.

The HKAGE Academy Awards celebrated the achievements of nearly 100 exceptional students selected from over 8,000 participants. Through this event, HKAGE aims to raise awareness about the importance of gifted education and the significance of nurturing diverse talents for societal progress. The Academy remains dedicated to cultivating future leaders for Hong Kong, equipped with diverse skills, innovative thinking, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Ir Prof LAM Hiu Fung Alan, JP, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the HKAGE, officiated the Academy Awards for the Gifted 2024.	Dr WONG Kam Yiu Jimmy, Executive Director of the HKAGE, addressed the ceremony and encouraged the awardees and graduates to embrace their talents and strive for excellence.

SUEN Ming To Tiffany, winner of this year's Outstanding Graduate Award, has demonstrated a keen interest in science and exceptional problem-solving abilities from a young age.	Ms WONG Shin Tung, winner of the Outstanding Alumnus Award, has shown remarkable empathy and a passion for social justice since childhood. She is the founder of Kusala Education, an organisation dedicated to promoting mindfulness practices across various sectors.

Twenty-five students received Gold Award in the HKAGE’s inaugural Leadership Training Programme, including CHENG Ching Nam (fourth from left), a S5 student from Buddhist Hung Sean Chau Memorial College.	Representatives from Gifted Education Satellite Centres and partner organisations were presented with certificates of appreciation for their invaluable contributions.

Representatives of the HKAGE and the Department of Electrical Engineering of the at City University of Hong Kong marked the launch of a new collaborative initiative.	HKAGE's Board Chairperson, along with distinguished guests from the education sector, joined the awardees on stage, celebrating the emergence of a new generation of gifted individuals.

The inaugural Academy Award for the Gifted recognised over 100 gifted students who have excelled in local, national, and international competitions, as well as an alumna who has made outstanding contributions to the Academy and society.

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