Press Release

(Hong Kong – 25 March 2025) The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) signed a collaboration agreement yesterday (24 March) with Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) to jointly design an environmental science experiential curriculum for gifted students aged 10 to 18. This collaboration aims to explore the development of programmes/courses for the advancement of gifted education in Sustainable Development, Conservation, Ecology, Wellbeing, Holistic Education and other relevant subjects, through which gifted students interested in environmental conservation and sustainable development could be nurtured through field trips, study projects, workshops, and ecological conservation activities, with a view to broadening their horizons and inspiring a spirit of exploration in nature while cultivating a sense of responsibility and commitment to environmental conservation among these students.

Dr Jimmy WONG, Executive Director of the HKAGE, and Mr Wander MEIJER, Executive Director of KFBG, officially signed the agreement during the ceremony, solidifying the meaningful partnership. During the ceremony, Dr WONG expressed high hopes for the collaboration, “To support the whole-person development of gifted students, we aim to provide a broader platform for them to explore and understand their interests and potential at an early age. The HKAGE has always been committed to offering a diverse range of gifted programmes, including medical technology, aviation, and archaeology. This collaboration will introduce additional courses and activities related to environmental science and sustainable development, leveraging KFBG's expertise in nature conservation and education, to further enrich the learning experiences of our gifted learners. We anticipate that this partnership will help gifted students gain a deeper understanding of relevant knowledge and enhance their awareness of environmental conservation and sustainable development, thereby nurturing their sense of responsibility and commitment to these issues.”

Mr MEIJER, Executive Director of KFBG also stated, “Educated individuals can drive meaningful contributions and foster a sustainable future. Environmental education is crucial for our future generations, as they are future stewards of the world. KFBG's programme can sow a seed in their hearts and may spark their unique abilities in achieving sustainability in various ways, like ecological conservation, green technology and ESG leadership.” 

Following the signing ceremony, a special guided tour was arranged for the HKAGE guests at KFBG’s nature institute of 148 hectares. Led by ecological education experts from KFBG, participants visited various conservation facilities within the garden, including the Gloria Barretto Orchid Sanctuary and the T.S. Woo Memorial Pavilion. This experience offered the participants a firsthand taste of the unique integration of gifted education with ecological education.

The HKAGE and KFBG sign a collaboration agreement to nurture gifted students interested in environmental conservation and sustainable development

Dr Jimmy WONG, Executive Director of the HKAGE, hopes to organise more collaborative projects with KFBG in the future

Mr Wander MEIJER, Executive Director of KFBG, acknowledges the importance of holistic education and is very pleased to collaborate with the HKAGE

Representatives of the HKAGE and KFBG take a group photo after signing the collaborative agreement

Ecological education experts from KFBG guide the visitor tour of various conservation facilities and ecological education projects at KFBG

Ecological education experts from KFBG guide the visitor tour of various conservation facilities and ecological education projects at KFBG

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