Robocon 2008 Hong Kong Contest Provides Ten Local University Teams Unique Opportunity to Develop Skills in Cutting Edge Technologies

As part of its commitment to nurture future technology leaders, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has collaborated with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) to stage the Robocon 2008 Hong Kong Contest.

Today, the Grand Champion of the Robocon 2008 Hong Kong Contest was the “Fiery Dragon” team from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. They will represent Hong Kong at the ABU Robocon Contest in Pune, India during August against other teams from 17 areas in Asia. The Best Team Spirit Award was shared by the “Fiery Dragon” team and the “City United” team from The City University of Hong Kong who received this prize from Mr Nicholas Brooke, Chairman of HKSTP.

The ABU Robocon Contest is organised by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU). Launched in 2002, the ABU Robocon Contest also serves to inspire interest and provide practical experience in engineering for future leaders. With the support from its Hong Kong affiliate, RTHK, Robocon 2008 Hong Kong Contest at Hong Kong Science Park has drawn ten entries. These participants have a unique opportunity to develop IT and engineering skills in cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence applications.

The ten entries came from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The City University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Hosted in conjunction with today’s contest was the Student Robot Fair showcasing model robots designed by primary and secondary students.

An important part of HKSTP’s mission to nurture young talent and its commitment to science and engineering disciplines is providing an opportunity for these students to develop skills in areas at the forefront of technology. The experience at Robocon will expand not only their technology competence, but also their vision through an exchange of knowledge and perspectives with students from different cultures. They can also apply what they have learned and demonstrate their innovative skills while preparing for practical applications in the real world.

HKSTP’s programmes to nurture innovation and technology leadership are not only directed at cultivating the talents of students, but also developing the start-up businesses of entrepreneurs. The IncuTech Business Incubation Programme provides technology and design start-ups with the assistance needed during their inception stage. IncuTech differs from programmes elsewhere in Asia and overseas by the unmatched extent of technical, management, administrative, infrastructural and financial support available and the wide range of industry sectors covered.

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation ("HKSTP") is a statutory body set up by the Government of the Hong Kong SAR. HKSTP provides innovative and technology driven infrastructure and support facilities which includes market-focused clustered laboratory services enabling Hong Kong industries and services to be more competitive; a full-service incubation programme for technology and design start-ups; and fosters partnerships and collaboration between industry and universities/applied research institutes through consulting, training and research programmes.

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

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Press contacts:
Victoria Ho / Alvena So
Upstream Asia
Tel: 2973 0222
Email: hkstp@upstreamasia.com

Joany Leung / Emily Mak
Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation
Tel: 2629 6891
Email: emily.mak@hkstp.org