To maintain the international competitiveness of Hong Kong, a range of talents with different capabilities and at different levels are required to fulfill the needs of economic, scientific and technological
developments in the contemporary world, especially when opportunities arise for Hong Kong to contribute to major initiatives for national developments, e.g. the “Belt and Road” initiative. Along
this line, the Government is actively promoting Innovation and Technology, and the public awareness of the importance of innovation in STEM-related fields is increasing. These macro changing
contexts call for the promotion of STEM education in schools.
Promotion of STEM education is introduced as a key emphasis under the ongoing renewal of the school curriculum (also known as Learning to Learn 2.0), to nurture students to become effective lifelong learners
equipped with appropriate knowledge, generic skills as well as values and attitudes necessary for facing challenges in the 21st century.
Hong Kong students have generally performed well in science, technology and mathematics over the years as revealed from international studies (e.g. PISA, TIMSS) and competitions (e.g. International Junior Science Olympiad, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair). On the whole, they actively participate in a wide range of learning activities related to STEM disciplines inside and
outside schools.
While Hong Kong students perform well in science, technology and mathematics, they may focus on disciplinary studies and may not evenly participate in hands-on activities in schools. Therefore, it is
necessary to strengthen the ability of students to integrate and apply their knowledge and skills across different subject disciplines through solving daily life problems with practical solutions and innovative
designs.
Besides, although the elements of STEM education are embedded in individual KLAs of Science, Technology and Mathematics Education of the local school curriculum, the coherence
and collaboration among teachers of the three KLAs in planning and organising STEM related learning activities need to be strengthened. The promotion of STEM education provides an opportunity for
teachers of these KLAs to collaborate and further enhance the effectiveness of learning and teaching.
