In a broadly inclusive and pioneering Hong Kong community robotics initiative, 27 HKUST students served as teachers and mentors to primary and secondary students and those with special education needs in a two-day workshop on the basic skills of robot-making. The activity, co-organized by the School of Engineering’s Center for Global & Community Engagement (GCE) together with other HKUST Schools and the Interdisciplinary Programs Office, attracted 18 teams of participants, who later competed in an underwater robot-building contest.

 

The contest was won by Our Lady of the Rosary College girls’ school, with a team from Hong Kong & Kowloon Chiu Chow Public Association Secondary School, including one member with a hearing impairment and another with learning disabilities, gaining the first runner-up place. Other award-winners included Ebenezer School, Pui Ching Middle School, Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping Secondary School and GT (Ellen Yeung) College.

 

“This event not only offered contestants a stimulating learning experience,” Prof Tim Woo, Director of the GCE, noted. “It also gave our University’s students an opportunity to serve the community.” (See also "The Family Man").