IBM EX.I.T.E. Camp Introduces a New Generation of Female Students to the World of Science and Technology
IBM China/Hong Kong Limited (NYSE: IBM) and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today celebrated their success in providing thirty-six young girls with a unique and memorable experience at the Exploring Interest in Technology and Engineering (EX.I.T.E.) Camp. During the five day camp which concluded today, the girls participated in a series of hands-on workshops, games and lectures designed to increase their interest in science and technology and open the door to a wider range of career options.
"I will remember these five days for the rest of my life," said an IBM EX.I.T.E. Camper. "I had never realized that technology could be so fun and inspiring, and I feel that being a part of this camp has given me a direction in my future career."
Now in its fourth consecutive year in Hong Kong, the IBM EX.I.T.E. Camp seeks to help young girls to realize their potential and cultivate an early interest in technology-related fields. Thirty-six girls aged 11 -13 from four distinguished secondary schools in Hong Kong - Belilios Public School, Maryknoll Convent School, St Paul's Convent School and, St. Stephen's Girls' College - participated in the five-day program from July 28 to August 1.
During the camp, participants worked in teams and learned how science and technology can improve daily life through fun and enlightening activities such as building an earthquake alarm, assembling a temperature sensor with a digital display and creating their own "3D glasses" simulating the technology built into the Nintendo Wii remote. The girls also attended lectures by IBM and HKUST experts on IT-related subjects and career opportunities in the technology fields.
"As technology becomes the foundation for business innovation, the demand for people with outstanding skills in math and science disciplines is increasing," said Dominic Tong, General Manager, IBM China/Hong Kong Limited. "However, there is a widespread misconception that male students do better when it comes to science and technology. We believe that today's girls are brimming with talent, creativity and imagination. The IBM EX.I.T.E. Camp gives them the opportunity to gain experience in the practical applications of science and technology and shows them that they can use math, science and technology to become innovators in the technology industries."
Prof Roland Chin, Vice-President for Academic Affairs of HKUST, said to the participants, "It is particularly meaningful that you are all school girls, because at present the male-female student ratio on our School of Engineering is out-of-balance, with about 80% of the students being male. We hope that more female students with good potentials will join our various engineering programs and realize their full potentials. I hope that these few days of activities will arouse your interest in technology and engineering, and that when you select your favorite university and subjects, you will seriously consider HKUST's engineering and technology courses."
About IBM
For more information about IBM Hong Kong, go to: www.ibm.com/hk.
About EX.I.T.E. Camp
EX.I.T.E. Camp was established nine years ago to fuel young girls' interests in taking science and mathematics classes throughout high school and understanding of how rewarding engineering and technology careers can be. Over 8000 participants have attended IBM EX.I.T.E. Camps around the world since its inception in 1999, with 85% of participants indicating that they would consider pursuing a technical-related degree at university.
About Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST):
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a leading university in Asia with special emphasis on research, post-graduate education, and close collaboration with business and industry. The University comprises five Schools: the Schools of Science, Engineering, Business & Management, Humanities & Social Science, and the HKUST Fok Ying Tung Graduate School in Nansha, Guangdong Province. Current student enrolment is about 9, 000 at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Plans are underway in preparation for the transition from a three-year to a four-year undergraduate program, with a concomitant expansion in student and faculty numbers. The medium of instruction and administration is English. For more information about HKUST, visit http://www.ust.hk.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Wendy Wan
IBM China/Hong Kong Limited
Tel: (852) 2825 0036
Fax: (852) 2537 1783
Email: wendypywan@hk1.ibm.com
Alan Fung
Text 100 Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2821 8699
Fax: (852) 2866 6220
Email: alan.fung@text100.com.hk
Ross Lai
Office of University Development and Public Affairs
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Tel: (825) 2358 6306 / 9103 2928
Fax: (852) 2358 0537
Email: rosslai@ust.hk
