The Hong Kong team of the 42nd International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) proudly brought home 3 Gold and 2 Silver medals from Thailand. Students of the award-winning team were trainees of the Physics Enhancement Program under the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's (HKUST) Department of Physics.
HKUST is dedicated to discovering and nurturing elite talents to advance the science and technology development of Hong Kong. Hong Kong contestants of the IPhO have attended a focused training camp by HKUST for one year. Apart from receiving training in Physics equivalent to Bachelor's level, they also fully mastered different practical techniques. The students were selected for possessing sound fundamental science knowledge and positive mentality to become qualified to enter the IPhO.
The Physics Enhancement Program was led by faculty members of the Department of Physics including Prof Yang Zhi-yu, Prof Wong Kwok-yee, Michael, Prof Du Shengwang and postgraduate student Ma Guan-cong. The leader of the Hong Kong Team was Prof Wong and the deputy leader was Prof Du who accompanied the team to compete at the IPhO.
Prof Ng Tai-kai, Head of HKUST's Department of Physics said, "All contesting teams of the IPhO this year are well prepared and competition is intense. I am delighted that the Hong Kong Team made such a remarkable record in earning 3 Gold and 2 Silver medals after undergoing the Physics Enhancement Program at HKUST. The high standard of training successfully enhanced students' knowledge in Physics and demonstrates the superior potentials of secondary school students. The outstanding performance of the Hong Kong team serves as an international recognition for HKUST's efforts. HKUST will continue to train leaders while motivating new frontiers in science."
The Gold medalists are F5 student Andy Loo (St. Paul's Co-educational College), F6 student Chau Tsz-ki (CNEC Christian College) and F5 student Cheung Hil-fung, Harry (Diocesan Boys' School). Cheung was previously awarded Best Contestant in the 7th Pan-Pearl River Delta and Chinese Elite Schools Physics Olympiad held in February 2011 and was a Gold medalist at the Asian Physics Olympiad 2011. The Silver medalists are F5 student Wong Yu-fu (S.K.H. Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School) and F5 student Wong Yuk-fai (Shun Tak Fraternal Association Leung Kau Kui College).
The IPhO this year was held from July 10 to 18 in Bangkok, Thailand, with 400 contestants from 85 participating countries/regions. The IPhO is an annual Physics competition organized for secondary school students. Each participating team consists of five students (contestants) who are tested on both theoretical and practical knowledge in Physics.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Mavis Wong
Tel: 2358 6306
Email: maviswong@ust.hk
