HKUST is to become the Asian center for a British Government initiative to conduct World Class Tests in mathematics and problem-solving for youngsters from more than 20 countries and regions.
Under an agreement signed today (Monday 18 February) with Trumptech (Hong Kong) Limited, HKUST will run a test center in Asia for identifying young talents.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony today, HKUST's Deputy to the President Prof Roland Chin said, "It is our mission to help build a talent pool for Hong Kong and Asia. From as early as 2001, we have been running a full array of programs for the gifted in collaboration with Education Bureau's and the University Grants Committee.
"The signing of this contract with Trumptech is a strategic move for the University. It will get us closer to our dream of building Hong Kong into an Asia education hub through identifying and grooming young talents in science and technology."
World Class Arena's exclusive agent in Asia, Trumptech's CEO Mr Kwok Tin-ming remarked that the World Class Tests have pioneered an innovative approach that takes students' learning experience beyond curricular requirements.
"Many gifted children in Hong Kong who may not be recognized in traditional tests are now having a greater opportunity to be spotted from a very young age." he said.
HKUST's Dean of Science Prof S Y Cheng said, "We attach as much importance to identifying special talents in youngsters as to educating them. Testing gifted students' ability is only part of our plan. We shall be running a series of summer enrichment programs at our University for the most able candidates in the coming April tests."
A British Government education initiative for the gifted and talented, the World Class Tests are being run in more than 20 countries and regions across the world, including China, England, USA, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Korea and Singapore.
Targeting the 8-11 and 12-14 age groups, the World Class Tests are conducted twice a year in April and November.
About World Class Arena Test
Launched in 2001, World Class Arena operates under the aegis of the British Government's Department for Education and Skills (DfES) for nurturing and assessing gifted talents. At its core are the international World Class Tests in mathematics and problem-solving for senior primary and lower secondary students. It also offers an online platform featuring interactive mathematical quizzes "A Math a Day" and other support materials in teaching.
In Hong Kong alone more than 17,000 students have taken World Class Tests since they were introduced here in 2004. The next round of tests in April will be offered in both Chinese and English.
Students' test results in World Class Tests are one of the criteria for admission to UK's National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth, one of the most established institutes for the gifted and talented in the world.
About the Coming World Class Tests in April, 2008
April 5 Application deadline
April 26 World Class Tests (Mathematics)
May 3 World Class Tests (Problem-solving)
Mid June Results sent to candidates
Application fee:
School entry: $280 per subject
Public entry: $380 per subject
Homepage and Contacts:
http://www.worldclassarena.hk/
Tel: 2358 8297; Fax: 3693 4190; Email: wct.asia@ust.hk
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Luk Kam Wing
Tel: 2358 6306
Email: kluk@ust.hk
May Cheung
Tel: 2358 6103
Email: mccheung@ust.hk
