HKUST Nurtures Gifted Students in Mathematics

大學發展與公共事務處 Office of University Development and Public Affairs

香港科技大學 HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 香港九龍清水灣 Clear Water Bay Kowloon

Hong Kong 電話 Tel: (852) 2358-6316 _{傳真 Fax: (852) 2358-0537} For Release

14 April 2002

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Ninety-six secondary school students of the Saturday School for Gifted Students in Mathematics received their completion certificates today at a ceremony held at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

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The Certificate Presentation Ceremony of the Saturday School was officiated by Prof Paul Chu, President of HKUST and Mrs Fanny Law, Secretary for Education and Manpower.

Launched in October 2001, the Saturday School is a joint initiative by HKUST and the Education Department to nurture secondary students with exceptional talent in Mathematics.

Congratulating the students on their success, Prof Chu said: “Gifted secondary school students in Hong Kong provide an essential pool of talent for our knowledge society. With proper training to sharpen their analytical skills and fully develop their potential, they will be valuable asset to society.”

“HKUST is dedicated to total education and the nurturing of far-sighted and creative leaders of tomorrow. The partnership with the Education Department is in line with our mission and commitment to Hong Kong,” he said.

The F.3 through F.7 students from 70 secondary schools attended lectures in fundamental mathematics and tutorials, as well as general knowledge lectures presented by HKUST professors from various disciplines. Upon successful completion of studies and fulfillment of course requirements, they were awarded two credits by HKUST.

“These students have to take a university-level course, which is totally different from what they are used to in terms of content, teaching mode and pace, as well as assignments,” said Prof Shiu Yuen Cheng, Associate Dean of Science and Head of the Department of Mathematics of HKUST. “Yet they are all very eager and curious to learn, and can handle the assignments very well.”

Delighted with the excellent performance of the first batch of graduates, Prof Cheng plans to offer the same course this summer.

The Saturday School for Gifted Students in Mathematics is one of the major initiatives of HKUST to meet the diverse learning needs and aptitudes of gifted students. HKUST also offers online computer science and physics courses to secondary school students through its Cyber University project.

For media enquiries only:

Jacky Tsang Tel: 2358-6306 email: patsang@ust.hk