Media

In recognition of the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) to children’s presence and future, the Academy for the Talented of the University of Hong Kong (HKU AcT) and Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently to advance the understanding and guide the engagement of AI in youth education.

This partnership is a shared commitment to help young minds thrive in a technology-driven world. The collective actions bring together UNICEF HK’s dedication to children’s development and HKU AcT’s expertise in education and innovation to cultivate a responsible and forward-thinking AI culture.

Professor Ian Holliday, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) of HKU, welcomed the partnership and commitment to nurture innovative thinkers to address global challenges and drive positive change. Professor Holliday expressed, “At HKU, we are fully integrating GenAI into our teaching and learning, enabling our teachers and students to become not only AI literate but also pioneers in exploiting the potential of GenAI for the benefit of humankind.”

Mr Leo Kung, Council Member and Chairman of the Information and Technology Committee of UNICEF HK, stated, “UNICEF’s 2020 Policy Guidance on AI for Children emphasized that children must be protected yet empowered in interactions with AI technologies. This partnership opens doors for children and youth to harness the transformative power of AI, advancing Hong Kong as a child-friendly city that unleashes potential of our next generation.”

Professor Bennett Yim, Chairman of HKU AcT, emphasised the importance of equipping the future generation as well as teachers with AI training to move forward with global footsteps. A partnership with UNICEF HK increases the opportunities for a diverse array of children’s learning experiences. “By forging a closer collaboration, we are committed to exemplifying the synergies in youth development and AI education, creating a platform for nurturing the next generation of leaders in a technology-driven world,” Professor Yim concluded.

UNICEF HK shares a common vision of HKU’s School of Innovation (I-School), a new establishment to provide interdisciplinary courses of innovation that will create impact and address challenges faced by children.

Media enquiries:
Mr Edwin Ng
Senior Programme Manager, HKU
Tel: 3917 5107
Email: edwintk@hku.hk

About HKU Academy for the Talented
Established in 2011, the HKU Academy for the Talented is a membership-based programme that brings together local and overseas students from diverse backgrounds that serves as a bridge to connect outstanding pre-university students with HKU. Top students in secondary schools, from near or afar, are welcome to join the exclusive programmes or activities which span across multiple disciplines, including but not limited to medicine, law, engineering, social sciences, dentistry, natural sciences, mathematics, and arts.
For more information about the HKU Academy for the Talented, please visit: https://talented.hku.hk/

About Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF
Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) was founded in 1986 and was established as an independent local non-government organization to raise funds through public donations, partnerships with companies, special events, etc. to support UNICEF’s work. UNICEF HK also promotes and advocates for children’s rights via organizing education and youth programmes in Hong Kong. To learn more about the work of UNICEF HK, Please visit: https://www.unicef.org.hk/en/index