HKU, Intel Unveil AIM Lab: AI Mentors Initiative

The HKU Academy for the Talented (HKU AcT), in collaboration with Intel, is pleased to announce the inauguration of the "AIM Lab: AI Mentors for All" Innovation Laboratory on 5 June. The collaborative initiative aims to provide extensive AI-related training programmes and workshops for secondary school teachers in Hong Kong. Driven by the vision of "AI for All", this initiative empowers teachers with the latest AI insights, enhancing the implementation of STEAM education in local schools. It is fully supported by CETIC Foundation, a leading global advocate for STEAM education, as a co-organizer and sponsor.

The partnership officially commenced with the unveiling ceremony of the "AIM Lab: AI Mentors for All" Innovation Laboratory. Distinguished guests present included, Professor Bennett Yim, Chairman of HKU AcT; Ms. Evelyn Yan, Intel Digital Readiness Programs Director; Professor Mingxin Huang, Head of the HKU Department of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Match Wai Lun Ko, Assistant Head of the HKU Department of Mechanical Engineering; and the representative of the first cohort of the programme, Ms. Yiu Po King, Principal of Tseung Kwan O Government Secondary School.

Pilot AI Training Courses for School Teachers

Leveraging HKU AcT's expertise in education and innovation, alongside Intel's extensive industry experience and resources, the "AIM Lab: AI Mentors for All" initiative seeks to propel forward-looking AI-related education and applications. Upon completion of the training, teachers are encouraged to bring the newly acquired knowledge back to their schools and continue to equip students with AI competencies and innovative thinking to thrive in the ever-changing information era.

Chairman of HKU AcT, Professor Bennett Yim, welcomed the collaboration and stressed the importance of nurturing talents equipped with AI and innovative capabilities to address complex global challenges. Professor Yim expressed, "HKU proactively promotes 'AI Education for All' and has seamlessly integrated AI into our teaching and learning efforts across all disciplines. We are committed to playing a leading role in supporting primary and secondary schools in implementing AI curriculum and acquiring innovative capacities. We expect that through our partnership with industry pioneer, Intel, we will bring forth a positive impact on the development of AI education in Hong Kong and lay a strong foundation for nurturing future leaders in technological innovation."

HKU Department of Mechanical Engineering and Intel will provide the latest AI teaching resources and tools to support the initiative. Through systematic and professional training, the programme aims to enhance the professional capacity of teachers, enabling them to effectively meet the evolving demands within the field of AI education.

"In the wave of digitalization, not everyone needs to be an engineer, but empowering everyone with digital skills is essential for advancing society and fostering inclusive development. We are honored to collaborate with HKU to bring the 'Demystify–Inspire–Acquire–Experience–Empower' AI learning journey to all secondary schools across Hong Kong, supported by comprehensive teaching and learning resources," said Ms. Evelyn Yan, Intel Digital Readiness Programs Director. "Our goal is to enable the next generation to become not just users of AI, but architects of the future."

Dr. Match Wai Lun Ko, Assistant Head of HKU Department of Mechanical Engineering, gave a demonstration during the event and highlighted the benefits of the collaboration, "This partnership will provide invaluable learning opportunities for secondary school teachers to acquire essential AI knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing their teaching efficacy. With specialized training programmes designed by the HKU Department of Mechanical Engineering and Intel, we aim to nurture more teaching professionals passionate about STEAM education and provide inspiring learning experiences for students."

HKU AcT to Enhance AI Training Support for Local Secondary Schools

In conjunction with the initiative, HKU AcT will allocate additional resources to promote AI education in Hong Kong together with CETIC Foundation. Besides the ample AI learning opportunities for secondary school teachers and students participating in the programme, HKU AcT will provide tuition subsidies and resources to encourage them to take part in the AI-related courses and activities organized by HKU AcT in the upcoming academic year. Each participating school will receive up to HK$50,000 annually in support of these endeavors.

Ms. Yiu Po King, Principal of Tseung Kwan O Government Secondary School, expressed enthusiasm about the applicability of the programme. She mentioned, "We are delighted to participate in this training programme hosted by HKU and Intel. The programme offered invaluable learning opportunities and resources for our teachers and students. The subsidies will serve as both support and encouragement to continuously foster learning and skill development in AI and innovation, preparing both our teachers and students for future technological advancements."

HKU and Intel expect that this collaboration will significantly enhance the development of AI education and cultivate more potential talents in Hong Kong in the long run.