The evolution of STEAM education in Hong Kong is taking a significant step as PolyU’s Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C. DISI) teams up with The Shaw Foundation, which has pledged HK$16 million to broaden the focus beyond coding and engineering. The newly launched “Shaw STEAMS for Good” programme is introducing an innovative educational framework that integrates social aspects into the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) educational framework.

The innovative approach aims to encourage students and educators to actively engage with and positively impact society by leveraging their knowledge, while also promoting a vision of “Education for Good.” Over the next five years, the programme will collaborate with 12 core schools, benefit 30 network schools, and reach more than 900 teachers and 2,600 students across Hong Kong.

Encouraging socially responsible innovators

At the recent launch ceremony, delegates from the first five participating schools signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PolyU. The pilot schools include Good Hope School (Secondary Section), HKFYG Lee Shau Kee Primary School, Shatin Pui Ying College, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Seaward Woo College, and Wah Yan College Hong Kong. The MOU signing was attended by Professor Miranda Lou, the Executive Vice President of PolyU, and Dr Raymond Chan, Chair of The Shaw Foundation, marking their commitment to this educational transformation.

“We believe education is not only about nurturing talent, but is also a driving force for social progress,” explained Dr Chan. “The programme is the first in Hong Kong to incorporate a ‘Social’ dimension into STEAM education, transforming it into STEAMS, equipping students with innovation and technology knowledge while fostering their sense of social responsibility.”

Emphasising the University’s commitment, Professor Miranda Lou said, “PolyU is dedicated to world-leading innovation and scientific research, advancing and transferring knowledge, and upholding a strong sense of social responsibility for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.”

Supported by the PolyU Global Engagement Office and social innovation experts in emerging fields like the low-altitude economy and future food, the comprehensive initiative will include student workshops, out-of-classroom activities, and an immersive Learning/Living Lab. It will also develop the student-led “Shaw STEAMS for Good: Youth Summit,” propose a comprehensive curriculum, and establish an online STEAMS educational resource-sharing hub.

Professor Ling Kar-kan, PolyU Interim Vice President and Director of J.C.DISI, summarised the vision. “The programme integrates design thinking and experiential learning pedagogy, enabling students to apply their learning and skills to tackle real social challenges,” he said.

For information and application: please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/disi/shaw-steams-for-good/ .