New Coastal Outreach Hub Bridges Science and Marine Conservation
Exploring New Educational Frontiers and Opportunities in Vietnam
Junior Science Institute & TouchStart Science Summer Programme
In the front row from the second left: SWIMS Interim Director Professor David Baker; Dean of Science Professor Qiang Zhou; HKU Vice-President Professor Ian Holliday; Chair of the Swire Group Philanthropy Council, Mr Richard Sell; and Director of Group Public Affairs at John Swire & Sons (HK), Mr James Tong
In a significant stride towards marine conservation and public education, the Swire Coastal Outreach Hub (SCOH) has officially opened its doors at the Cape d’Aguilar Marine Reserve (Hok Tsui). A brainchild of the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) and generously funded by The Swire Group Charitable Trust (Swire Trust), the SCOH was inaugurated with much fanfare at an opening ceremony in late October 2024.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Hong Kong's sole marine protected area, the SCOH offers an immersive experience of the vibrant world beneath the waves. This new establishment is now open for on-site tour bookings, inviting visitors to delve into the ‘Sharing Science to Save our Seas’ theme. These tours are designed to highlight the critical importance of conserving marine biodiversity and to showcase the pioneering coastal research conducted by SWIMS.
During the ceremony, Professor David BAKER, Associate Professor and Interim Director of SWIMS, addressed distinguished guests from the Swire Group Philanthropy Council. He remarked, ‘Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve, though encompassing just 20 hectares or about 0.01% of Hong Kong’s sea area, wields an influence far greater than its size. It serves as an essential laboratory for studying the benefits of no-take marine reserves in safeguarding biodiversity. Similarly, the SCOH, despite its modest footprint, aims to make a substantial impact in enhancing ocean literacy among the public.’
Exploring New Educational Frontiers and Opportunities in Vietnam
Dean of Science Professor Qiang Zhou welcoming prospective students in Vietnam
In an exemplary demonstration of international outreach, the Faculty of Science, in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Admissions Office, and the HKU Representative Office in Vietnam, undertook a landmark visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in late September 2024. This initiative marked a pivotal step in expanding HKU's global footprint and exploring burgeoning opportunities within the Vietnamese educational landscape.
The delegation engaged in impactful meetings and events, forging meaningful dialogues with Vietnamese high school counsellors, prospective students, and key local organisations. Through these interactions, they shared valuable insights into HKU's prestigious educational offerings, thereby laying the groundwork for future collaborative endeavours and partnerships.
A highlight of the visit was the Open House event, which witnessed an impressive turnout of over 120 enthusiastic participants, including students, parents, educators, and media representatives. During the event, Professor Qiang ZHOU, Dean of Science, underscored the University's position on the global academic stage, remarking, ‘As the oldest tertiary institution in Hong Kong, HKU embodies a legacy of academic excellence and innovation.’This successful trip has not only opened new avenues for collaboration and exchange but also underscored the vast potential of the Vietnamese talent pool.
Science Communication YouTuber Challenge 2024
In our ongoing commitment to fostering science literacy and nurturing the next generation of science ambassadors, the Faculty launched the inaugural Science Communication YouTuber Challenge: Currio's Science Co-Host Search Contest. This exciting competition offered talented students a unique platform to demonstrate their prowess in conveying scientific concepts and an opportunity to co-host our highly acclaimed YouTube series, ‘Q&A with Currio.’
The response was nothing short of phenomenal. Over 140 contestants, including more than 125 students from 50 plus secondary schools, eagerly participated in the challenge, underscoring the wide reach of our initiative and the enthusiastic interest in science communication among young minds.
Applaud our science enthusiasts for their exceptional work and dedication. They have injected new vitality into science communication, leading everyone on the road of scientific exploration and making this competition full of fun!
 Winner of HKU Group Anouk talking about the search for life on Mars |  Winner of Secondary School Group Luke at video shoot |
 Winners of HKU Group |  Winners of Secondary School Group |
Junior Science Institute & TouchStart Science Summer Programme
The Faculty went above and beyond to promote science education and engage with the community. We successfully hosted 15 workshops as part of our flagship outreach programme, the Junior Science Institute (JSI), which drew in 400 enthusiastic participants eager to delve into scientific concepts. Our TouchStart Science Summer Programme provided a unique and immersive experience for over 60 attendees, giving them a chance to engage in hands-on scientific experiments and ignite their curiosity.
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We are thrilled to share the resounding success of Science Month in March 2025, which captivated and inspired students with a diverse range of activities designed to spark their curiosity and enhance their scientific acumen.
Highlights included:
Multidimensional Mathematical Mind (M3) Programme
M3 programme-01_ops.jpg)
Organised for gifted junior secondary students, this programme advanced their problem-solving skills and encouraged further studies in mathematics.
Science Communication Contest 2025: Everyday Science Hackathon
This challenge merged scientific knowledge and creativity, encouraging students to create engaging content for diverse audiences.
Thank you to all participating schools and students for making Science Month 2025 an unforgettable celebration of discovery!
About M3 ProgrammeAbout Science Communication Contest 2025
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