The Academy for Gifted Education will explore new spheres of gifted education and provide diversified learning opportunities to expand Hong Kong's talent pool, chairman of its board of directors Irving Koo says.

Presiding at the board's first meeting today, Mr Koo said board members are enthusiastic about gifted education and developing the potential of young people. He believed the academy can build on the good work already underway in schools.

The academy will provide gifted students aged 10 to 18 with structured training programmes. It will also offer enhanced professional support to teachers, parents and academics.

Incorporated as an independent body with assets of $200 million from both the Government and a donation by Sir Joseph Hotung, the academy has a high degree of independence and flexibility in its planning, operations, staffing and fund management. For a full membership list of the board click here.