Novel idea: Acting Financial Secretary Carrie Lam sees a student's invention after officiating at the Hong Kong Student Science Project Competition 2008 prize-presentation ceremony.

The Government has spared no effort to promote innovation and technology development, by providing an innovation culture with funding support and enhancing the technological infrastructure, to foster youths' creativity and interest, Acting Financial Secretary Carrie Lam says.

At the Hong Kong Student Science Project Competition 2008 prize-presentation ceremony today, Mrs Lam said nurturing technology talent has drawn world attention as innovation and technology provide the impetus for sustaining economic development in the 21st century.

The competition is a core government programme to promote an innovation and technology culture, and has become one of the most popular competitions for students. The champions last year have just won the second-class award with their invention 'Anti-bump Lock' at the USA Intel International Science & Engineering Fair. Two asteroids will be named after them.

Mrs Lam felt encouraged that four Hong Kong students have won in this major international competition in the short spell of three years.

This year's competition has the theme 'Nurturing Youth for a Decade, Kindling Enthusiasm for Science'. It also has four Sports Science Awards to tie in with the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. It has attracted 142 teams totalling 525 students from 57 schools, including 14 schools which are first-time entrants.

Winners will be invited to join the Youth Innovation Club to enhance their potential and broaden their horizons. For this year's results, click here.