Open Data Symposium and the 2nd Open Data Hackathon Finals Training Science and Technology Innovation Talents

As the world actively promotes the development of smart cities, the technological innovation industry in various places is becoming more and more mature, and the market is also full of opportunities, attracting many young people to join the industry to flex their muscles and put their innovative ideas into practice.

In response to the popularization of open data and to encourage the public to use data, the Hong Kong Technology and Innovation Promotion Team (HKtag) once again joined hands with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the industry to hold the "Open Data Symposium and the Second Open Data Hackathon Competition” (Open Data Hackathon 2022), solicits scientific and technological innovation solutions that integrate data and technology to facilitate and improve the quality of life. With the affirmation of the award, become an important member of the scientific and technological innovation community!

The response to the competition was quite enthusiastic. A total of nearly 40 teams participated, and the winners of each award have been selected. The ideas are diverse and excellent, aiming at solving different problems in life.

More than 40 teams participated in the competition and invited industry leaders to set up "special training" for scientific and technological innovation to enhance professional knowledge

At present, local open data is applied and developed in more than 5,000 different fields, covering different fields such as economy and people's livelihood, real-time meteorological data, and geospatial data. It has great influence on improving urban management and improving citizens' lives.

In the latest "Policy Address", the Chief Executive even stated that he will vigorously promote the development of local science and technology innovation, encourage the government, public and private organizations to open up more data, and jointly develop more science and technology innovation solutions to solve existing problems while optimizing life.

Therefore, this year's "Open Data Symposium and the 2nd Open Data Hackathon Competition" has the theme of "Smart Property". In communities, buildings, schools, restaurants, nursing homes, shopping malls or parks and other places, it further facilitates the lives of citizens and improves the comfort of life, so as to achieve the vision of a smart city.

What's more worth mentioning is that because the concepts and skills of data application are relatively complicated, this year's competition has deliberately injected educational elements into a platform that provides participants with rich learning resources.

For example, experienced companies such as AutoDesk, Google Cloud, Master Concept, Esri China (HK) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation are invited to provide the participating teams with knowledge and application skills about digital data, including cloud tools and building information simulation technology (BIM), Geographic Information System (GIS) and other fields of courses and training, participating teams can use what they have learned in the classroom to optimize their ideas and plans, and learn to be scientific and innovative professionals in an all-round way!

A group photo of all the guests, speakers, judges and representatives of supporting organizations at the Open Data Symposium and the 2nd Open Data Hackathon Finals.

Cultivate "new blood" in the science and technology industry, arrange students to intern in start-up companies to facilitate career planning

When it comes to the professional knowledge and skills required for scientific and technological innovation, most of them have to go to a tertiary institution to concentrate on further studies.

In order to let middle school students who are interested in science and innovation get in touch with the industry early, HKtag specially set up a "Youth Talent Cultivation Pilot Project-Internship Program" this year to recruit start-ups and students to participate. Four middle schools, Bo Qiu College, Chung Chun College, and Sha Tin Pui Ying Secondary School, signed up. A total of 28 students were recommended, and 7 of them were successfully matched to 5 local institutions.

The plan is expected to allow students to understand the ecology and operation of the science and technology industry early, learn relevant theories and knowledge, and accumulate more "internship experience", which is very helpful for planning further studies and career development; In addition to the employment transition support provided by the program, the participating students also have multiple choices after graduation.

One of the participants of this pilot project is Szeto Zhuoxi (Kynson), a Form 6 student of Pui Ying Secondary School in Shatin, and Rita Cheung, a Form 6 graduate of Ho Man Tin Kai Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School. Interested, and were arranged to work in computer programming and NFT companies respectively.

Kynson said frankly that working with experienced programmers can not only learn different programming skills, but also train problem-solving and communication skills. "Developing a program requires cooperation and division of labor to complete different parts. It’s all so important.” Rita pointed out that working in a start-up company requires “hundreds of feet and multiple claws”. From NFT casting technology, distribution and investment knowledge, market research, marketing strategy, etc., she has participated in everything, and she has comprehensively improved her skills in a short period of time. : "The boss gave me a lot of freedom, allowing me to try different things and fully exercise my soft and hard skills. At the same time, I also have a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Metaverse and Web3, and I have benefited a lot. This is really commendable Opportunities.” The two praised the plan for improving their workplace skills and grasping the development opportunities of technological innovation. At the same time, they also established their own career planning direction, and they will continue to develop towards programming and financial technology in the future.

Under the influence of his IT father, Kynson has determined to become a computer programmer since he was a child. He said that the plan provides him with opportunities to accumulate more "practical experience", which will be very helpful for him to join the workplace in the future.

Zhang Wanyao (Rita) plans to join the IT industry. The goal is to combine financial technology with data analysis to launch affordable and practical products or services that can meet the needs of the public.

The 2023 "Youth Talent Cultivation Project – Internship Program" will be launched in February next year and recruit students in March.

If you are interested in the plan, you can "Mark" time to go to HKtag's official website, Facebook or IG page to learn more, and pay attention to the registration details!

All the students and companies participating in HKtag's "Youth Talent Cultivation Pilot Project - Internship Program" took a group photo on stage with Ms. Leung Shu Po, the founder and executive director of HKtag.

Companies and start-ups participating in the program include (in no particular order):

- Jo Car Limited

- Kone Elevator (HK) Limited

- Modern Educational Research Society Limited

- NFT Investment & Venture Limited

- Ophylla Ventures Management Co. Ltd.

- Sampras Solutions Limited

"Open Data Hackathon 2022" competition results:

(Information and photos provided by the customer)