Early Admission of Gifted Students to Retain Talents

Abstract

[evdate 2002-03-11]

大學發展與公共事務處 Office of University Development and Public Affairs

香港科技大學 HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

香港九龍清水灣 Clear Water Bay Kowloon Hong Kong

電話 Tel:(852) 2358-6316 傳眞 Fax:(852) 2358-0537

For Release 11 March 2002

EARLY ADMISSION OF GIFTED STUDENTS TO RETAIN TALENTS

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced today a new program to admit gifted students, to encourage outstanding Form 6 students to pursue higher education in Hong Kong.

Prof Yuk Shee Chan, HKUST Vice-President for Academic Affairs, said: "Many top students go to the US or other countries for further studies after Form 6. With the introduction of this new program, we're offering them better opportunities to study in Hong Kong instead."

"We're looking for all-round students who excel not only in academic performance, but also in leadership, communication skills, social service and extra-curricular activities," he said.

40 students are expected to be admitted to HKUST three-year bachelor's degree programs this September. They are required to have obtained five As or more at the HKCEE in one sitting. In addition to examination results, students with outstanding performance in various gifted education programs, research projects and international competitions, as well as excellence in non-academic performance, will also be considered.

To help these students better prepare for the transition to university education, HKUST will offer a tailor made intensive education program during the summer. With the support of HKUST scholarships, they will stay on campus for six weeks, taking a selection of courses in intensive English enhancement, information technology, mathematics, physics, chemistry and general education.

The program is one of the University's latest initiatives to nurture gifted students in Hong Kong, which have been ongoing since 1999. The University currently runs a Cyber University for Academically Gifted Secondary School Students, a Saturday School for Gifted Students in Mathematics and Multidisciplinary Mentoring Scheme, and a Physics Summer School, among others.

"We're impressed by the outstanding quality and dedication of students who participated in these programs. Many of them have a potential to be admitted to university at an early stage. We'll be providing an opportunity for these students to fully develop their potential," said Prof Shiu Yuen Cheng, Associate Dean of Science of HKUST.

Applications are welcome until 12 April 2002. Interviews will be conducted in early May, and offers will be made in late May.

For media enquiries only: Jacky Tsang Tel: 2358-6306 email: patsang@ust.hk Online press release at: http www.ust.hk/~webopa/news/2002_News/news0311.html