Opinion | Turn Hong Kong into a learning innovation hub to boost the economy and education
- A hi-tech overhaul of the city’s outdated education system would make learning more effective and inclusive – crucial to nurturing future talent
- We should go further, by bringing together businesses, educators and policymakers to support the development of learning solutions
With the gradual easing of social distancing measures, people in different quarters are deliberating how we can revitalise Hong Kong and reboot the economy. I believe the key is to enhance the quality of our human talent, the most valuable asset in any society.
The truth is that teachers trained in the 20th century are using a 19th-century curriculum to educate students of the 21st century.
Esperanza, a non-profit initiative I founded after leaving public service, has recently released a report on how we can use education technology (edtech) as a catalyst for innovation in Hong Kong. Our premise is that talent development should be at the core of Hong Kong’s growth as an innovation and technology hub, ensuring its future competitiveness and sustainability.
Edtech refers to the use of technology, including mobile tech, AI, big data, blockchain and immersive technology, to make learning more effective and inclusive, from early childhood education to workforce development and beyond to lifelong learning.
Not only can edtech fundamentally change the way we teach and learn, it can drive innovation across multiple industries. It is not an overstatement to say that edtech is equally important, if not more so, as fintech, health tech, art tech etc.
