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“Ultraviolet Radiation Measurement and Application Design Competition” To enhance knowledge of IT and instrumentation among young generation

30 Apr 2018

Suitable amount of sunlight and ultra-violet (UV) radiation is beneficial to human. However, excessive exposure to UV radiation may result in acute and chronic health effects. One must not underestimate the potential harm overexposure may bring. The Faculty of Engineering of The University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and the Hong Kong Meteorological Society (HKMetSoc) jointly organized the Exhibition and Award Presentation Ceremony for the Ultraviolet Radiation Measurement and Application Design Competition at the Hui Pun Hing Lecture Hall of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) on 29 April 2018 (yesterday).

The competition is the first of its kind in Hong Kong with a primary objective to enhance knowledge of and interest in information technology and instrumentation among the young generation. It also encourages the practice of innovative technologies and creative design ideas. It is under the project titled “The invisible ultra-violet (UV) radiation” which was supported by the Knowledge Exchange Fund of the University Grant Committee. Through this competition, we also hope to raise public awareness on UV radiation and its impact on health.

Over 400 participants from primary, secondary and international schools ranging from Primary 4 to Secondary 6 joined the competition. They are required to design and make their own UV radiation detector and to put UV into good use. They compete for the Champion, first runner-up, second runner-up, the most innovative UV radiation measurement device award, the most attractive UV radiation measurement device award, the most effective UV radiation measurement device award, the most practical UV radiation application award and the best presentation award as set out for the Primary and Secondary school categories respectively.

In November and December 2017, a series of engineering and meteorological workshops, talks and visits were organised for students for their understanding of various UV radiation detection methods and enabling them to make innovative, effective and attractive UV radiation measurement device.

At the award presentation ceremony, the HKU Associate Dean of Engineering, Professor Wong Sze-chun said: “I am very pleased that all participating students have demonstrated very ingenious ideas in this competition.  We hope by participating in this competition, students will develop an interest in engineering.”

Also officiating at the ceremony, Mr Tsui Kit-chi, Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, was impressed by the creativity and perseverance of the students. He said: "Measuring ultraviolet radiation is no easy task. Make use of UV in our everyday lives is even a greater challenge. In such a few months time, it is amazing to see the prototype designs are so innovative and practicable."

The Vice-chairman of HKMetSoc, Dr David Lam said, “This competition fully shows the characteristics of STEAM. The students' works demonstrate that science (S), technology (T), engineering (E), art (A) and mathematics (M) are equally important and are indispensable. From the works, I see creativity, logical thinking and problem solving abilities in students.  I have full confidence in Hong Kong’s new generation in the development of science and technology. ”

The list of awards of the “Ultraviolet Radiation Measurement and Application Design Competition” and photos can be found after the Award Presentation Ceremony at: http://www.cs.hku.hk/~uv/AwardWinnerList-English.php

Media enquiries:

Ms Rhea Leung, Faculty of Engineering, HKU (Tel: 3917 8519 / 9022 7446; E-mail: rhea.leung@hku.hk) or
Dr. Ivy Wong, Project Coordinator (E-mail: kywong@cs.hku.hk)

Po Leung Kuk Women's Welfare Club Western District Fung Lee Pui Yiu Primary School is awarded the Champion of Primary School Category. 

Aberdeen Technical School is awarded the Champion of  Secondary School Category.

Our Lady Of China Catholic Primary School is presented "The Most Innovative UV Radiation Measurement Device Award, Primary School Category".

Yaumati Catholic Primary School is presented "The Most Attractive UV Radiation Measurement Device Award, Primary School Category".

Group photo of primary school winners and organisers.

Group photo of secondary school winners and organisers.